Accessory Structures in Lansing, MI (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Lansing, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Lansing allows one detached or garage-converted accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-MX and DT-1 districts, capped at two bedrooms and limited square footage.
Lansing Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsLansing Codified Ordinances § 1250.04.08(b)(2),(3),(6)
Only one ADU is allowed on lots with an existing single-family principal dwelling in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-MX, and DT-1 zoning districts. An ADU shall be detached in the rear yard subject to the size limitations of this chapter or be part of an accessory building (such as a converted garage or carriage house), subject to the size limitations of maximum square footage of detached accessory garage...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Lansing requires that on any lot with an accessory dwelling unit, either the principal home or the ADU be owner-occupied: both units cannot be rented out at once.
Lansing ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Significant RestrictionsLansing Codified Ordinances § 1250.04.08(b)(7)
For any lot, the principal structure or the ADU shall be owner-occupied. If either the ADU, or the principal structure is leased, it must be registered and properly licensed as a rental by the Code Compliance Office.(c)Site layout requirements. (1) BUILDING MASSING Minimum height 12' 1 story Maximum height 15' 1.5 stories Maximum height of second story unit of a garage 20' 2 stories ADU gr...
ADU Rental Restrictions
If a Lansing ADU or its principal house is leased out, the leased unit must be registered and licensed as a rental with the Code Compliance Office.
Lansing ADU Rental Licensing Rule
Significant RestrictionsLansing Codified Ordinances § 1250.04.08(b)(7)
If either the ADU, or the principal structure is leased, it must be registered and properly licensed as a rental by the Code Compliance Office.(c)Site layout requirements. (1) BUILDING MASSING Minimum height 12' 1 story Maximum height 15' 1.5 stories Maximum height of second story unit of a garage 20' 2 stories ADU ground floor area Min. 400 sq. ft. Max. not to exceed the ground floor area...
Shed & Carport Rules
Lansing, Michigan's zoning code limits single-family lots in Ingham County to one garage or detached carport per property, on top of any storage shed, with a 770-square-foot cap on garage-or-carport space in planned units.
Lansing Carport Placement And Size Rules
Some RestrictionsLansing Codified Ordinances § 1250.04.01(b)(1)
Single-family residential lots shall have no more than one storage shed and one garage or detached carport. Residential lots that contain a legally conforming duplex may have one accessory structure, which may be a garage, carport or storage building, for each unit. Multiple family residential lots may have one accessory building, which may be a garage, carport or storage building, for each leg...