Ann Arbor’s Zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units

Ann Arbor, MI approved zoning amendments that greatly relaxed the requisite standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs can now be designed to match either a single-family residence or a detached accessory building, such as a garage or carriage house. It also relaxed residency requirements, and permits the owner to rent or lease ADUs long-term.

ADUs help increase neighborhood densities, which diminishes demand for automobile travel. ADUs, being smaller than traditional single-family homes, also consume fewer natural resources in the construction process as well as the during the day-to-day operation of the unit.