Sterling Heights Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Sterling Heights
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Sterling Heights — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
2025 Master Land Use Plan(2025)
In May 2025 the Sterling Heights City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive update to the city's Master Land Use Plan, the long-term framework guiding future land development and zoning. It is the first major plan update in many years and sets the stage for a full zoning ordinance rewrite. The Plan emphasizes redevelopment of aging commercial corridors and sustainable infill.
Source · sterlingheights.govLakeside City Center Mixed-Use Redevelopment(2024)
In late 2024 the Sterling Heights City Council approved the master development plan for Lakeside City Center, a $1 billion redevelopment of the 110-acre former Lakeside Mall site into a mixed-use district with housing, offices, retail, hotel, and a central park. The site was approved for a brownfield TIF plan in 2026. The project is the largest single redevelopment in city history.
Source · sterlingheights.govSterling Heights Zoning Ordinance (Charter Code Chapter 26)
Sterling Heights' zoning ordinance, codified in Chapter 26 of the Charter Code, sets the city's R-40 / R-M / C-2 / I-1 district scheme and area, height, and bulk requirements (Section 3.04). It is hosted in American Legal Publishing's CodeLibrary and is the operative zoning document until the post-2025 rewrite is adopted.
Source · codelibrary.amlegal.comMichigan Zoning Enabling Act (PA 110 of 2006)(2006)
Sterling Heights exercises zoning authority under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, PA 110 of 2006 (MCL 125.3101 et seq.). Michigan has no statewide ADU preemption, so any ADU rules are set locally by Sterling Heights' zoning ordinance.
Source · legislature.mi.gov
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Sterling Heights
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Michigan
- Building Code: Michigan Building Code (based on 2021 IBC)
County — Macomb County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 7 ft
- Rear Setback
- 35 ft
- Min Lot
- 1 acre
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 35 ft
- Side Setback
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 35 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Sterling Heights permit information →Official Sources
City-specific