City of Dearborn, MI
03/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/28/2024 10:22
Tall grass, weed, and property maintenance regulations to begin April 1
Tall grass, weed, and property maintenance regulations to begin April 1
The City of Dearborn will resume its annual property maintenance and abatement program to address and abate tall grass, weeds, and untidy alleyways beginning Monday, April 1, 2024. The program - which kicks off several weeks earlier this year - tasks Code Enforcement officers from the Department of Economic Development with identifying residential and commercial properties across the city at risk of violating City ordinances and, in turn, educate and assist property owners with mitigation.
Under City ordinances, Dearborn property owners must ensure that grass and weeds do not exceed six inches in height. To protect community health and safety, property owners are required to remove overgrown weeds along property lines, fencelines, and alleyways and must keep alleys tidy and free of litter and animal waste. Violations are subject to an official citation from the City, which, if left unresolved, can result in the property owner incurring additional fines and tickets.
The program will begin earlier to allow staff to prioritize early identification, property owner education, and on-site customer service and support before issuing citations. We are also making these changes in response to resident feedback, asking for more certainty on the start date for the season and addressing the issue of increased litter, debris, and landscaping maintenance issues that emerge as the weather begins to shift from winter to spring.
City staff will assist property owners in understanding Dearborn ordinances as they apply to yard and property care and offer coaching to mitigate issues before they result in a citation. Updates made to the abatement program allow City workers to manage their districts more efficiently while ensuring that the city maintains pleasant curb appeal.
Dearborn Code Enforcement Manager Renault Arseneau stated, "Code enforcement initiatives were introduced more than 25 years ago. This year, with a revamped program and more involvement from our team, we intend to help residents with anything officers may notice before a citation occurs. We plan to answer questions and offer customer service guidance through the fall season."
Although the program emphasizes early education and proactive intervention, residents or businesses who are found to have violated City ordinances may receive a notice or citation requiring them to resolve concerns with the length, cleanliness, and safety of the grass, weeds, and alleyways on or near their property. Effective April 1, property owners must resolve cited issues within 24 hours of receiving a citation from the City of Dearborn.
Under City ordinances, Dearborn property owners must ensure that grass and weeds do not exceed six inches in height. To protect community health and safety, property owners are required to remove overgrown weeds along property lines, fencelines, and alleyways and must keep alleys tidy and free of litter and animal waste. Violations are subject to an official citation from the City, which, if left unresolved, can result in the property owner incurring additional fines and tickets.
The program will begin earlier to allow staff to prioritize early identification, property owner education, and on-site customer service and support before issuing citations. We are also making these changes in response to resident feedback, asking for more certainty on the start date for the season and addressing the issue of increased litter, debris, and landscaping maintenance issues that emerge as the weather begins to shift from winter to spring.
City staff will assist property owners in understanding Dearborn ordinances as they apply to yard and property care and offer coaching to mitigate issues before they result in a citation. Updates made to the abatement program allow City workers to manage their districts more efficiently while ensuring that the city maintains pleasant curb appeal.
Dearborn Code Enforcement Manager Renault Arseneau stated, "Code enforcement initiatives were introduced more than 25 years ago. This year, with a revamped program and more involvement from our team, we intend to help residents with anything officers may notice before a citation occurs. We plan to answer questions and offer customer service guidance through the fall season."
Although the program emphasizes early education and proactive intervention, residents or businesses who are found to have violated City ordinances may receive a notice or citation requiring them to resolve concerns with the length, cleanliness, and safety of the grass, weeds, and alleyways on or near their property. Effective April 1, property owners must resolve cited issues within 24 hours of receiving a citation from the City of Dearborn.
Code Enforcement Guidelines
Residents and businesses should follow these tips when caring for their properties to avoid violations:
- Ensure tall grass and weeds are no higher than six inches
- Remove overgrown grass and weeds along the property, including fencelines and alleyways
- Properly dispose of litter and animal waste
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