Dearborn officials propose lowering parking minimums for new multifamily units; planning commission split

City staff presented a proposed change to Dearborn's zoning code at first reading Sept. 9 that would reduce off-street parking minimums for new multifamily development and eliminate a 20 percent guest-parking surcharge.

Under the proposal, one-bedroom units would require one parking space (down from 1.5) and two-bedroom units would require 1.5 spaces (down from two). The measure would also remove an automatic 20 percent guest-parking requirement and instead make guest parking a matter for special-land-use review.

Kaylee Bianchini, planning and zoning manager, told the council the changes respond to modern development trends, sustainability goals and recurring challenges in building multifamily housing. She said the amendments target new development in commercial and high-density residential districts and would not allow new multifamily construction in single-family neighborhoods.

Several council members asked about impacts on East Dearborn neighborhoods that have older multiunit buildings and tighter streets. Bianchini said existing nonconforming multifamily units would not be automatically changed by the ordinance, and that the amendment is intended to apply to new mixed-use and commercial-district projects. The transcript shows the planning commission voted on Aug. 11 and did not recommend approval at that time.

The ordinance had its first reading at the Sept. 9 meeting; no final vote was taken. Council members asked staff to clarify where the changes would apply and to provide data on parking impacts for denser neighborhoods before a final vote.