ADU Rules in Dearborn, Michigan

Dearborn is a Wayne County city of about 109,000 immediately west of Detroit. Home to Ford Motor Company's world headquarters (The Glass House) and the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn is central to American automotive heritage. Dearborn also has the largest Arab-American community in the United States, primarily in the East Dearborn and South End neighborhoods. Michigan has no statewide ADU preemption law — Dearborn's local Zoning Ordinance governs.

Dearborn vs. Detroit

• Dearborn: Separate city west of Detroit — use Dearborn's permit process
• Detroit: Separate city — different Zoning Ordinance

Dearborn Zoning Ordinance

The City of Dearborn Zoning Ordinance governs all land use in Dearborn city limits.

Permitted ADU Types

Per Dearborn Zoning Ordinance (verify current standards):

• Accessory apartments: Within or attached to primary structure
• Detached accessory dwelling units: Subject to zoning standards

Verify current provisions with Dearborn's Planning Division.

Size Limits

Per Dearborn Zoning Ordinance:

• Maximum floor area per zone
• Lot coverage restrictions

Setbacks

Per Dearborn residential zone:

• Rear: Minimum setback
• Side: Minimum setback

Rouge River Flood Zones

Parts of Dearborn near the Rouge River may be in FEMA flood zones. The Rouge River has historically flooded in the Dearborn area. Verify flood map status.

Michigan Wetlands

Properties near the Rouge River or wetlands may require EGLE review.

Historic Districts

Dearborn has historic districts. Properties in historic districts require review by the Dearborn Historic District Commission.

Permit Process

1. Verify jurisdiction: Confirm property is in Dearborn (not Detroit or Dearborn Heights)
2. Verify zoning: Dearborn Planning Division
3. Check flood zone: If near the Rouge River
4. Historic review: If in a historic district
5. Submit plans: Dearborn Building Safety Division
6. Building permit and inspections
7. CO: Required before occupancy

Contact

City of Dearborn Planning Division 13615 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126 Phone: (313) 943-2250 Website: cityofdearborn.org/departments/planning

Disclaimer: Michigan has no statewide ADU law. Dearborn and Detroit are separate cities. Verify current ADU standards with the City of Dearborn before starting any project.