Permitting of non-prescriptive tree-attached structures
Ann Arbor
Summary
The city building department and its Board of Appeals clashed over how much proof is needed for structures built on living trees. Staff wanted site-specific hardware testing and ICC-ES evaluation reports; the board said an engineer of record plus IAS lab data was enough. The ruling sets a precedent for how Ann Arbor handles oversized tree houses and similar structures.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 1
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 16, 2026.
Impact analysis
The homeowner avoids tearing down a roughly $118-square-foot tree house plus deck; permit and engineering costs still apply.
The Hillridge Blvd homeowner keeps his tree house, and future builders get a clearer path for engineered alternatives.
Mentions & discussions (1)
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