City ordinances provide the framework for property owners’ expectations regarding private property maintenance. Not only are unkept properties unsightly, but they can also pose a safety threat to others in the community. It is the responsibility of the city’s Code Enforcement Department to ensure that properties meet the requirements of the ordinance and inform property owners when they don’t.
- Grass
- Sec. 28-30.2
- The ordinance requires that property owners regularly mow and maintain a lawn under eight (8) inches. If a property owner allows their grass to reach a height of eight (8) inches, they will receive a violation notice. If they still fail to cut following the notice, the city will send a contractor and bill the property owner.
- Noxious Weeds
- Sec. 28-29
- Several plants and plant material varieties are considered invasive and called out under the city’s “Noxious Weeds” ordinance. If any of the species identified are in your yard, they must be fully removed. Most recently, the city council added Purple Loosestrife and Phragmites to the list of “Noxious Weeds”. Both are prevalent in wet areas and along the water. They are fast-growing and can reduce native fish and wildlife.
- Overgrown Brush, Shrubs & Trees
- Sec. 28-29
- The property owner must remove overgrown brush and shrubs that block the sidewalk and the view of a traffic sign or prevent the light from a street lamp. Additionally, trees must be cut so that there is an eight (8) feet clearance to walk under.
- Sidewalks
- Sec. 36-43
- Sidewalks are located within the city’s right-of-way but are the property owners’ responsibility to maintain good condition. Cracked, broken, or raised sidewalks can impede pedestrian travel and be dangerous. The city’s 2023 sidewalk program is in District 9, from 13 Mile Road to Masonic and the city limits to Lake St. Clair. For property owners outside the sidewalk program district, sidewalk repair or replacement must conform to city standards, and a permit is required.
- Rodents
- Conditions that promote rodent harborage: Keeping your yard free of animal feces, stacked wood, and junk and debris will aid in preventing rodent harborage. Firewood for an indoor or outdoor fireplace must be stacked 18 inches off the ground.
These simple guidelines will help keep your property and the community looking its best! For more information about property maintenance expectations, contact Code Enforcement at 586-447-3336. Or submit a service request online.