Accessory Structures in Pontiac, MI (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Pontiac, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Before Pontiac issues a building permit for an accessory dwelling unit in the Residential Infill Overlay District, Zoning Ordinance Section 3.1304(5) requires a City-enforceable deed restriction recorded first, stipulating the ADU cannot be sold off separately from the primary home. The City Attorney may approve an alternative form of security instead.
ADU Deed Restriction Rule in Pontiac's RIOD
Some RestrictionsPontiac Zoning Ordinance § 3.1304(5)
5. Deed Restriction. A deed restriction enforceable by the City shall be recorded prior to the issuance of a building permit stipulating that the ADU will not be conveyed separately from the primary dwelling unit. An alternative form of security may be substituted if it meets the intent of this provision and is approved by the City Attorney.
ADU Owner Occupancy
Inside the Residential Infill Overlay District (RIOD), Pontiac requires that one unit of a permitted two-family dwelling be owner-occupied, with the leased unit registered with the City under Zoning Ordinance Section 3.1304(4). The provision also cross-references the City's separate rental registration and rental-inspection requirements in Chapter 26 and Article VI, Chapter 22 of the Municipal Code.
Owner-Occupancy Rule for Pontiac RIOD Duplexes
Some RestrictionsPontiac Zoning Ordinance § 3.1304(4)
4. Owner Occupancy. One of the dwelling units shall be owner-occupied. The dwelling unit that is leased shall be registered with the City as required in Chapter 26 of the City of Pontiac Municipal Code. All rentals must also comply with the requirements of Article VI, Chapter 22 of the Pontiac Municipal Code.
Shed & Carport Rules
In the City of Pontiac's R-1 district, a detached accessory building like a shed cannot exceed 15 feet in height and must sit at least 3 feet off any lot line in the rear yard only. Total accessory-building area is capped at the smallest of 15 percent of the lot, the house's first-floor area, or 800 square feet.
Pontiac Shed and Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsPontiac Zoning Ordinance § 2.304(F)
F. Accessory Structures. 1. Height. ... Accessory buildings shall not exceed fifteen feet (15’) in building height, measured midway between roof peak and eaves. ... 2. Area. ... The aggregate area of accessory buildings on any lot shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the total lot area, the floor area of the first floor of the principal dwelling, or 800 square feet in R-1/900 square feet i...
Looking for Oakland County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pontiac city rules.
Accessory Structures in Oakland County →