Garage conversion rules in Detroit, MI — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Converting a Detroit detached garage into living space generally creates a second dwelling unit that is not permitted in R1 districts, and requires a BSEED building permit plus zoning approval; today most conversions are denied because Chapter 50 does not allow new detached ADUs in R1/R2.
Under Detroit's Chapter 50 Zoning Ordinance, R1 districts only allow single-family detached dwellings as a principal use, and R2 districts allow single- and two-family dwellings. Adding a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area to a detached garage creates a second independent dwelling unit, which is not a permitted accessory use in R1 and is not allowed by-right in R2. Article XIII limits detached accessory buildings to 15 feet and one story (Sec. 61-13-129, carried into Ch. 50), making most garage-to-apartment conversions inconsistent with the accessory-building height and use rules. Any structural conversion also requires building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits from the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED).
An unpermitted garage conversion is both a zoning violation (illegal dwelling unit) and a building-code violation; BSEED can issue stop-work orders, blight tickets, and orders to restore the structure to non-habitable accessory use through the Department of Appeals and Hearings.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how other cities in Wayne County handle garage conversions.
See how Detroit's garage conversions rules stack up against other locations.
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