ADU Rules in Farmington Hills, Michigan

Farmington Hills is an Oakland County city of about 82,000 northwest of Detroit. One of Michigan's most affluent communities, Farmington Hills is an upscale suburban city with significant Jewish-American and Indian-American communities. Note that the City of Farmington (about 10,000 people) is a separate, smaller city entirely surrounded by Farmington Hills — do not confuse the two. Michigan has no statewide ADU preemption law — Farmington Hills's local Zoning Ordinance governs.

Farmington Hills vs. Farmington

• Farmington Hills: Larger city of ~82,000 — use Farmington Hills's permit process
• Farmington: Separate city of ~10,000 surrounded by Farmington Hills — different Zoning Ordinance
• Verify which jurisdiction your property falls in

Farmington Hills Zoning Ordinance

The City of Farmington Hills Zoning Ordinance governs all land use in Farmington Hills city limits.

Permitted ADU Types

Per Farmington Hills Zoning Ordinance (verify current standards):

• Accessory apartments: Within or attached to primary structure
• Detached accessory dwelling units: Subject to zoning standards

Verify current provisions with Farmington Hills's Planning Division.

Size Limits

Per Farmington Hills Zoning Ordinance:

• Maximum floor area per zone
• Lot coverage restrictions

Setbacks

Per Farmington Hills residential zone:

• Rear: Minimum setback
• Side: Minimum setback

HOA Considerations

Farmington Hills has numerous upscale subdivisions with HOAs. Consult your HOA before applying for permits.

Michigan Wetlands

Properties near wetlands or waterways may require EGLE review.

Permit Process

1. Verify jurisdiction: Confirm property is in Farmington Hills (not the separate City of Farmington)
2. Check HOA restrictions: If applicable
3. Verify zoning: Farmington Hills Planning Division
4. Submit plans: Farmington Hills Building Division
5. Building permit and inspections
6. CO: Required before occupancy

Contact

City of Farmington Hills Planning Division 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336 Phone: (248) 871-2540 Website: farmingtonhills.org

Disclaimer: Michigan has no statewide ADU law. Farmington Hills and the City of Farmington are separate municipalities. Verify current ADU standards with Farmington Hills before starting any project.