Ann Arbor Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Ann Arbor
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Ann Arbor — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Citywide Elimination of Parking Minimums (2022)(2022)
On August 15, 2022, Ann Arbor City Council voted to eliminate off-street parking minimums citywide for a wide range of development types through amendments to the Unified Development Code (Chapter 55 of the City Code). Ann Arbor was the first large Michigan city to do so. The change is intended to lower housing development costs and support walkability and transit use.
Source · a2gov.orgTC1 Transit Corridor Zoning District(2022)
The TC1 (Transit Corridor) district is a new mixed-use, higher-density district along AAATA-served corridors that promotes infill, housing, and affordable units with reduced parking. The first TC1 rezoning covered 69 parcels in the South State/Eisenhower corridor (approved April 2022); additional corridors followed, including West Stadium/North Maple (ORD-22-16, effective November 27, 2022) and Plymouth Road (effective December 18, 2023).
Source · a2gov.orgAnn Arbor Accessory Dwelling Unit Guidebook (2023)(2023)
Ann Arbor maintains an official ADU Guidebook (September 2023) that consolidates the city's ADU standards: allowed in most residential zones, both detached and attached, with relaxed parking requirements following the 2022 parking-minimum elimination. The guidebook is published by the city's Planning and Development Services.
Source · a2gov.orgUnified Development Code (Chapter 55)
Ann Arbor's zoning regulations are consolidated in the Unified Development Code at Chapter 55 of the City Code. The UDC governs all base zoning districts (R1A through R6, C1, TC1, etc.), use standards, density, height, and the procedural rules for rezoning, site plan, and special exception use review.
Source · library.municode.comMichigan Zoning Enabling Act (PA 110 of 2006)(2006)
Ann Arbor exercises zoning authority under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, PA 110 of 2006 (MCL 125.3101 et seq.), which consolidated Michigan's prior city/township/county zoning statutes. Michigan has no statewide ADU preemption, so all ADU rules in Ann Arbor are set locally by the UDC.
Source · legislature.mi.gov
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Ann Arbor
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Michigan
- Building Code: Michigan Building Code (based on 2021 IBC)
County — Washtenaw County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 5,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 30 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Ann Arbor
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 3 ft
- Side Setback
- 3 ft
- Parking
- No additional parking required
- Owner Occupancy
- Owner must occupy one unit
- Permit Timeline
- 45-90 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Ann Arbor are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Ann Arbor permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific