ZoningVerdict

Accessory dwelling units in City of Novi, MI

What the City of Novi zoning ordinance says about accessory dwelling units, district by district. Section numbers link to the official ordinance.

All districts

Novi's zoning ordinance has no accessory dwelling unit provision. A search of the full ordinance text (amended through June 6, 2025) finds no section permitting a second dwelling unit, guest house, or apartment accessory to a one-family home. The closest reference is the accessory use definition, which lists residential accommodations for servants or caretakers as a possible accessory use (Section 2.2), and the general exception that not more than one dwelling unit may occupy a lot except in conformance with the lot area per unit rules of the district (Section 3.35.4).

That combination gives no by-right path to build or convert an ADU on a one-family lot. If an accessory residence matters to your plans, confirm how the city treats caretaker accommodations with the Community Development Department at 248-347-0415 before designing anything.

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