Lansing, MI Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- One unit must be owner-occupied
- Applies to
- Any lot with an ADU
- Citation
- § 1250.04.08(b)(7)
- Enforced by
- Code Compliance Office
Summary
Lansing requires that on any lot with an accessory dwelling unit, either the principal home or the ADU be owner-occupied: both units cannot be rented out at once.
For any lot, the principal structure or the ADU shall be owner-occupied. If either the ADU, or the principal structure is leased, it must be registered and properly licensed as a rental by the Code Compliance Office.(c)Site layout requirements.
(1) BUILDING MASSING Minimum height 12' 1 story Maximum height 15' 1.5 stories Maximum height of second story unit of a garage 20' 2 stories ADU ground floor area Min. 400 sq. ft. Max. not to exceed the ground floor area of the principal structure, up to 1,000 sq. ft.
(2) BUILDING PLACEMENT Front setback ADU is prohibited from being placed anywhere within the front yard Minimum setback from all side and rear property lines and other structures, if unattached 10' Minimum setbacks if second story unit of a garage May maintain existing setbacks, subject to all Building Code and Fire Code requirements Minimum lot size R-1 7,500 sq. ft. R-2, R-3, R-MX, DT-1 6,000 sq. ft. Maximum coverage of rear yard 33% Maximum lot coverage with ADU 65%
(3) PARKING Parking One unobstructed parking space, in addition to the parking for the principal residence
(Ord. No. 1332, § 1, 5-5-25)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64).
Full Breakdown
Under Lansing Codified Ordinances § 1250.04.08(b)(7), for any lot with an accessory dwelling unit, the principal structure or the ADU must be owner-occupied. That means an owner can rent out the ADU while living in the main house, or live in the ADU while renting the main house, but cannot lease out both units at once. The rule applies citywide in Lansing, Michigan (Ingham County) and is part of the ADU standards adopted under Ordinance No. 1332.
Violations & Fines
Renting out both the principal home and the ADU with neither owner-occupied violates § 1250.04.08(b)(7) and is enforceable as a zoning violation subject to a municipal civil infraction citation from Code Compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent out both my house and my ADU in Lansing?
Can I live in the ADU and rent the main house instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lansing
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