The City of Dearborn is rolling up its sleeves to tackle the overgrowth of grass, weeds, and the clutter of alleyways with a renewed sense of purpose. The city’s property maintenance and abatement program is geared up to spring into action on April 1, a few weeks ahead of the usual schedule, as per an announcement made on the city's website. Dearborn's officials have decided to start the crackdown early this year to pivot towards educating property owners before having to resort to enforcement action. The focus will be on properties that risk violating city ordinances related to tidy yards and alleys.
According to City codes, residents and businesses must make sure to not let grass and weeds grow beyond six inches. Overgrown areas along property lines, fencelines, and alleyways are required to be cleaned up to uphold community health and safety standards. Property owners who fail to comply could receive citations, which, if ignored, could lead to further fines. The move to jump-start the program earlier this year aims to better prepare property owners and provide them with the assistance they need to avoid penalties. "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," Renault Arseneau, Dearborn Code Enforcement Manager, said in a statement obtained by the City of Dearborn's news release.
Efforts this year will include on-site customer service and support in addition to the educational outreach before any violations are ticketed. The city staff has been tasked with assisting property owners in understanding the pertinent ordinances, offering guidance to promptly and efficiently address any potential issues. Such measures appear to be a direct response to resident feedback, who have been vocal about the need for increased efforts to manage seasonal litter and landscaping concerns that emerge with the change in weather.
The City of Dearborn emphasizes the importance of early education and preemptive action in maintaining the appearance and safety of local properties. However, residents or businesses found in violation of City ordinances may receive a notice or citation that requires them to swiftly take action. Come April 1, violations noted will need to be rectified within a 24-hour window after a citation has been issued. To stay clear of any trouble, residents and businesses should ensure their property upkeep is up to scratch, including keeping grass and weed growth under control, and ensuring that alleys are free from litter and animal waste. Any inquiries regarding the Code Enforcement Program can be directed to 313-943-2150.
