Dearborn R-1 lots generally limit principal and accessory building coverage to 30 to 35 percent of the lot. Impervious coverage is also considered for stormwater review on larger projects.
The Dearborn Zoning Ordinance sets maximum lot coverage for buildings in each district. In R-1 Single-Family Residential, principal buildings typically may not exceed 30 percent of the total lot area, and accessory buildings are limited to an additional 5 percent, for a combined building coverage cap near 35 percent. R-2 and R-3 districts allow higher coverage for attached dwellings. Business and industrial districts allow coverage up to 50 to 70 percent depending on parking and landscape requirements. Impervious surface limits (driveways, patios, walkways) are not capped citywide in R-1, but large expansions that add impervious area on sites near the Rouge River or in flood-prone areas may trigger stormwater review under EGLE Part 91 rules. Homeowners planning large additions, pools, or detached garages should calculate coverage early in design. Decks and overhangs may count partially toward coverage depending on how they are constructed.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
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