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HB 5581

Land use: zoning and growth management; minimum home size requirements; limit. Amends sec. 201 of 2006 PA 110 (MCL 125.3201) & adds sec. 205e.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joey Andrews and 26 co-sponsors

Michigan bill restricts local zoning minimum home size requirements to increase housing supply and affordability by allowing smaller residential units.

Rep. Sharon MacDonell removed as cosponsor
#housing:other #landuse:zoningandgrowthmanagement
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5581

Legislative bill overview

HB 5581 amends Michigan's zoning and growth management law by limiting local governments' ability to enforce minimum home size requirements. The bill targets restrictions that prevent construction of smaller residential units in zoned areas, potentially enabling more diverse housing types like tiny homes, duplexes, or smaller single-family dwellings.

Why is this important

Housing affordability and availability are significant challenges in Michigan communities. Minimum home size requirements—often 1,500+ square feet—can artificially inflate housing costs and limit options for first-time homebuyers, young professionals, and lower-income residents. This bill addresses supply-side housing constraints that many states have tackled to increase housing diversity and affordability.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state mandate: Cities and townships may view this as state overreach into traditional zoning authority, while supporters argue housing access justifies limiting exclusionary zoning practices
  • Property values and neighborhood character: Opponents worry smaller homes could depress adjacent property values or alter community aesthetics; proponents counter that housing diversity strengthens neighborhoods economically
  • Implementation details: The bill's specific limitations on minimum size requirements are unclear from this summary—ambiguity about thresholds, exemptions, or grandfather clauses could create legal disputes and uneven application across jurisdictions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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