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Zoning

Zoning Introduction

Webster's Dictionary defines zoning as "to arrange in or mark off into zones; specifically : to partition (a city, borough, or township) by ordinance into sections reserved for different purposes (as residence or business)". The City of Detroit has many zoning classifications which, in general, keep similar land uses together. For example, an industrial use is not permitted to locate in the middle of a residential area because the zoning for the residential area prohibits it. The zoning classifications are broken down into districts for residential, commercial, and industrial uses. There are also several special districts intended for certain areas or for certain types of development.


Zoning Maps

The City of Detroit zoning maps are available at municode.com by clicking here.  The following steps are required to access them:
  1. expand the "Preliminaries" folder in the index frame at the left of the page by clicking the minus sign (not the words)
  2. select "ARTICLE XV. ZONING MAPS"
  3. double-click on the map you want in the right-hand pane to open it

Once the map is open, you can either save it to your local PC, view it, or print it.  The images are large, so viewing may take several minutes.  Please note, the maps on this website are for informational purposes only.  You should verify zoning information with Planning Commission staff or Building and Safety Permit Counter before making final decisions.


Zoning Ordinance

The text of the zoning ordinance is available for download in Microsoft Word file format by clicking here. If you choose to download it, please be advised that the file is quite large, and may take a considerable amount of time to download. If you are having problems downloading, click the link with your right mouse button and choose the "Save target as..." option. This will give you the option of saving the file onto your local computer. A summary of the ordinance is available in Adobe Acrobat format. Please note, the zoning text on this website is for informational purposes only.

Copies of the ordinance are available for $75.00 from the Buildings and Safety Engineering Department, which can be reached at (313) 224-3251. Click Here for information from the Buildings and Safety Engineering Department on zoning & land use and occupancy permits