Dearborn, MI Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- West Downtown District only
- Residential-adjacent setback
- 40 feet, no structures
- Major projects
- Full Planning Commission site-plan review
- Minor changes
- City Planner concept-plan review
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 19-1634 (2019)
Summary
Dearborn's West Downtown District follows Article 27.00, a form-based zoning code that sets build-to lines, height, architectural standards, and a 40-foot residential buffer, with Site Plan Review required for new construction and major expansions.
The purpose of the West Downtown District form-based code is to implement the Master Plan Vision: ... Establish clear controls on building form and placement to frame a well-defined public realm comprised of human-scale streets, neighborhoods and public spaces, all of which contribute to creating a safe, comfortable and livable environment.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-07: Code: Updated through: July 22, 2026 | Zoning: Updated through: July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Article 27.00 of the Dearborn Zoning Ordinance is a form-based design code for the West Downtown District, controlling build-to lines, dooryards, fenestration, roof pitch and architectural materials. New construction and major expansions need full Site Plan Review before the Planning Commission; minor expansions and accessory structures get a shorter Concept Plan Review from the City Planner. Where a West Downtown lot borders a single-family or residential-condominium property, developers must hold a 40-foot setback from that lot line, landscape at least 10 feet of it, and step back upper floors above the second story by 10 feet. Adopted by Ord. No. 19-1634 (2019).
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant plans are denied Site Plan Review approval by the City Planner, Planning Commission, or City Council; only the Zoning Board of Appeals can grant a variance from these build-to, height, and setback standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dearborn's downtown design code apply outside West Downtown?
Who approves a new West Downtown building design?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dearborn
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