Detroit, MI Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)

Owner-occupancy of an ADU is regulated by Detroit through the rental side of the code rather than the zoning side. The 2019 Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 50) does not contain a blanket requirement that the property owner live on-site to operate an accessory dwelling. Instead, Detroit Code Chapter 8 Article XV — the citywide Rental Ordinance — requires that any dwelling unit rented to a non-owner be registered with the City, pass a property inspection, and obtain a Certificate of Compliance every three years (annually for new registrations). Therefore an owner who lives in the main house and rents only the ADU registers the ADU; an absentee owner who rents both the main house and the ADU registers both units. Carriage-house ADUs in a Local Historic District must also obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Commission for any exterior changes — that requirement is independent of who lives in the unit. The pending 'Let's Build More Housing' 2025 amendments do not appear to add an owner-occupancy mandate, but applicants should confirm current text with the Planning and Development Department.