Battle Creek, MI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Battle Creek sets residential height in each district's dimension table. The R-1B Single-Family table lists a Maximum Building Height of 35 feet, 2.5 stories, with the note that attached accessory dwellings shall comply with the primary dwelling height requirements. The R-1A Single-Family, R-2 Two Family and AG Agricultural tables list the same 35 feet, 2.5 stories. The R-3 Multiple Family and MFR High Density districts allow 45 feet, 4 stories. In R-3, footnote (f) of Section 1241.03 raises the front and rear yards by one foot for each foot of building height exceeding thirty-five feet, and raises side yards by one foot for each two feet of height over thirty-five.

Section 1241.04 supplies the exceptions. Chimneys, cooling towers, elevator bulkheads, fire towers, gas tanks, solariums, steeples, penthouses, stacks, stage towers, scenery lofts, tanks, water towers, ornamental towers and spires, wireless, television or radio towers and necessary mechanical appurtenances are not included in determining the height or number of stories of a building. The limit on the number of stories does not apply to buildings used exclusively for storage, provided they do not exceed the height permitted in their district. Additional limits apply within approach zones at the Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field, shown on the official zoning map and delineated in Section 1250.03.

Accessory buildings for one and two-family dwellings in the AG and R Districts shall not exceed sixteen feet in height under Section 1260.01(d). In a planned unit residential development, no structure shall be greater than fifty feet in height, and nonresidential structures cannot be taller than thirty-five feet under Section 1250.01.