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

Owner-occupancy is regulated through the rental side of Lansing's code rather than the zoning side. Chapter 1246 (the Zoning Ordinance, including the 2024 ADU pilot) does not categorically require the property owner to live on-site. Instead, Lansing administers a Rental Property Certification Program under authority of the Michigan Housing Law (MCL 125.401 et seq.) and Public Act 247 of 2014 (MCL 125.526), which empowers Michigan cities to require registration and periodic inspection of rental dwellings. Under Lansing's program, every dwelling unit rented to a non-owner — including ADUs — must be registered with the City, pass an inspection, and obtain a Certificate of Compliance, typically renewable every two to four years depending on prior compliance history. An owner who lives in the primary dwelling and rents only the ADU registers the ADU; an absentee owner who rents both units registers both. ADU permits issued under the 2024 pilot have, in practice, included a recordkeeping condition that the property owner attest to the dwelling's status as primary residence at permit issuance, but the ongoing operational requirement is rental certification rather than continuing owner-occupancy. Properties in the Genesee Neighborhood Historic District or other Local Historic Districts must also obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Lansing Historic District Commission for any exterior changes, regardless of who occupies the unit.