City of Dearborn Planning and Zoning Manager Kaileigh Bianchini (left) speaks Sept. 4 about the possible expansion of short-term rental units to other commercial districts within the city during the mayor’s briefing to the city council while Corporate Council Brad Mendelsohn and Mayor Abdullah Hammoud listen.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – The City Council may consider expanding the allowed footprint of short-term rental units like Airbnb and Vrbo to other commercial districts during its Aug. 9 meeting.
The expansion, explained by Planning and Zoning Manager Kaileigh Bianchini during the Aug. 4 mayor’s briefing to the council, would increase the range of properties available for short-term rentals while buffering them from single-family neighborhoods and housing stock.
The Planning and Zoning Division recommended the move to the Planning Commission, which approved it with conditions at the body’s Aug. 11 meeting.
In July the council enacted zoning changes that would, effective Jan. 1, 2026, restrict STRs to specific areas in the east and west downtowns. The council also enacted ordinances to register short-term rentals and ensure continuous compliance with regulations.
Under the expansion proposal, STRs would be allowed in the BB community business district and the BC general business district throughout the city. However, due to the BA local business district’s proximity to single-family residential neighborhoods, STRs would not be permitted in them.