Ann Arbor Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Ann Arbor Zoning Overview
Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and is one of the most educated and economically vibrant cities in the Midwest. The city's zoning is administered by Planning and Development Services and reflects Ann Arbor's character as a walkable college town with intense development pressure, high housing costs, and strong preservation interests.
The zoning ordinance organizes the city into residential, commercial, office, and industrial districts, with particular attention to the relationship between the university campus, the downtown, and surrounding neighborhoods. Ann Arbor has been at the center of Michigan's housing affordability debate, with significant community discussion around zoning reforms to increase housing supply.
The city has adopted ADU provisions and continues to explore additional zoning changes to address housing costs, including potential changes to allow more missing-middle housing types in established neighborhoods.
Key Zoning Districts
Ann Arbor's residential districts range from R1 (single-family) through R4 (multi-family) with various subcategories. The D1 and D2 downtown districts allow the highest intensity. Commercial districts include C1 (Local Business), C2B (Business Service), and C3 (Fringe Commercial). Office and research districts support the university and technology economy.
ADU Regulations
Ann Arbor permits ADUs in residential zones under its local ordinance. ADUs are limited to 800 square feet and 20 feet in height, with 3-foot minimum setbacks. No additional parking is required. Owner-occupancy of one unit is required. The Building Department processes ADU permits within 45 to 90 days.
Development Process
Development in Ann Arbor begins with Planning and Development Services review. Conforming projects proceed to building permits. Projects requiring zoning relief apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Planning Commission reviews site plans for developments exceeding specific thresholds, with public hearings for larger projects.
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 →