Building Setbacks & Zoning in Westland, MI

Westland maintains 112 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with building setbacks & zoning. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Westland falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Setback Rules

Westland's zoning ordinance sets minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks by residential district: from 25 feet in front for R-2 and R-3 lots up to 35 feet in the rear for every single-family and mixed residential district.

Key details: R-1 front/rear setback: 30 ft front, 35 ft rear. R-1/R-2 side setback: 5 ft least side, 15 ft combined. R-2 front setback: 25 ft front. R-3 side setback: 10 ft least side, 20 ft combined.

Building without meeting minimum setbacks violates the zoning ordinance: § 19.1 sets a fine up to $500 and up to 90 days imprisonment per day of violation, plus civil nuisance abatement.

Structure Height Limits

Westland caps single-family and mixed residential buildings at two stories and 30 feet under the zoning ordinance's Table 4.4.1, with taller limits allowed for townhouse and garden-apartment districts.

Key details: R-1/R-2 height limit: 2 stories, 30 feet. R-3 height limit: 2 stories, 30 feet. THR townhouse limit: 3 stories, 35 feet. GAR apartment limit: 3 stories, 40 feet.

Exceeding the height limit without a variance violates the zoning ordinance: § 19.1 sets a fine up to $500 and up to 90 days imprisonment per day, plus civil nuisance-per-se abatement.

Lot Coverage Limits

Westland limits single-family and mixed residential lots to 30 percent building coverage under the zoning ordinance's Table 4.4.1: the same cap applies to R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts citywide.

Key details: R-1/R-2/R-3 coverage cap: 30 percent. MRR principal-building cap: 35 percent (footnote 3). MRR total cap incl. paving: 65 percent (footnote 3).

Exceeding the lot-coverage cap violates the zoning ordinance: § 19.1 sets a fine up to $500 and up to 90 days imprisonment per day of violation, plus civil nuisance-per-se abatement.

The Bottom Line

Westland's building setbacks & zoning 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.

This guide is based on Westland's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.