Washtenaw County · Michigan
Metal buildings in Ann Arbor Township, MI.
We supply pole barns, detached garages, workshops and more across Ann Arbor Township. Our work reaches from the residential neighborhoods to the rural and agricultural land around the township, and anywhere else you’re building.
Over 3 acres
10% of lot, up to 10,000 sq ft
Height
15 ft, up to 20 ft
From other buildings
10 ft
Rear yard coverage
35% max
From Ann Arbor Charter Township Ordinance No. 4-2024, adopted February 19, 2024 and effective March 8, 2024, amending Chapter 74 of the township code.
What people build in Ann Arbor Township
A Washtenaw County township that updated its accessory building rules in 2024, with room for big buildings on big lots.
Detached garages
In residential districts, behind the rear line of the house. Over 100 sq ft, they meet the full setbacks of the district.
Pole barns
All detached accessory buildings together can total 1,500 sq ft on lots over 1 acre up to 2 acres, 4,000 sq ft over 2 up to 3 acres, and 10% of the lot up to 10,000 sq ft over 3 acres.
Farm buildings
Farm structures like barns and silos don’t count toward the size limit, and in the rural districts can be up to 75 feet tall.
Taller buildings
Accessory buildings can go 5 feet above the 15-foot limit by stepping 1 foot farther from the property line for each extra foot.
We work in tubular steel, cold-formed steel, steel truss and red iron. See what a steel building costs.
Permitting metal buildings in Ann Arbor Township
Ann Arbor Township sets no limit on the number of detached buildings but caps their combined size and height.
Placement
- In the rural R-C, A-1 and A-R districts, detached buildings stay out of every required yard setback.
- In the residential districts, they can’t sit in front of the rear line of the house, or in the corner side yard on a corner lot. Every detached building stays 10 feet from other buildings.
Size & height
- There’s no limit on how many detached buildings a lot can have, but they count toward ground floor coverage and floor area ratio, and none can be larger than the house’s ground floor.
- Accessory buildings can be 15 feet tall in the rural and residential districts, or up to 20 feet with an added foot of setback for each foot over 15.
Use & permits
- Accessory buildings can’t be used as dwellings, and can’t be used before the house is built except during its construction.
- Up to 100 sq ft, an accessory structure needs a zoning compliance certificate instead of a building permit. Accessory buildings can cover no more than 35% of the minimum required rear yard.
In Ann Arbor Township, bigger lots unlock much bigger buildings. Over 3 acres, the allowance is 10% of the lot up to 10,000 sq ft, and farm buildings don’t count against it. The height limit is 15 feet unless the building steps back from the line. We’ll size the building to your acreage first.
See all of Michigan.
Start with a conversation
Let’s talk about your Ann Arbor Township project.
Tell us what you’re planning and where you’re building. We’ll help you work out the next steps.
- Tell us what and whereSend us the size, how you’ll use the building and the address.
- We check the siteWe confirm who permits the address and which code and loads apply.
- You get a clear recommendationWe recommend the frame that fits and price it against the alternatives.
Or call
417-218-8348