Farmington Hills, MI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Building setbacks in Farmington Hills are established under Chapter 34 (Zoning Ordinance) and vary by zoning district. The City's single-family districts include RA-1 (largest lots, lowest density), RA-2A and RA-2B (mid-density single-family), RA-3, and RA-4 (smaller lots, higher density), each with district-specific minimum front, side, and rear yard requirements set by the dimensional standards in Chapter 34, Article 3. As an example, the RA-1 district has a side-yard requirement of 10 feet (and the RA-1A standards have referenced 50-ft front-yard standards in past ZBA records). Each district's exact minimums are listed in the Schedule of Regulations in the Zoning Ordinance — applicants must verify the setbacks for their specific zoning classification before submitting plans. Accessory structures (sheds, garages, gazebos) follow separate, smaller setbacks but may not encroach on easements. Corner lots have two front yards (street-facing setbacks) and additional rules. Decks are governed by Sec. 34-3.26.6, fences by Sec. 34-5.12, and recreational equipment placement by Sec. 34-5.7. The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3201 et seq., particularly MCL 125.3215) authorizes municipalities to set these standards. Variances from setback requirements require an application to the Zoning Board of Appeals showing practical difficulty (for non-use/dimensional variances) under MCL 125.3604. The Zoning Division at (248) 871-2520 can confirm zoning classification and setbacks for any address; the interactive zoning map and Clearzoning ordinance compilation are available on fhgov.com.