Dearborn Heights, MI Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Sections 15-7 and 15-8 of the Dearborn Heights City Code apply the flood damage prevention chapter to all areas of special flood hazard identified by FEMA in the Flood Insurance Study for the City of Dearborn Heights completed May 6, 1996, together with its flood insurance rate maps and flood boundary-floodway maps, which are on file at the city clerk's office. Section 15-8(b) lets the Building and Engineering Director designate additional flood hazard areas the city engineer identifies using the best available floodplain data. Section 15-9 bars locating, extending, converting or structurally altering any structure or land in these areas without full compliance with the chapter and other applicable regulations, and Section 15-38 requires a flood hazard area development permit application, including the elevation of the lowest floor and any floodproofing, on a site plan reviewed by the Building and Engineering Director.

Section 15-56's general standards require all new construction and substantial improvements to be anchored against flotation and lateral movement, built with flood-resistant materials, and designed so water supply and sanitary sewer systems minimize infiltration by floodwater. Section 15-60 bars encroachments, including fill and new construction, within a designated floodway unless a registered engineer certifies no increase in flood levels, and bars placing manufactured homes there outside an existing manufactured home park. The zoning board of appeals hears variance requests under Section 15-81, applying the factors at Section 15-82, and Section 15-39 requires an application fee set by council resolution for every development permit under this chapter.