ADU rules in Detroit, MI — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Under Detroit's current Chapter 50 Zoning Ordinance, accessory dwelling units are not permitted by right in R1 or R2 districts; only pre-1940 carriage-house dwellings are recognized, and a 2025 'Let's Build More Housing' text amendment expanding ADUs is still working through City Council.
Detroit's R1 (single-family) district by-right principal uses are limited to single-family detached dwellings and urban gardens. R2 (two-family) by-right uses are single- or two-family dwellings. Detached accessory dwelling units are not listed as a permitted accessory use in R1 or R2 - only pre-1940 carriage houses on lots that historically contained them may continue in residential use. The City Planning Commission's 'Let's Build More Housing' draft text amendment (CPC, Oct 2025) would add a new ADU framework allowing ADUs in R2-R6, but as of May 2026 the amendment has not yet been adopted by City Council, so ADUs in R1/R2 remain restricted.
Constructing or occupying an unpermitted ADU is a zoning violation enforced by BSEED with stop-work orders, civil fines through the Department of Appeals and Hearings, and possible vacation of the structure.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how other cities in Wayne County handle adu rules.
See how Detroit's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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