Properties subject to this section shall comply with the International Property Maintenance Code and more specifically be kept free of weeds; grass more than six inches high; dry brush; dead vegetation; trash; junk; debris; building materials; any accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers, notices, except those required by federal, state or local law; discarded items including, but not limited to, furniture, clothing, large and small appliances, printed material, signage, containers, equipment, construction materials, or any other items that give the appearance that the property is abandoned.
The property shall be maintained free of graffiti, tagging or similar markings by removal or painting over with an exterior grade paint that matches the color of the exterior of the structure.
All visible front and side yards shall be landscaped and properly maintained. Landscaping includes, but is not limited to, grass, ground covers, bushes, shrubs, hedges or similar plantings, decorative rock or bark designed and maintained in an appropriate manner. Landscaping does not include weeds, gravel, broken concrete, asphalt, decomposed materials, plastic sheeting, indooroutdoor carpet or any similar material. Maintenance includes, but is not limited to, regular watering, irrigation, cutting, pruning and mowing of required landscaping and removal of all trimmings.
Pools, spas, and other water features shall be kept in working order so the water remains clear and free of pollutants and debris or drained and kept dry and free of debris. In either case, properties with pools and/or spas must comply with the minimum security fencing and barrier requirements of the Michigan building, construction and maintenance codes.
Properties subject to this section shall be maintained in a secure manner so as not to be accessible to unauthorized persons such as vandals, scrappers or small children. Secure manner includes, but is not limited to, the closure and locking of windows, doors (walk-through, sliding and garage), gates, rooftop access, and any other opening of such size that it may allow an unauthorized person to access the interior of the property and/or structure(s). Broken windows must be repaired or replaced within seven days. Boarding up of open or broken windows is prohibited except as a temporary measure. It is the owner’s responsibility to secure the property.
The owner or the owner’s agent shall demonstrate that all water, sewer, electrical, gas, HVAC, plumbing systems, exterior finishes and walls, concrete surfaces, accessory buildings, roofing, structural systems, foundations, drainage systems, gutters, doors, windows, parking areas, signage, driveway apron(s), service walk(s), sidewalk(s), and other public areas are sound operational, or properly disconnected.
If the property is owned by a corporation and/or the beneficiary/trustee/owner is located more than 100 miles away, a local Michigan property management company shall be contracted to perform weekly inspections to verify that the requirements of this section, and any other applicable laws, are being met.
(Emergency Manager Order No. 39. Ordered 8-15-14.)