Royal Oak Township, MI Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

The township code has no section titled garage conversion, so the controlling text is the use rule in § 32-619(a)(6). Attached and detached accessory buildings or structures in residential districts cannot be used as dwelling units, except for permitted accessory structures, or for any business, profession, trade or occupation. A maximum of one private garage is allowed per residential zoning lot, and only vehicles owned by the current occupants of the principal structure can be stored in residential zoning districts. Under § 32-619(b)(1), an attached garage, breezeway or workshop is part of the principal building for area, setback, height and bulk, and the floor area of a garage attached to a principal residence cannot exceed 40 percent of the residence floor area, to a maximum of 900 square feet.

Attached accessory buildings cannot sit in any front yard or required side yard, and attached front-loading garages are recessed a minimum of five feet from the front building line. Section 32-621(8) requires all new residential construction to have either a detached or attached garage, and § 32-621(9) makes exterior attachments and extensions onto a residential structure subject to permit requirements and full compliance with the state construction code. Under § 32-619(a)(8), accessory buildings meet all other codes on construction, installation and operation, and the building official administers the state construction code. Section 32-231 requires a fee with any building or zoning permit request.