Can I build a duplex in Royal Oak?
Only in districts that allow two-family dwellings. A duplex is permitted by right in the Two-Family Residential district (§ 770-36), and two-family dwellings are also allowed by right in Mixed Use 1 (§ 770-45). Multiple-Family Residential accommodates two or more units (§ 770-37).
A duplex is not allowed in the One-Family Residential districts. Those zones permit one single-family dwelling per lot (§ 770-21E(2), § 770-34B).
In the Two-Family district the baseline standards are a 9,000 sq ft lot, 50 ft width on interior lots, 60 ft on corners, and 100 ft depth. Each unit must meet a minimum floor area, never below 800 sq ft per unit (§ 770-23B).
First confirm your zoning district. Royal Oak has no public GIS layer; the official maps are static PDFs, so check with the Planning Division at 248-246-3280.
Sources
Full text: Royal Oak ordinance on eCode360. Applies to districts: 1F, 1FL, 2F, MF, MU1.
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