Noise Rules: Dearborn vs Detroit
How do noise rules rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI?
Dearborn and Detroit have similar restriction levels.
Dearborn, MI
Wayne County
Short-term rental guests in Dearborn must comply with the city noise ordinance, including quiet hours generally between 10 PM and 7 AM, with hosts liable for guest violations.
View full Dearborn rules →Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Detroit has not codified short-term-rental-specific quiet hours, decibel schedules, or party-house penalties; STR guests are governed by the general noise control provisions of Detroit City Code Chapter 38, Article II, which prohibits unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace, comfort, or repose of others at any time and imposes more specific limits between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The January 3, 2024 draft STR ordinance would add a 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. quiet-hours provision specifically tied to the proposed STR license, but that draft has not been adopted. Until adoption, complaints route through the Detroit Police Department non-emergency line and BSEED's blight/rental enforcement.
View full Detroit rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dearborn | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet hours | 10 PM to 7 AM (typical) | - |
| Host liability | Yes, for guest noise | - |
| Enforcement | Dearborn Police | - |
| Fine | Up to 500 dollars | - |
| Repeat violations | Certificate revocation risk | - |
| Codified STR Quiet Hours | - | None; draft 10 p.m.-7 a.m. proposed January 2024 not adopted |
| Governing Chapter | - | Detroit City Code Chapter 38 (Offenses), Article II (Noise Control) |
| Standard | - | Noise that unreasonably disturbs peace, quiet, comfort, or repose |
| Stricter Nighttime Window | - | 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. |
| Primary Enforcer | - | Detroit Police Department (active disturbance) |
| Secondary Enforcer | - | BSEED + Department of Administrative Hearings (rental compliance) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dearborn FAQ
Who is cited when an STR guest is too loud?
Guests may be cited, but the host and property owner can also face rental enforcement actions.
Can I use a noise-monitoring device?
Yes, decibel monitors (like Minut or NoiseAware) that do not record audio are commonly used and permitted.
Detroit FAQ
What are Detroit's STR quiet hours?
Detroit has not codified STR-specific quiet hours. Short-term rental guests are subject to the general noise control provisions of Detroit City Code Chapter 38, Article II, which prohibits unreasonable noise disturbing the peace of others at any time and treats the 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. window more strictly. The January 3, 2024 draft Short Term Rental Ordinance would add a dedicated 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. STR quiet-hours rule tied to the proposed license, but that draft is not yet law.
Who do I call about a noisy Airbnb in Detroit?
Active disturbances should be reported to the Detroit Police Department non-emergency line (313-267-4600) or 911 if the disturbance is escalating. Daytime, pattern, or compliance complaints (such as a property operating as a rental without a Certificate of Compliance) should be reported to BSEED Property Maintenance through the city's complaint portal so the Department of Administrative Hearings can pursue the rental ordinance violation in parallel.
Do suburban Detroit-area noise rules apply to a property in the City of Detroit?
No. Each Michigan municipality enforces its own noise and rental ordinances within its boundaries. Codes from Livonia, Westland, Dearborn, or other suburbs do not apply inside the City of Detroit; the governing law at a Detroit address is Detroit City Code Chapter 38 (general noise control) and Chapter 8, Article XV (rental compliance).
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