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Serving Ann Arbor Michigan

Ann Arbor, the Washtenaw County seat, has 123,851 residents on 28.20 square miles along the Huron River, framed by I-94 to the south and west, US-23 to the east and M-14 to the north.

It anchors its own metropolitan area inside the wider Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor region. For a carport, it adds two checks: the city’s 15 historic districts and the Huron River floodway.

Custom Steel Buildings in Ann Arbor

The Unified Development Code doesn’t list carports by name, but the city’s zoning compliance guidance names detached carports and treats them as accessory buildings under UDC Sec. 5.16.6.A. There’s no fixed square-foot cap; accessory buildings can take up no more than 35% of the rear required setback area.

The city carries a 20 psf ground snow load in the Michigan Residential Code, while Washtenaw County’s default is 25 psf. We engineer to the value for your address.
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See What We Build Across Michigan

From open carports to fully enclosed pole barns — explore every option available in your area.
  • Carports
  • Garages
  • Workshops
  • RV & Boat Covers
  • Pole Barns
  • Barndominiums

See Our Recent Work in Ann Arbor

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Every Structure We Build in Ann Arbor

Additional photos and details from projects in the area.

Built for Ann Arbor

Historic districts: all exterior work in the city’s 15 local districts, from the Old West Side to Washtenaw Hill, needs a Certificate of Appropriateness, including a carport of any size. Backyard structures of 100 sq ft or less can be approved by staff; larger ones go to the Historic District Commission.

Floodway: new accessory buildings and garages are prohibited in the floodway (UDC Sec. 5.14.2.H.1), which matters on lots near the Huron River.

Placement rules:

  • Not in the front required setback
  • Side setback area: detached only, farther from the street than your house and your neighbor’s, 3 ft from any lot line
  • Rear setback area: 35% maximum coverage, 3 ft from lot lines

Building, Rental and Inspection Services: 301 E. Huron Street, 734.794.6000, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing depends on the size, steel gauge, roof style, and any add-ons like insulation, walk-in doors, or windows. Most projects range from a few thousand dollars for a basic carport to well over $20,000 for a fully enclosed, insulated workshop. We provide a full itemized quote before you commit to anything, so there are no surprises.
Most standard carports and garages are installed within a few days to a week once materials arrive on site, depending on size and site preparation. Larger custom buildings or those requiring a poured foundation can take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeline as part of your quote.
Yes — Michigan winters don’t stop us. Steel buildings and pole barns can be installed year-round, though site conditions like snow and frozen ground may affect scheduling for foundation work. We’ll walk you through what to expect for your specific project and location.
A pole barn uses a post-frame construction method — large posts set into the ground or on piers support the roof — which is typically more cost-effective for large, open spans like agricultural storage or workshops. A steel building (or metal building) usually refers to a fully engineered, pre-fabricated steel frame system, often used for garages and commercial structures. Both can be fully enclosed, insulated, and customized — the right choice depends on your use case and budget, and we can help you decide.
We install across the entire state, from Southeast Michigan and West Michigan to Mid-Michigan, Northern Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula. Visit our Service Areas page to find your specific city or region.
Permit requirements vary by township and county — some areas require a permit for any structure over a certain size, while others have different rules for open carports versus enclosed buildings. We help confirm exactly what’s required for your specific location before your project starts, and can guide you through the process.
Yes. We offer flexible financing options so you can get your building now and pay over time, instead of paying the full cost upfront. Terms and approval depend on the size of your project — see our Financing page for details or ask your quote specialist.
Yes. Every structure we install is engineered to meet or exceed Michigan’s snow load and wind rating requirements for your specific county, and comes stamped by a licensed engineer when Michigan Steel Buildings — Copy SEO Home · Documento de referencia interna required for permitting.
Yes — for customers who want to handle their own construction, we offer metal building kits with all the materials and hardware needed. We also offer fully installed options if you’d rather leave the labor to our crews. Either way, you get the same engineer-certified components.
Yes — insulation can be added during the original installation or as a retrofit later on. We offer spray foam and reflective insulation options, both of which help control temperature and reduce condensation inside the building year-round.

Your Steel Building Is One Quote Away

You’ve seen the sizes, the specs, and what’s included — the only thing left is a number. Talk to a Michigan-based specialist and get your free, itemized quote today.
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