FAQs • East Lansing, MI • CivicEngage

What difference does it make to me if my property is in a historical district?: East Lansing has several historical districts that are in areas that are predominately rental properties. Any exterior changes must be approved by the historical preservation officer. Examples are residing your property, changing the porch, adding a porch, installing new windows, removing or adding a garage or out building. Making these changes without prior approval can be costly. The city’s historic preservation officer is happy to assist you in ways to improve your property that will still meet the requirement of the historic preservation code.

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Rental Property Overview

1. Can the occupancy at my rental property be increased?: No. The licensed occupancy of the rental property is based on what zoning would allow at the time the property is licensed. Some properties do have a number of bedrooms that exceeds the licensed occupancy. As an owner you have the responsibility to carefully and clearly explain to your tenants that they cannot add roommates just because they have a spare bedroom.

2. Can I add bedroom space in the basement or attic so tenants do not have to share a bedroom?: Maybe. The code is clear that you have to have adequate headroom, lighting, ventilation, and egress. The best way to find out is to call one of the building inspectors and ask. Remember you will have to obtain a building permit in most instances were a room is being created or finished. A building permit is always needed to put in an egress window, raise a ceiling, lower a floor, etc. when making a legal sleeping room.

3. Can I add parking or widen the driveway?: Maybe. The zoning department must approve all requests to add any parking or driveways. A permit must be obtained before work is started and the zoning department must approve any expansions of parking, driveways or sidewalks.

4. What difference does it make to me if my property is in a historical district?: East Lansing has several historical districts that are in areas that are predominately rental properties. Any exterior changes must be approved by the historical preservation officer. Examples are residing your property, changing the porch, adding a porch, installing new windows, removing or adding a garage or out building. Making these changes without prior approval can be costly. The city’s historic preservation officer is happy to assist you in ways to improve your property that will still meet the requirement of the historic preservation code.

5. How do I know of a code change?: The Department of Planning, Building & Development will send out notifications to rental property owners/managers in the event of a code change.