Can I open a bed and breakfast in Royal Oak?

Yes, as a special land use in One-Family Residential zoning, not by right. Bed and breakfast operations appear on the special land use list for the One-Family district (§ 770-34C) and are governed by their own standards in § 770-78.

The approval path:

• Apply for special land use approval from the Planning Commission
• A public hearing is held, with mailed notice to owners within 300 ft at least 15 days before (§ 770-11, § 770-13)
• Unless the Planning Commission specifies otherwise, the first building permit is required within one year; the Zoning Administrator may extend this for good cause. A denied application ordinarily cannot be resubmitted for one year, but sufficient new evidence or changed conditions may justify earlier reconsideration (§ 770-11D-E).

Because § 770-78 sets operating conditions specific to bed and breakfasts, review that section with city staff before applying. The Planning Division at 248-246-3280 can confirm the current application requirements and fees, and the city's posted meeting schedule shows upcoming hearing dates.