Oakland County · Michigan
Metal buildings in Waterford Township, MI.
We supply detached garages, workshops, pole barns and more across Waterford Township. Our work reaches from established neighborhoods to the larger lots around the township, and anywhere else you’re building.
All accessory buildings
1,444 sq ft or 3% of lot
Absolute cap
2,000 sq ft
Side & rear lines
5 ft
Permit needed
Over 200 sq ft
From Waterford Township’s residential accessory building permit requirements, updated July 22, 2026.
What people build in Waterford Township
An Oakland County township where every shed, garage and pole barn on a lot shares one size allowance.
Detached garages
At least 10 feet from the house, in the rear yard and 5 feet from the side and rear lines. Anything closer to the house counts as attached.
Pole barns
All accessory buildings together can total 1,444 sq ft or 3% of the lot, whichever is greater, up to 2,000 sq ft.
Small sheds
Buildings of 200 sq ft or less don’t need a building permit, but they still count toward the size limit and follow the setbacks.
Attached buildings
A building less than 10 feet from the house meets the same setbacks and foundation rules as the house.
We work in tubular steel, cold-formed steel, steel truss and red iron. See what a steel building costs.
Permitting metal buildings in Waterford Township
Waterford runs a site plan review on every accessory building over 200 sq ft before the permit is issued.
Size & placement
- Sheds, pole barns, garages, carports and gazebos together are limited to 1,444 sq ft or 3% of the lot area, whichever is greater, with a maximum of 2,000 sq ft.
- Detached buildings go in the rear yard, at least 5 feet from the rear and side lines, measured to the closest point including overhangs.
The review
- Site plan review takes about 2 to 3 weeks. It needs the permit application, two sets of scaled construction plans or the township worksheet, and a site plan based on a survey.
- The site and building review fee is $175. Permit fees are based on project cost.
Bond & timing
- A $250 bond is due before the permit is issued and is returned after the final inspection is approved.
- An accessory building can’t go on a lot without a house.
In Waterford, the size cap covers everything on the lot. An existing shed, carport or detached garage counts against the same 1,444 sq ft or 3% allowance as a new pole barn, up to 2,000 sq ft total. We’ll add up what’s already there before we size the new building.
Plans should be in hand early, since the site plan review runs 2 to 3 weeks. We also serve Oxford Township. See all of Michigan.
Start with a conversation
Let’s talk about your Waterford 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