Planning commission backs zoning change to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family districts

Troy, speaking for the planning staff, introduced a draft text amendment to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family zoning districts. The draft would allow ADUs in all single-family districts, cap unit size, and restrict detached ADUs to the CA district only. Troy said the planning commission and the ordinance-review committee have worked on the draft and that the township attorney had suggested limiting occupancy to family members but the planning commission recommended against that restriction.

Troy explained an owner-occupancy requirement remains: the property owner must reside on the parcel either in the principal dwelling or in the accessory unit. "The draft ordinance that you have in front of you would permit a accessory dwelling unit, to exist in all of the single family districts," Troy said. A commissioner moved to recommend approval of text amendment 26-001 as outlined in the staff memorandum and attached draft ordinance; the motion passed. Troy said the recommendation will be sent to the Livingston County Planning Commission and later to the township board for consideration.

Why it matters: If the township board and county body approve the change following review, homeowners in single-family districts could add smaller secondary dwelling units subject to size caps and owner-occupancy requirements, potentially creating modest additional rental housing opportunities while maintaining local controls on detached ADUs in most districts.