Sterling Heights, MI Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Zoning Ordinance § 28.10.C lets a decorative deck project up to 15 feet into the required rear yard, but only if it avoids easements, meets the applicable side-yard setback, sits at least 10 feet from any detached accessory building (a rule that doesn't apply to structures like a gazebo or sauna attached to the deck, which instead must be 10 feet from the house), and otherwise conforms with applicable codes. Unenclosed porches, terraces, awnings and seasonal enclosures such as patios get their own rear-yard projection allowance under § 28.10.B: up to 10 or 15 feet depending on the feature. Any deck or patio build in Sterling Heights, Macomb County, still needs the building and zoning compliance permits required city-wide by § 29.02.A.