Council sends first reading of short‑term rental ban to Planning Commission after unanimous vote

The Dearborn Heights City Council voted on March 11 to consider ordinance H‑25‑02, a measure that would explicitly outlaw most short‑term rentals in residential neighborhoods and add enforcement mechanisms and fines.

The motion, which passed on first consideration by unanimous roll call, refers the proposed ordinance to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and a written report within 60 days, as required by the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. The draft ordinance defines “principal residence” and creates a rebuttable presumption that advertising a property as a short‑term rental is evidence of a prohibited use; it also sets a $500 fine per violation and references other code provisions that could allow daily fines for continued noncompliance.

Council members and residents who spoke during public comment said the ordinance responds to recurring complaints about weekend parties, noise, trash and end‑of‑night disturbances associated with short‑term guests. Several council members urged the administration to fund enforcement capacity (overtime for ordinance officers or dedicated weekend coverage) once the ordinance is adopted; staff said budgeted ordinance positions exist but follow‑up discussion will be required to clarify resources and enforcement protocols.

The Planning Commission will schedule a public hearing and return a recommendation to the council. If the council adopts the ordinance after the Planning Commission’s review and the statutory notice and publication procedures are met, the city will add explicit prohibitions to Chapter 36 of the city code to close enforcement gaps, officials said.

Ending: The council’s unanimous first reading sends the draft to the Planning Commission; council members asked staff to return with enforcement staffing options and a public‑education plan for neighbors and platforms advertising rentals.