11.26.2025 - Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory Dwelling Units, Tiny Homes, and Campers in Coopersville: What’s True, What’s Not, and What Might Change

Recently, a question came up on Facebook asking whether someone in Coopersville can place a tiny house or camper on their property for someone to live in. Another commenter suggested that “the state just approved ADUs and they can’t be prohibited anymore.”

Because this topic touches on housing, zoning, and some ongoing state-level legislation, I wanted to give a clear explanation of where things actually stand today from what I know.

1. What is an ADU, and how is it different from a tiny house or camper?

   • • • Across the country, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small, self-contained living space located on the same property as a main home. It has its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. ADUs can be:

       • Attached (like a basement or above-garage apartment)

       • Detached (like a small backyard cottage)

A tiny house could fall into two different categories:

1. • • • If it’s built on a permanent foundation and meets residential building code, it can be regulated as a normal dwelling or possibly an ADU.

       • If it’s built on wheels, it’s treated as a recreational vehicle, not a legal dwelling.

       • A camper or RV is always considered a vehicle under Michigan law. Municipal zoning ordinances almost always prohibit using an RV as a long-term residence on a city lot, except in licensed campgrounds or very short-term circumstances.

2. What Coopersville’s ordinances allow today

Using the city ordinances adopted in 2022 (Ord. 513 and Ord. 515), here’s what is currently permitted:

✔ Accessory Buildings Are Allowed

Garages, sheds, and other non-habitable structures can be built if they follow size, placement, and design rules. (See Ordinance 513, Chapter 1280.11.)

❌ Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Are Not Currently Allowed

Coopersville does not have any zoning language allowing a second dwelling unit on the same lot as a primary home. The “accessory building” section covers structures, not dwellings, and does not authorize using an accessory building as living space separate from the primary home.

❌ Living in a Camper or RV on a Residential Lot Is Not Allowed

Coopersville ordinances do not include any provision allowing RVs or campers to be used as long-term housing. Michigan municipalities uniformly prohibit this, and our code follows the same framework.

✔ Limited On-Site Rental Is Allowed

You may rent one room inside your main home to one person, but no detached living unit is permitted. (See Ordinance 515, Chapter 1250.04(e).)

3. Did the State of Michigan “just approve” ADUs so cities can’t prohibit them?

No. This claim circulating on Facebook is incorrect.

Here’s what’s actually happened at the state level:

A. One law did pass — but it does not legalize ADUs statewide

Public Act 153 of 2024 updated Michigan’s master-planning rules. Cities now need to plan for a wider range of housing types and analyze future housing needs.

This encourages communities to consider options like ADUs, but it does not require cities to allow them, nor does it override local zoning.

B. A major zoning reform package was introduced — but stalled

In late 2024, lawmakers introduced a four-bill package that would have:

3. • • • 1. • Capped residential parking minimums

            • Streamlined site-plan requirements

            • Required duplexes as a permitted use wherever single-family homes are allowed

            • Changed protest-petition rules

These bills moved partway through the legislature but ultimately died when the session ended.

C. A statewide ADU bill exists only as a draft

The Legislative Service Bureau has drafted language that would prevent local governments from banning ADUs. However:

3. • • • 1. • • It has not been introduced

              • It has no bill number

              • It is not under active debate

If introduced in 2025–26, it could re-ignite discussion, but for now, no such law exists.

D. Current state direction: Incentives, not mandates

The proposed "MI Home" housing initiatives would make state dollars available to communities that choose to adopt zoning reforms such as:

3. • • • 1. • • Allowing ADUs

              • Allowing duplexes

              • Reducing parking minimums

These are voluntary pathways, not legal requirements.

4. So what does this mean for Coopersville residents today?

Here’s the simplest way to say it:

4. • • • A tiny home on a foundation may someday be allowed as an ADU, but it is not allowed now.

       • A tiny home on wheels is legally an RV and cannot be used as a home in the city.

       • A camper or RV cannot be used as long-term housing on a city lot.

       • A second dwelling unit on a lot is not permitted anywhere in Coopersville under current zoning.

       • Anyone considering a project like this should contact the Planning & Zoning office to review their specific lot and district.

5. A personal note from me

   • As a council member, I’m interested in seeing Coopersville explore ADUs and small footprint housing in the future. When done thoughtfully, ADUs can increase housing options for families, seniors, and young adults without changing neighborhood character. 

   • My goal here is simply to give residents clear information about the current rules and the broader statewide conversation so that expectations are grounded in what’s actually on the books.