All districts
Royal Oak does not permit general accessory dwelling units. The term accessory dwelling appears nowhere in Chapter 770, and § 770-22A(11) separately bars a detached accessory building from combining utility services that would make it easily convertible to habitable space. That absence is a finding from the ordinance text, so confirm it with the Planning Division before you plan around it.
The one provision that exists is senior accessory housing (§ 770-71), a special land use in the residential districts:
- One additional unit for an elderly related person, within or attached to the dwelling. A detached unit is not allowed.
- The owner must occupy the property, and the approval is reviewed every two years.
- Maximum 600 square feet, with slightly more allowed for a reasonable one-bedroom conversion.
- One dedicated parking space.
- A deed notice is recorded with the Oakland County Register of Deeds stating that the property may not continue as a two-family use.
A true second unit otherwise needs this special use, a rezoning, or a use variance.