5 rules for unincorporated Ottawa County, Michigan.
Verified from official government sources
Ottawa County does not zone. Rules come from your city or township. The City of Holland permits one detached ADU per property with a single detached home, sized 200-800 sq ft, in LDR, MDR, TNR, GMU and PUD districts.
Ottawa County does not zone sheds; your city or township does. In Holland Charter Township a shed of 200 sq ft or larger needs a building permit, must sit in the rear yard, and be securely anchored to the ground.
Holland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance § 8.3
Accessory Building 200 square feet and larger will require a building permit. Accessory Buildings shall be located in the rear yard and securely anchored to the ground. Untreated wood framing and siding must be at least 6 inches above the ground.
The county sets no rule; cities and townships do. In Holland Charter Township accessory buildings, including detached garages, may not include living quarters, so converting one to habitable space is treated as an ADU under city or township zoning.
Holland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance § 8.3(A)(4)
Living Quarters Prohibited. No accessory building or structure shall include living quarters.
Ottawa County does not zone carports; your city or township does. A carport is an accessory building, so in Holland Charter Township it must match the home's architectural character and meet accessory-building size, height and placement limits.
Holland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance § 8.3(A)(2)
Character. The architectural character of all accessory buildings shall be compatible and similar to the principal building.
Ottawa County and Michigan have no dedicated tiny-home law. Whether a tiny home is allowed depends on your city or township zoning. A permanent, foundation-built tiny home is generally treated as an accessory dwelling unit or a small principal dwelling.
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