Accessory Structures in Westland, MI: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Westland or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Westland has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

ADU Rental Restrictions

Westland's zoning ordinance forbids transferring, conveying, renting, or leasing an accessory dwelling unit separately from the single-family home on the same lot, recorded as a permanent deed restriction.

Key details: Separate rental: Prohibited by deed restriction. Must transfer with: Principal single-family home. Recorded: Before certificate of occupancy. Binding: Runs with land, future owners.

Zoning violations, including unlawfully renting or leasing an ADU separately from the home, carry a fine up to $500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, with each day a distinct offense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Westland actively enforces its adu rental restrictions requirements.

Shed & Carport Rules

Westland requires a zoning compliance review and a valuation-based building permit fee for any shed, on top of a plan review fee, before construction begins.

Key details: Permit required: Yes, for all sheds. Fee basis: Valuation-based, plus plan review. No-permit penalty: $110 plus permit fee. Max height: 14 ft (20 ft on large lots).

Installing a shed without first obtaining the required permit adds a flat $110 fee on top of the standard permit fee; Code violations generally carry a fine up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both.

ADU Rules

Applicants for a Westland accessory dwelling unit must file a scaled site plan, floor plan, and elevations with the Planning Department, which the Planning Director alone approves.

Key details: Reviewing body: Planning Department. Approval authority: Planning Director. Required submittals: Site plan, floor plan, elevations. Unit size range: 400 to 850 sq ft.

Constructing or occupying an ADU without Planning Director approval is a zoning violation, punishable by a fine up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, per day of continuing violation.

ADU Owner Occupancy

Westland requires the property owner to occupy either the accessory dwelling unit or the principal home before an ADU can get a certificate of occupancy, recorded as a deed restriction.

Key details: Occupancy rule: Owner must live in ADU or home. ADUs per lot: One only. Restriction duration: Runs with land, binds future owners. Eligible lots: Single-family lots only.

Zoning ordinance violations, including occupying an ADU without the required recorded deed restriction, carry a fine up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Westland's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Westland is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Westland can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.