HB 5584
Legalizing Duplexes by Right in Residential Zones
House Bill 5584 updates Michigan’s Zoning Enabling Act to require that duplexes be permitted anywhere single-family homes are allowed.
Today, many local zoning ordinances prohibit duplexes in districts zoned for single-family housing or regulate them more restrictively. HB 5584 establishes statewide standards to ensure duplexes are treated similarly to single-family homes.
What the bill does
Defines “duplex” as a single building on one parcel containing two residential units.
Requires duplexes to be permitted in any zoning district where single-family residences are permitted.
Requires duplexes to follow the same permitting procedures as single-family homes.
Prohibits local governments from imposing bulk or size requirements that prevent construction of duplexes with at least 1,000 square feet of habitable floor space per unit, including restrictions related to:
Lot coverage
Setbacks
Maximum height
Minimum unit size
Structure foundation requirements
Floor area ratio
Zoning rules may not require more than 1 parking space per residential unit for a duplex (subject to ADA compliance).
Prohibits imposing design, aesthetic, height, placement, or other requirements on duplexes that are more restrictive than those applied to single-family residences.
Allows reasonable dimensional, setback, design, and permitting standards, provided they are not adopted for the purpose of prohibiting duplex construction.
Why this matters
Duplexes are one of the most common “missing middle” housing types. They allow:
Two households on a single lot
Incremental density without large apartment buildings
Lower per-unit land costs
More attainable homeownership or rental options
In many communities, zoning allows only one home per lot—even in areas with sewer, water, and road infrastructure designed for greater capacity. HB 5584 ensures that duplexes are treated as a standard residential form rather than a special or conditional use.
By aligning duplex regulations with single-family standards, the bill:
Expands housing supply in existing neighborhoods
Supports gentle density that fits the visual pattern and character of single-family neighborhoods
Prevents regulatory barriers that effectively ban two-unit homes
Maintains local authority over reasonable dimensional and safety standards
The bill does not mandate high-rise development; it simply ensures that two-unit homes are legal where one-unit homes are already permitted.
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2/24/2026: Introduced by Representative Joey Andrews
Referred to Committee on Government Operations
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Joey Andrews (District 38)
Carrie Rheingans (District 47)
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)
Tyrone Carter (District 1)
Penelope Tsernoglou (District 75)
Joseph Tate (District 9)
Kathy Schmaltz (District 46)
Luke Meerman (District 89)
Joseph Aragona (District 60)
Donavan McKinney (District 11)
Helena Scott (District 8)
Kristian Grant (District 82)
Jennifer Wortz (District 35)
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