Shed permit rules in Detroit, MI — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Detroit Chapter 50, Article XIII limits detached accessory buildings in R1 and R2 to 15 feet in height and one story, requires 10 feet of separation from the principal dwelling, and prohibits occupying more than 50% of the required rear setback area.
Under Article XIII of Chapter 50 (Secs. 61-13-128 through 61-13-130), no detached accessory building in R1 or R2 may occupy more than 50% of the required rear setback area, and must sit at least ten feet from any principal building, porch or deck, or any single- or two-family dwelling in any district. Accessory buildings to one- and two-family dwellings are limited to one story and fifteen (15) feet, or the principal building height, whichever is less. On a corner lot, accessory buildings must be set back 10 feet from the side lot line abutting the street.
Building or maintaining a shed that exceeds height, coverage, or setback limits is a zoning violation enforced by BSEED; typical remedies include stop-work orders, removal orders, and civil fines via the Department of Appeals and Hearings.
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