Can I build a detached garage in Rochester Hills?
Yes, with limits. Accessory buildings are permitted by right with one-family homes (§ 138-4.300), and a detached garage is an accessory structure (§ 138-13.101). The main rules:
- Location. Side or rear yard only, never the front yard (§ 138-10.102.A).
- Setbacks. At least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines on lots under 2 acres, at least 20 feet on lots of 2 acres or more, and never in a required side yard (§ 138-10.102.B).
- Height. One story. The cap is 14 feet with a roof pitch under 4/12, or 16 feet with a steeper pitch (§ 138-10.102.C).
- Size. Combined detached accessory floor area is capped by lot size, starting at 1,000 square feet for lots under one acre (§ 138-10.102.A).
A garage within 10 feet of the house counts as attached and follows the house setbacks instead (§ 138-10.101).
Sources
Full text: Rochester Hills ordinance on Municode. Applies to districts: RE, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5.
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