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Accessory Structures in Farmington Hills, MI (2026)

5 verified accessory structures rules for Farmington Hills, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

ADU Rules

Farmington Hills does not have an accessory dwelling unit ordinance — separate ADUs are not a permitted accessory use in single-family districts under Chapter 34. Michigan currently has no statewide ADU mandate; House Bills 5529-5532 and HB 5585 of the 2025-2026 Housing Forward Act package would create one but remained in House Committee as of early 2026.

Farmington Hills Accessory Dwelling Units

Heavy Restrictions

Shed Rules

Farmington Hills requires a building permit for sheds over 200 square feet. Sheds 200 sq ft and under are reviewed by Zoning for placement only, with no building permit required. All sheds must comply with Chapter 34 accessory-structure setback and yard placement rules and HOA covenants.

Farmington Hills Shed Rules

Some Restrictions

Garage Conversions

Farmington Hills requires a building permit for any garage and for converting garage space to habitable use. Because the City does not permit accessory dwelling units in single-family districts, converting a garage into a separate rental or second living unit is not permitted — the converted space must remain part of the principal single-family dwelling.

Farmington Hills Garage Conversions

Heavy Restrictions

Carport Rules

Carports in Farmington Hills are accessory structures regulated under Chapter 34 of the Zoning Ordinance. A building permit is required for any carport that is structurally attached, has a permanent foundation, or exceeds 200 square feet. Carports must observe accessory-structure setback and yard placement rules and may not be placed in required front yards.

Farmington Hills Carport Rules

Some Restrictions

Tiny Homes

Farmington Hills does not have a tiny-home ordinance. Permanent tiny houses must comply with the Michigan Residential Code minimum-dwelling standards and Chapter 34 single-family district minimum floor-area requirements, which generally exceed typical tiny-home sizes. Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are RVs under state law and cannot be used as a permanent residence in residential zones.

Farmington Hills Tiny Homes

Heavy Restrictions

Looking for Oakland County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Farmington Hills city rules.

Accessory Structures in Oakland County