ADU rules in St. Clair Shores, MI — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Macomb County does not have a countywide accessory dwelling unit ordinance. In Michigan, ADUs, in-law suites, and second dwellings are zoning matters decided by each city, village, or township, so rules differ across Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, and other communities.
Michigan has no statewide ADU mandate, and Macomb County government does not regulate accessory dwelling units on residential lots. Under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3101), zoning authority rests with each city, village, and township, so whether an ADU, granny flat, or in-law suite is allowed depends on the local ordinance. Some Macomb communities permit ADUs by right, some require special land use approval, and others prohibit second dwellings. Local ordinances set floor area, owner-occupancy, parking, height, and setback standards. Because the county mixes cities and townships, a homeowner must confirm eligibility with the local building and planning department, not the county. The state building code still governs construction through the locally issued permit.
Building or renting an ADU that the local zoning ordinance does not allow can trigger municipal code-enforcement action, stop-work orders, denial of a certificate of occupancy, and daily civil fines set by the city or township.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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