Thank you for your interest in opening a business in the City of Dearborn!
Before beginning, we recommend that you take time to learn about Dearborn's different business districts, and review our helpful list of "Things to Consider" before embarking on the process of opening your business.
From downtowns to shopping complexes, learning about Dearborn's various business districts can help to determine where your prospective business would best fit.
Review guidelines and tips for opening a business in Dearborn, including zoning, location, traffic flow and your target market.
Ready to open your business?
The Economic & Community Development Department has designed simple and effective guidelines that will walk you through the process of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy and opening your business.
Because every business is different, the process varies, and several steps may need to take place before you are able to occupy your space and open for business. The questions below will help guide you through the process.
Are you planning to construct a new building?
If yes, you must submit a Commercial Plan for review. Contact Zoning Administrator David Breneau to discuss your plans before you begin.
Are you purchasing a Commercial Building?
Contact the city assessor's office to file the Property Transfer Affidavit. The link to the form is avialable at the button below.
Please contact the Assessor's office for any questions, regarding the assessment filing at 313-943-2140.
Contact us via email here.
Once the PTA has been filed, email the Occupancy Inspection unit (under the Economic Development Department: Building Services Division) to schedule a commercial interval inspection for the building. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Are you renting or occupying a current space (owner or tenant) and changing the use of the property (e.g., from a retail shop to a restaurant)?
If yes, you must submit your plan for review.
If you are not changing the use of the property, proceed to applying for reoccupancy of the building.
Additional steps may be required before you are ready to open your business, including:
- Obtaining applicable licenses
- Applying for a zoning variance
- Special land use and site plan requests
- Applying for permits
- Signage approvals
Please contact the Economic and Community Development Department with any questions as you go through this process.
Economic & Community Development
Commercial Services Department
16901 Michigan Ave., Suite 6
Dearborn, MI 48126
313-943-2180