Shed permit rules in Farmington Hills, MI — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Farmington Hills requires a building permit for sheds over 200 square feet. Sheds 200 sq ft and under are reviewed by Zoning for placement only, with no building permit required. All sheds must comply with Chapter 34 accessory-structure setback and yard placement rules and HOA covenants.
Under Farmington Hills' permit policy, a building permit is required for any shed exceeding 200 square feet — the Building Division reviews structural plans, foundation, and code compliance. Sheds of 200 square feet or less do not require a building permit but must still be sited in accordance with Chapter 34 (Zoning) accessory-structure provisions: Zoning reviews a site plan to confirm proper placement before installation. Accessory structures in Farmington Hills are generally limited to the rear yard, must observe minimum setbacks from rear and side property lines, and are subject to lot-coverage maximums set by the underlying district. Specific dimensional setbacks vary by zone (RA-1 single-family lots have different setback minimums than smaller-lot districts), so applicants should confirm placement with the Zoning Division at (248) 871-2520 before installation. Sheds may not be placed in the front yard or in required side-yard easements. Subdivision restrictions and HOA covenants may impose additional limits on size, materials, color, or placement that are not enforced by the City but are enforceable as private covenants — applicants should consult their subdivision association before purchase. Playhouses, playground equipment, basketball backboards, and similar recreational structures do not require permits but must still comply with zoning placement standards.
Erecting a shed over 200 sq ft without a building permit is a Building Code violation under Chapter 7 of the City Code. Improper placement (in a front yard, encroaching on setbacks, or violating lot coverage) is a Chapter 34 zoning violation enforceable by Zoning and Code Enforcement. Penalties include orders to relocate or remove the shed plus general penalty fines.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Farmington Hills, MI
Farmington Hills does not prohibit artificial turf on residential, commercial, or institutional property. Michigan has no statewide artificial-turf or non-fu...
Farmington Hills, MI
Farmington Hills does not mandate native plants in private landscapes, but actively encourages native and Michigan-adapted species through the City's Reduce ...
Farmington Hills, MI
Farmington Hills does not designate dedicated food-truck vending zones. Food trucks may operate from private property with the owner's written consent (subje...
Farmington Hills, MI
Operating a food truck in Farmington Hills requires (1) a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Mobile Food Establishment or Speci...
Farmington Hills, MI
Federal and Michigan state law preempt almost all local drone regulation in Farmington Hills. Under the Michigan Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (Act 436 of 20...
Farmington Hills, MI
Farmington Hills does not require a Special Event Permit or City business license for a residential garage / yard sale at a private residence. The City Clerk...
See how Farmington Hills's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.