Detroit Zoning Ordinance (No. 390-G)
Whenever you are involved in a construction project, it is important to be sure that it is compatible with the zoning requirements of the property involved. This is a separate issue from the permit process, but can be accomplished at the same time and place. The Permit Information Center can help you resolve any zoning questions related to your project or activity.
The Zoning Ordinance is adopted by the City of Detroit for the following purposes:
* To promote and protect the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community;
* To classify all property in such manner as to reflect its peculiar suitability for particular uses;
* To regulate the location, construction, reconstruction, alteration, and use of buildings, structures, and land;
* To insure adequate light, air, privacy, and convenience of access to property;
* To maintain property values;
* To protect all areas of the City from harmful encroachment by incompatible uses;
* To prevent undue building density;
* To avoid undue population density;
* To fix reasonable standards to which buildings, structures, and uses shall conform;
* To minimize congestion in the public streets by providing for off-street parking of motor vehicles and for off-street loading and unloading of commercial vehicles;
* To adequately provide transportation water, sewage disposal, education, recreation, and other public requirements;
* To eliminate non-conforming buildings, structures and uses of land;
* To define the powers and duties of the administrative officers and bodies;
* To provide penalties for violations of this Ordinance; and,
* To provide for a Board of Zoning Appeals.
Zoning District Classifications
All land in the City of Detroit is zoned, with the exception of rights-of-way (public streets, berms, public sidewalks, and public alleys). All property falls into one of 25 zoning district classifications, of which the major categories are: residential; business; industrial; and special. Each classification is composed of various subcategories.
Zoning Coordinator
If your zoning approval request is denied, you have a right to appeal the ruling. The Zoning Coordinator, who can be reached at (313) 224-3172.
REMEMBER...
The Zoning Ordinance regulates the use of land, not the particular individual, agency or business which uses it. You may be required to obtain a license to operate a business for which a building permit is issued. Obtaining a business license is a separate process from applying for a building permit. For information on business licenses, contact the Business License Information Center, (313) 224-3178, Room 156 on the first floor of the City-County Building.
Land Use & Occupancy Permits
When a land use is listed as a MATTER OF RIGHT USE, it means that an occupancy permit may be obtained on an "over the counter" basis.
When a land use is listed as a PERMITTED WITH APPROVAL USE, it means that Buildings & Safety Engineering cannot issue an occupancy permit until a public hearing is held and findings are made to ensure that the land use will not be injurious to the surrounding neighborhood.
When a land use is NOT PERMITTED, it means that Buildings & Safety Engineering has no authority to issue an occupancy permit. You need to obtain a use variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). After a public hearing has been held and the BZA has issued a grant, Buildings & Safety Engineering can issue a permit.
For certain PERMITTED WITH APPROVAL USES, you bear a greater burden of proof to demonstrate that the land use will not injure the neighborhood. These are CONTROLLED USES and REGULATED USES. Additional requirements, standards or limitations may apply--including the need to circulate petitions among surrounding property owners/residents to document their support for the proposed use.