DEARBORN — The City’s Planning Commission sent a copy this week of a revised garage use ordinance for recommendation to city council for approval. 

The move comes nearly six months after deliberations, which were accompanied by a reaction and feedback from residents. 

On Monday, the Commission voted 8-0, with one member absent, to approve the revision. The revised ordinance includes provisions on prohibiting residents from using their garages as living spaces. 

The ordinance will not be changed however, unless the city council agrees to approve two readings. 

The last time the issue was discussed by the commission was July 8, where Assistant City Attorney William DeBiasi received recommendations for changes. DeBiasi brought the revised ordinance to the commission on Monday. 

One of the provisions in the ordinance is that no garage can be converted into a “habitable space,” which includes no living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms and open-flame heaters are prohibited as well.  However, garages can be used for social gatherings, such as parties, under the condition that there is no physical conversion of the garage. 

Additional provisions include the following: 

•  One garage is permitted per residential lot, and it is intended to provide off-street vehicular parking and incidental household storage. They cannot be used for any commercial purpose, or leased to someone other than the house’s owner or tenant.

•  Faucets and utility sinks that meet the city code are permitted, as is basic electrical service for “minor repairs or hobbies.”

•  Garages must be enclosed only by a nontransparent overhead retractable door that allows vehicles to enter and exit freely. Other types of garage doors that are consistent with the home’s architecture, like carriage doors, can be used if the City approves.

•  Sliding-glass doors are permitted on the side, or back of the garage; not the front.

•  Renovations, like permanent enclosure of a garage with a framed wall, brick, siding, or other materials, require City permits.