Southfield Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Southfield Zoning Overview
Southfield is a major suburban office center in Oakland County with the highest concentration of office space in Michigan outside of downtown Detroit. The zoning ordinance is administered by the Planning Department and organizes the city into residential, commercial, and industrial districts with specific dimensional and use standards.
The city continues to update its master plan and zoning regulations to address changing development patterns, infrastructure needs, and housing demands. Michigan's Zoning Enabling Act provides the statutory framework within which all local zoning operates.
Southfield is working to balance preservation of its established neighborhoods with opportunities for reinvestment and redevelopment along commercial corridors and in transitioning areas.
Key Zoning Districts
Southfield's zoning includes One-Family Residential (R-A) for single-family areas, Multiple-Family Residential (R-M) for higher-density residential, and General Commercial (C-3) for commercial uses. Additional districts cover industrial and special-purpose areas.
ADU Regulations
Southfield does not currently have specific ADU provisions in its zoning ordinance. Michigan has no statewide ADU mandate, so ADU permissibility depends entirely on local zoning action. Property owners should contact the Planning Department for guidance on adding a secondary dwelling unit.
Development Process
Development in Southfield begins with a zoning review at the Planning Department. Conforming projects proceed to the Building Department for permits. Projects requiring relief apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Commercial and multi-family developments typically require Planning Commission site plan review.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Southfield
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 — Oakland 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
- 8,400 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 7 ft
- Rear Setback
- 35 ft
- Min Lot
- 2 acres
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 35 ft
- Side Setback
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 35 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Southfield
- Max Size
- N/A
- Max Height
- N/A
- Rear Setback
- N/A
- Side Setback
- N/A
- Parking
- N/A
- Owner Occupancy
- N/A
- Permit Timeline
- N/A
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Southfield are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Southfield permit fees →