Press Releases

Posted Dec. 14, 2011

Just in time for the winter season, the City of Dearborn has created expanded options for residents who want to store firewood on their property.

The City Council voted Dec. 12 to add language regulating the storage of firewood to the Fire Prevention and Protection Chapter (Chapter 10) of the City Code.

Under the ordinance, firewood can be stored in a rack or structure that is raised only nine inches off the ground, a decrease from the previous 18 inches.  And firewood doesn’t need to be raised at all if the wood pile is located on concrete or pavers.

The new ordinance also allows small quantities of firewood to be stored on front porches from October 1 – April 1. This provision means a small amount of wood can be handy for residents who want to keep their fireplaces or wood stoves stoked.

Restrictions for this provision are:  the firewood pile cannot exceed two feet in height, three feet in width and two feet in depth, or 10 percent of the porch area, whichever is smaller.

In addition, the firewood pile can’t impede entry or exit from the house, block porch steps or be a trip hazard.

The ordinance was approved after recommendations from the City administration and the Dearborn Fire Department, and careful consideration of residents’ comments.

The Fire Department said that the new ordinance was developed with the safety of residents and firefighters in mind, including ensuring that piles of firewood would not prevent an escape from a burning house.

The new regulation, which goes into effect December 22, spells out the dimensions of storage piles and where residential firewood can be stored.

The preferred location is out of sight in the back yard.  Rear yard firewood piles may not exceed 25 percent of the total width or depth of a yard, whichever is greater.

The wood can’t be rotting or house insects or animals.  Enforcement action will be taken against homeowners with nuisance firewood piles.