Land use: zoning and growth management; accessory dwelling units; allow to connect to the sewer connection servicing the primary dwelling unit. Amends 2006 PA 110 (MCL 125.3101 - 125.3702) by adding sec. 205e.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Martin and 1 co-sponsor

Allows ADUs on the same parcel and owned by the primary dwelling owner to connect to the primary sewer system, removing a zoning barrier.

bill electronically reproduced 06/16/2026

#drains:sewers #landuse:zoningandgrowthmanagement

Overview

House Bill 6085 (2025-2026) from Michigan proposes a targeted change to the Michigan zoning enabling act (2006 PA 110). The bill adds a new section (Sec. 205e) that prevents zoning ordinances from restricting the connection of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to the sewer system of the primary dwelling unit, under specific conditions.

Purpose and intent

To ensure that an ADU on the same parcel as a primary dwelling unit can connect to the sewer system serving that primary unit, provided ownership and location conditions are met.

Aims to streamline utility Connections for ADUs, reducing barriers related to sewer access and potentially promoting greater use and development of ADUs.

Key provisions

Adds Sec. 205e to the Michigan zoning enabling act.

Subsection (1): A zoning ordinance may not restrict the connection of an ADU to the sewer system of the dwelling unit to which the ADU is incidental if both of the following are true:

(a) The ADU is owned by the same person as the primary dwelling unit.
(b) The ADU is located on the same parcel as the primary dwelling unit.

Subsection (2): Defines “accessory dwelling unit” as a secondary dwelling unit, whether built on-site or off-site, that is incidental to another dwelling unit on the same parcel of real property.

Who is affected

Municipal zoning authorities and planning commissions within Michigan jurisdictions that adopt or enforce zoning ordinances.

Owners of properties with ADUs who meet the ownership and parcel criteria (same owner as the primary dwelling; same parcel) and who seek to connect the ADU to the same sewer system serving the primary dwelling.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced and referred to the Committee on Government Operations on June 16, 2026.

No specific effective date or transition timeline is provided in the text available. Typically, enactment would follow the standard legislative process and potential gubernatorial approval to become law, with any effective date specified in the bill or upon passage.

Practical impact

Removes a potential zoning barrier to sewer connections for ADUs under the stated conditions, which could simplify or accelerate ADU development on eligible properties.

Encourages utilizing existing sewer infrastructure for ADUs, potentially impacting utility planning, inspections, and permitting processes at the local government level.

Notes

The bill does not alter other ADU regulations (e.g., size limits, setbacks, or occupancy rules) beyond the specific restriction relating to sewer connections under the defined conditions.

The language hinges on ownership alignment and parcel sameness; properties with divided ownership or noncontiguous parcels would not qualify under Sec. 205e.