Codes and Guidelines

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Unified Development Code

The Unified Development Code divides the City into zoning districts and contains the development standards for construction in the City, such as permitted uses, setback and height regulations, parking, landscaping and buffering, signs and fences, and the approval procedures for new construction and redevelopment. ​All development standards and regulations are provided in the UDC. ​

The UDC is Chapter 55 of Title V of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor. Download a copy of the current edition here: 

Unified Development Code (PDF) - Tenth Edition, effective February 6, 2025, including amendments through Ordinance 24-31. 

​Unpublished Amendments

• ​​Ordinance 25-25 Nonconforming Structures - Amendment to Section 5.32.2 to revise the standards for alterations to a nonconforming structure so that an alteration to any type of building may be approved under certain conditions. Approved April 7, 2025, effective April 27, 2025. 

Related Regulations and Guidelines

Some regulations and policies are not part of the Ann Arbor City Code, but are still applicable to many developments.  

• Developer's Guide to Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (PDF)
• Planning for Sustainability Webpage​
• Invasive Species List​ (PDF)
• Tree Guidelines and Resources 
• Developer Offset Mitigation Program
• Public Services Standards/Engineering Requirements​
• Rules of the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner: Procedures and Design Criteria for Storm Water Management Systems. Note, this link will take you out of the City of Ann Arbor website and into the Washtenaw County website. ​It is provided for your convenience only.