Density Bonus Law: Detroit vs Livonia
How do density bonus law rules compare between Detroit, MI and Livonia, MI?
Detroit and Livonia have similar restriction levels.
Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Detroit's Inclusionary Housing Ordinance and density-bonus provisions in Ch. 50 reward affordable-unit set-asides with extra height, FAR, and parking flexibility. Adopted 2017 and amended through 2024, the framework ties tax abatements and bonuses to income-restricted units.
View full Detroit rules →Livonia, MI
Wayne County
Density bonuses in Wayne County are city-specific rather than countywide; Detroit offers limited bonuses for affordable housing and historic-preservation projects, while suburban communities rarely use the tool, preferring conventional zoning and PUD overlays.
View full Livonia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Detroit | Livonia |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | 20+ units with city support | - |
| Set-aside | 20% at 80% AMI | - |
| Bonus | Height, FAR, parking | - |
| Code | Detroit Code Sec. 50-3-91 | - |
| Statewide bonus law | - | None |
| Detroit IHO | - | Subsidized projects only |
| Suburbs | - | PUD-based negotiation |
| Recording | - | Affordability covenants required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Detroit FAQ
Does this apply to small projects?
No. Only projects with 20+ units receiving direct city support trigger the inclusionary requirement. Smaller market-rate projects are unaffected.
What happens if a developer reneges?
HRD can recapture tax abatements, demand subsidy repayment, and pursue covenant enforcement in court for the project's affordability period (often 30+ years).
Livonia FAQ
Can I build extra units with a density bonus in Detroit?
Sometimes; the city's affordable-housing and historic-incentive provisions allow modest bonuses tied to documented public benefits.
Do suburban Wayne County cities offer density bonuses?
Rarely as-of-right; most communities require a PUD application and council approval for any density above base zoning.
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