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Westland, MI Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

ADU rules in Westland, MI, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Reviewing body: Planning Department
Approval authority: Planning Director
Required submittals: Site plan, floor plan, elevations
Unit size range: 400 to 850 sq ft

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Michigan under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Westland, MI rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Applicants for a Westland accessory dwelling unit must file a scaled site plan, floor plan, and elevations with the Planning Department, which the Planning Director alone approves.

k. Application for an ADU shall be made to the Planning Department and shall include the following information:
(1) A scaled and dimensioned site plan of the property showing: the location of all structures on the lot (principal and accessory structures); the proposed location of the ADU; setbacks of the proposed ADU from the property lines and all structures; designated off-street parking area for the ADU; and, landscaping or fencing for the ADU.
(2) A scaled and dimensioned floor plan of the ADU showing the following: kitchen; bathroom; sleeping area; entry stairs, porches, or entrances; total square footage of the ADU; and gross square footage of the principal dwelling.
(3) Scaled elevations of all sides of the ADU, including windows, doors, porches, and other exterior features.
l. The Planning Director shall have approval authority for all ADUs and shall ensure that all requirements of this section are met.
City of Westland - Zoning Ordinance Updates
Page 90 of 178

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Westland requires ADU applicants to submit three sets of drawings to the Planning Department: a scaled site plan showing every structure on the lot, the ADU's location, its setbacks, its dedicated parking space, and any landscaping or fencing; a scaled floor plan showing the kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, entrances, and the square footage of both the ADU and the principal home; and scaled elevations of every side of the ADU, including windows, doors, and porches. The Planning Director, not the planning commission, holds sole approval authority and must confirm every ADU standard in the section is met before signing off.

Violations & Fines

Constructing or occupying an ADU without Planning Director approval is a zoning violation, punishable by a fine up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, per day of continuing violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who approves an ADU application in Westland?

The Planning Director has sole approval authority and confirms every ADU standard in the zoning ordinance is met before signing off.

What has to be on the ADU site plan?

All structures on the lot, the ADU's proposed location and setbacks, its dedicated parking space, and any landscaping or fencing around it.

Sources & Official References

[1]City of Westland Zoning Ordinance (DocumentCenter)

Other rules in Westland

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions ADU Rental RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions ADU Owner OccupancySome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingLight Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsLight Restrictions

All Westland rules

How Westland compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Westland to another location·View the Michigan accessory structures overview

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