Can I add a basement apartment in my Birmingham, MI house?

A separate basement apartment is not permitted in Birmingham's single-family districts. R1A, R1, R2, and R3 permit a one-family dwelling, and a basement unit with its own kitchen and entrance functions as a second dwelling unit. Uses not listed in the district are not permitted (§ 1.13), and the ordinance has no accessory dwelling provision anywhere.

What the ordinance does allow within a single-family home:

• Renting of rooms to a maximum of 2 roomers per dwelling unit, as an accessory use (§ 5.02(D)).
• Finished basement living space used by the household itself, which remains part of the one-family dwelling.

Two-family dwellings are permitted in the R4 district, so a true second unit needs R4 or denser zoning, or relief from the city. To check your district or discuss options, call the Planning Division at 248-530-1850.