The purpose of this chapter is to help protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Inkster by preventing blight, protecting property values and neighborhood integrity, avoiding the creation and maintenance of nuisances and ensuring safe and sanitary maintenance of dwellings, commercial and industrial buildings. The city normally inspects properties upon a change of ownership or use and, in the case of non owner-occupied residential property, every three years, and annually in the case of commercial properties. Due to economic conditions, mortgage fraud, and increased bankruptcies, many homes and buildings have become vacant and unsupervised. This has caused properties to become attractive nuisances for minors and criminal activity. Vacant properties have a negative impact on surrounding properties and neighborhoods. Potential buyers are deterred by the presence of nearby vacant abandoned buildings. There is an increased instance of unsecured or open doors and windows, broken water pipes, theft of metals and other materials, overgrowth of grass, weeds, shrubs, and bushes, illegal dumping, and rat and vermin activity at vacant structures. Such neglect devalues properties and causes deterioration in neighborhoods and commercial areas. The city also needs to be able to contact owners for fire safety and police reasons.
(Ord. 832, passed 11-15-10)