HB 5581
UPDATING ZONING LAW TO ALLOW SMALLER HOMES
House Bill 5581 updates Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act to allow for smaller home sizes.
Today, some zoning ordinances impose minimum floor area requirements that effectively prohibit small homes, micro-housing, or compact starter homes. HB 5581 establishes a statewide floor for allowable home sizes to ensure that smaller dwellings remain legal to build.
What the bill does
Allows local zoning ordinances to impose a minimum dwelling size requirement of up to 500 square feet.
Why this matters
Minimum dwelling size requirements are a direct barrier to affordable housing. By requiring homes to be larger than many households need, these rules:
Increase construction costs
Exclude lower-income buyers and renters
Limit starter homes and downsizing options
Prevent creative housing types like micro-homes or compact infill units
HB 5581 ensures that smaller, lower-cost homes remain legal while preserving local authority over traditional zoning concerns like height, setbacks, and density.
By setting a reasonable statewide floor, the bill expands housing flexibility without eliminating safety standards or broader planning authority.
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2/24/2026: Introduced by Representative Tom Kunse
Referred to Committee on Government Operations
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Tom Kunse (District 100)
Carrie Rheingans (District 47)
Kristian Grant (District 82)
Brenda Carter (District 53)
Sharon MacDonell (District 56)
Jasper Martus (District 69)
Stephen Wooden (District 81)
Jason Hoskins (District 18)
Carol Glanville (District 84)
Jason Morgan (District 23)
Noah Arbit (District 20)
Jimmie Wilson (District 32)
Cynthia Neeley (District 70)
Kimberly Edwards (District 12)
Amos O'Neal (District 94)
Matt Longjohn (District 40)
Mai Xiong (District 13)
Penelope Tsernoglou (District 75)
Joseph Tate (District 9)
Luke Meerman (District 89)
Joey Andrews (District 38)
Tyrone Carter (District 1)
Joseph Aragona (District 60)
Donavan McKinney (District 11)
Helena Scott (District 8)
Mike Hoadley (District 99)
Jennifer Wortz (District 35)
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