Royal Oak, MI Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

Royal Oak's Mixed Use 1 and Mixed Use 2 Zones both carry the identical density bonus mechanism, first in § 770-45C(1) for Mixed Use 1 and repeated in § 770-46B(3) for Mixed Use 2. Multiple-family dwellings are already a special land use subject to the base standards in § 770-37, Multiple-Family Residential, but a project on a lot at least 150 feet from all established residential zones can ask the Plan Commission for up to a 100% increase in allowed density. The Commission may only grant the bonus if it finds, first, that the proposed density will not adversely impact adjacent properties or nearby residential neighborhoods; second, that the added density is necessary to support redevelopment of an area that currently contains uses with an adverse impact on adjacent properties; and third, that the development is designed to facilitate the objectives and strategies of the Master Plan.

The density bonus request rides on the same special land use track as the base multiple-family use, so it goes through § 770-11's application, Zoning Administrator review, and Plan Commission public hearing under § 770-13 before any decision issues. Height in the same Mixed Use 1 and 2 districts can also grow from a 36-foot base to as much as 56 feet under § 770-45D(2), using the same three findings, so a qualifying project 150 feet from residential zoning can pursue added density and added height together in a single Plan Commission review.