Before You Build in Dearborn, MI: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Dearborn requires a building permit for any fence over 6 feet tall and for all fences in commercial or industrial zones. Residential fences under 6 feet generally need a permit but no zoning variance.

Dearborn requires pool barriers at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates per the Michigan Residential Code. In-ground and above-ground pools 24 inches deep need enclosures.

Retaining walls in Dearborn under 4 feet tall measured from bottom of footing require no permit. Walls 4 feet or taller require a building permit with engineered plans per Michigan Residential Code.

Dearborn follows Michigan's common-law partition-fence principles. Good side faces out, shared fences require mutual agreement, and disputes can go to district court under MCL 43.51.

Dearborn limits fences to 4 feet in front yards, 6 feet in side and rear yards, and 8 feet in industrial zones, with corner lots subject to sight-triangle reductions.

Swimming pool installation in Dearborn requires a building permit from the Building and Safety Department, with electrical and plumbing permits for equipment and plan review for barriers and setbacks.

Above-ground pools in Dearborn deeper than 24 inches require a building permit, a compliant barrier, and either a lockable removable ladder or perimeter fence meeting Appendix G.

Hot tubs and spas in Dearborn require electrical permits, GFCI protection, and either a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 or a compliant barrier.

Dearborn pools must meet federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act drain requirements, Michigan Residential Code electrical bonding, and state GFCI protection rules for all outlets and equipment.

Dearborn requires pools deeper than 24 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates under Michigan Residential Code Appendix G.

Converting a garage to living space in Dearborn requires building permits and must meet zoning, egress, insulation, and parking replacement requirements; conversion to a separate rental unit is not allowed.

Michigan has no statewide ADU mandate, and Dearborn's zoning code generally does not authorize accessory dwelling units in single-family districts, though attached in-law arrangements may be possible.

Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet Michigan Residential Code and Dearborn zoning minimum dwelling size and setbacks; tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences.

Carports in Dearborn must meet residential zoning setbacks and height limits and generally require a building permit; freestanding metal carports in front yards are typically prohibited.

Residential sheds in Dearborn are allowed in rear yards with setbacks from property lines; sheds over 200 square feet or with utilities typically require a building permit and zoning review.

Open burning is generally prohibited in Dearborn under EGLE Part 55 air pollution rules and city ordinance, with narrow exceptions for small recreational fires and approved ceremonial fires.

Dearborn permits recreational fire pits on private residential property when used with clean dry wood, kept a safe distance from structures, and never left unattended per the adopted International Fire Code.

Dearborn buys water from Great Lakes Water Authority and imposes no permanent outdoor watering restrictions, though voluntary conservation is encouraged and emergency limits may apply during main breaks.

Dearborn property owners must trim private trees that overhang sidewalks to at least 8 feet and streets to at least 13.5 feet, while street trees in the public right of way are managed by the city.

Private tree removal on residential property generally does not require a permit in Dearborn, but trees in the public right of way or protected landmark trees need city approval before removal.