Farmington Hills, MI Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Under Chapter 7 of the Farmington Hills City Code (Building), a permit is required for the construction of any garage and for any structural alteration changing the use of a garage from vehicle parking and storage to habitable space. The Michigan Building Code (MBC, adopted from the 2015 International Building Code with state amendments) governs structural, energy, egress, smoke alarm, and ventilation requirements for habitable space — converting a garage to a bedroom or living room requires the floor system, walls, ceiling, windows, and HVAC to meet residential occupancy standards. Because Chapter 34 of the Farmington Hills Zoning Ordinance does not authorize accessory dwelling units in single-family districts, a converted garage may not be operated as a separate, independent dwelling unit (with its own kitchen, separate utility metering, or leased to a non-family tenant). It may, however, be reabsorbed into the principal dwelling as additional living area, in-home office, recreation room, or in-law space sharing the principal kitchen and utilities. Required off-street parking that the garage previously provided must be replaced — typically by an extended driveway or new garage — to maintain the parking minimums set by Sec. 34-4 of the Zoning Ordinance. Subdivision restrictions and HOA approval may also apply.