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πŸ”§ Building Safety/Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed

Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed: Dearborn vs Detroit

How do scaffold & sidewalk shed rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI?

Dearborn has fewer restrictions than Detroit.

Dearborn, MI

Wayne County

Some Restrictions

Dearborn requires scaffolding used on construction sites to comply with the Michigan Building Code and MIOSHA Part 12 Scaffolding standards. Permits and inspections apply for larger projects.

View full Dearborn rules β†’

Detroit, MI

Wayne County

Heavy Restrictions

Scaffold safety in Wayne County follows MIOSHA Part 12 construction standards (Michigan Administrative Code R 408.41201 et seq.), mirroring federal OSHA 1926 Subpart L scaffold requirements.

View full Detroit rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactDearbornDetroit
Code basisMichigan Building Code plus MIOSHA Part 12-
Permit triggerTied to underlying building permit-
Right of waySeparate encroachment permit required-
ContactBuilding and Safety (313) 943-2150-
Agency-MIOSHA
Standard-MIOSHA Part 12
Guardrails over-10 feet
Inspection-Before each shift
ROW permit-Often required

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Dearborn FAQ

Do I need a scaffold permit for painting my house?

No. Homeowners doing minor exterior painting or repair work do not need a separate scaffold permit, but the scaffold must be erected safely.

Can I place a scaffold on the sidewalk?

Only with a right-of-way encroachment permit from Dearborn Public Works, and you must provide pedestrian protection.

Detroit FAQ

Do I need a permit for sidewalk scaffolding?

Cities in Wayne County typically require a right-of-way or encroachment permit for scaffolds on public sidewalks.

Who enforces scaffold safety?

MIOSHA inspects and cites unsafe scaffolds on Michigan construction sites.

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