Dearborn Council Tables First Reading of Garage Ordinance

Proponents for and against regulations governing the use of residential garages in Dearborn continued to voice their concerns before the city council on Tuesday.

The council voted 7-0 to table the first reading of the zoning ordinance amendment that defines acceptable uses of garages and prohibits the structures from being converted into habitable spaces.


The ordinance defines habitable space as "space within a structure for living, sleeping, eating and cooking." Factors determining conversion include unauthorized renovations which require permits or permanent enclosure of the garage by installation of a framed wall, and/or enclosure by brick, siding or other materials.

Garages can only have a faucet or utility sink as permitted by code, and basic electrical service incidental to the use of the garage for minor repairs. No bathroom or cooking facilities are permitted.

In addition, garages can only be enclosed by a non-transparent overhead retractable door, which allows vehicles to enter and exit the building freely without obstruction. The use of screen doors or glass doors is not permitted. Carriage doors consistent with the architectural design of the home are permitted. Garages can also have service doors (solid/hinged, sliding glass, or French doors) not exceeding 8 feet in width for entry into the structure.

Resident Marlene Wiscovitch commended the city for developing the ordinance after months of feedback from residents.

"City ordinances are put into place to protect the integrity of the city. If every resident were allowed to make structural changes of any form without the city's approval, there would be complete chaos," Wiscovitch said. "Garages are intended to park cars and for storage. They are not to be used as family rooms and additional living space, which some residents have chosen to do."

Wiscovitch said homeowners who feel they do not have adequate living space should address that concern with additions to their homes, finished basements, patios or other approved structural enhancements.

"The changes that have already taken place in many homes in east and west Dearborn create hardships for neighborhoods," she said.

Councilman Robert Abraham echoed Wiscovitch, stating that his support for the ordinance stems from structural safety issues with older garages, fire hazards and street congestion.

"If the use of a garage is not conducive to off-street parking, that's an issue for me," Abraham said.

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. The requirements make it easier for emergency vehicles to navigate city streets, and also accommodate street sweepers during Public Service Days.

Chris McKelvie, the Wayne County coordinator for Michigan Campaign for Liberty, is adamantly opposed to the ordinance, going as far as to argue the city is infringing on property rights.

"There's no tangible proof that can be shown if I put a chandelier in my garage, surrounding property values will go down like some people have argued," he said. "As long as what I'm doing isn't harming anyone else or the adjoining property, then we should learn to respect other people's rights to do what they want with their home."

The council held a first reading of the ordinance and unanimously voted to table it on Tuesday. The council can approve, deny or table the ordinance at its second reading during the council's next regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 in the council chambers at city hall.