Dearborn Residents Have Mixed Reaction to Proposed Garage Use Ordinance

A city ordinance governing residential garages in Dearborn has drawn mixed reaction from residents in recent weeks.

The ordinance aims to curtail unsanctioned garage usage, specifically converting a garage into a living space, which is prohibited under city law.

Several residents of Orchard Street are among the dozens of families protesting the ordinance, arguing that their garages are used for social gatherings with friends, and have never invited scrutiny in the past. Recently city officials discovered that some homes began installing sliding doors instead of the more traditional electric ones and are concerned that garages are being used as living spaces.

According to an article by the Associated Press, city officials say the structures are not meant to be living spaces, so building permits cannot be issued to convert them. That conversion is not only illegal but also is not inspected for safety.

Resident Hysam Hammad said instead of outlawing certain garage use, the city should come up with a compromise.

"I think there should be no problem with having inspectors review the safety of the garages. Why not make sure they are fireproof and safe? To outright outlaw hanging out in the garage I think completely invades a person's freedom to do what they like with their homes. There should be a reasonable middle ground here for both sides of this argument," he said.

Resident Jamilie Sobh agreed, stating: "As long as rules are followed and you are not disturbing the peace or annoying your neighbors then this should not become an issue."

Homeowner Laura Mathena said that her family often enjoys socializing with neighbors and listening to old vinyl albums in her garage.

"I enjoy visiting my Arabic friends and sitting in their garage, drinking the wonderful teas and eating until I bust. I don't understand what the big deal is with chilling in the garage," she said.

But city officials argue that as people get a little too comfortable hanging out in the garage, more cars are clogging side streets. According to the city's current rules, all houses in the city are required to have off-street parking for at least two vehicles, and all houses built after 1993 must have a garage that can store at least two cars side by side.

Garages cannot be used by a person who does not live in the accompanying house or used for any business or commercial purpose, including storage. Garages can’t be used for sleeping or cooking, and no open-flame heaters are allowed.

Mary Laundroche, director of the city's Department of Public Information, told the Associated Press that Dearborn is currently working with residents to find a solution that is safe but also respects a homeowner's property.

“We’re trying to find a solution that is safe and acknowledges the way garages are being used,” she told the AP.

The Planning Commission will discuss the ordinance at its meeting on July 8. If the ordinance is approved by the Planning Commission, the Dearborn City Council will have the final say.

Speak Out: Should the city limit uses for residential garages? Tell us in the comments.