Dearborn's zoning code allows home occupations in residential districts when clearly incidental to the residence, conducted indoors, with no outside employees, and no visible evidence of the business from the street.
Dearborn permits home occupations subject to conditions in the zoning code. The business must be incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling and conducted entirely indoors. Typically only residents of the dwelling can work in the business; non-resident employees coming to the home are not allowed. The home's residential character must be preserved, meaning no exterior signs, no outdoor storage of materials or equipment, and no alteration that would diminish residential appearance. Some home occupations require a home occupation permit or certificate of use. Businesses that generate significant traffic, noise, or odors are prohibited. Commonly approved home businesses include professional offices, consulting, tutoring, freelance creative work, and online sales with no retail foot traffic. Auto repair, welding, commercial kitchens, and similar uses are not allowed.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Dearborn, MI
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Dearborn, MI
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Dearborn, MI
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Dearborn, MI
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Dearborn, MI
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Dearborn, MI
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how other cities in Wayne County handle zoning restrictions.
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