Farmington Hills, MI Parking Rules: Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (2026)

Farmington Hills' commercial vehicle framework is anchored in zoning. Under the City Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 34), commercial vehicles parked as an accessory use to a one-family dwelling are governed by Section 34-4.14, with the City's Common Zoning Ordinances index identifying that section as the operative authority. Zoning Board of Appeals minutes confirm that Section 34-4.14(3) applies to commercial vehicles parked accessory to a single-family dwelling and that the classification of a vehicle as 'commercial' is based on the City code definitions, which look to the physical characteristics and size of the vehicle. The Section 34-4.14 framework typically limits the number, type, and size of commercial vehicles that may be parked at a one-family dwelling, sets height limits, and restricts placement (rear-yard or screened locations preferred over front-yard display). Variances from these limits go to the Zoning Board of Appeals on a case-by-case basis. On the on-street side, Farmington Hills commercial corridors (Twelve Mile, Orchard Lake, Grand River) host significant commercial activity, but commercial vehicle parking on public streets is governed by the same Michigan Vehicle Code distance setbacks as any other vehicle: MCL 257.674 prohibits stopping, standing, or parking within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant, within twenty feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, in any intersection, on a sidewalk, in front of a public or private driveway, or within thirty feet of a stop sign or traffic-control signal. Off-street loading and parking standards for nonresidential uses are set in the Zoning Ordinance, with loading requirements scaled to building size and use type. Enforcement of on-lot violations is by the Zoning Division at (248) 871-2520; enforcement of on-street violations is by the Farmington Hills Police Department non-emergency line at (248) 871-2600.