Royal Oak, MI Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)

Section 770-71A of the Royal Oak Zoning Ordinance ties the senior accessory housing permit directly to owner-occupancy: the dwelling must remain owner-occupied for the entire duration of the special use permit that authorizes the extra unit. The City does not treat this as a one-time condition checked at approval; it reviews the permit every two years from the date of occupancy specifically to confirm continued compliance with all related provisions, including who is actually living in the property and in the accessory unit. To verify that an elderly family member still occupies the additional dwelling unit, the City can require documentary proof, and the ordinance lists acceptable examples: a state identification card, or mail addressed to the individual from a federal, state or local government agency, or from a physician's office.

If the Zoning Administrator determines during that review, or at any other point, that the permit is being operated in violation of any Zoning Ordinance provision or any other City ordinance or regulation, the special land use permit can be suspended or revoked, following the duration, voiding and extension procedures set out in § 770-11D. Letting owner-occupancy lapse, or selling to a non-occupant landlord while keeping the accessory unit occupied, would each undercut this standard and expose the permit to revocation.