Parking Rules in Farmington Hills, MI

If you live in Farmington Hills or are thinking about moving there, parking rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Farmington Hills has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Snow Removal Parking Rules

When the city manager declares a snow emergency for falling or forecast snow, sleet or freezing rain, parking is banned on the affected streets until the emergency ends. Vehicles left in place can be ticketed, towed and impounded, with owners on the hook for towing and storage costs.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 30-727. Maximum fine: $500.00 civil infraction. Notice lead time: 2 hours (6 a.m.-11 p.m. announcements). Stalled vehicle reporting: 10 days to Secretary of State if unclaimed. Ban lift trigger: Street clear of snow/ice full block length.

Parking on a street subject to a declared snow emergency, or abandoning a stalled vehicle in the roadway, is a civil infraction carrying a fine of not more than $500.00 under § 30-735. The registered owner is presumed to be the person who left the vehicle in violation (§ 30-734), and officers may affix a citation to an unattended violating vehicle instead of impounding it (§ 30-733).

EV Charging

Farmington Hills lets any building, structure or improved area set aside parking spaces reserved for charging electric vehicles, but every reserved space must carry a city-approved sign meeting exact size and mounting rules, and owners must keep the space and sign clear of snow and debris.

Key details: Governing sections: City Code §§ 30-790 to 30-793. EV space requirement: Optional, not mandatory citywide. Sign setback from curb: 2 to 8 feet from curb face. Sign height: 6'3" to 7' (min. 4' for wall/non-pedestrian posts). Enforcement: Police or code enforcement officers, per day.

Violating Article IX (EV parking spaces and signage) is a civil infraction, with penalties applying under City Code § 1-13; each day the violation continues is a separate offense under § 30-793.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Farmington Hills gives residents more flexibility on ev charging.

RV & Boat Parking

Farmington Hills bans outdoor storage of unlicensed RVs, boats, campers and trailers in residential zones unless kept inside a fully enclosed building. Recreational equipment that qualifies for a six-month state license may sit unlicensed in a driveway or yard for up to six months before it becomes a code violation, per Sec. 17-52(a)(2) of the anti-blight ordinance.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 17-52(a)(2). Storage rule: Unlicensed RVs/boats must be fully enclosed. Grace period: 6 months if eligible for 6-month license. Enforcement: Building inspector or code enforcement officer. Notice period: 10 days to remove after written notice.

Failure to comply with a 10-day removal notice under Section 17-52 is itself a Code violation. The city manager's designee can order removal after a show-cause hearing; unresolved violations let the city remove the RV, boat or trailer itself and place a lien on the property for the full cost, including inspection, postage and legal expenses, under Section 17-53(g)-(i).

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Farmington Hills actively enforces its rv & boat parking requirements.

Abandoned Vehicles

Farmington Hills bans storing junk or inoperative vehicles on residential property outside a completely enclosed building under Code Sec. 17-52(a)(1). A vehicle unlicensed or inoperative for more than 30 days qualifies, and violators get 10 days to remove it before the city acts.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 17-52(a)(1). Trigger period: Unlicensed or inoperative 30+ days. Storage exception: Completely enclosed building only. Notice-to-cure period: 10 days. Enforcer: Building inspector / code enforcement officer.

Storing a junk or inoperative vehicle outside an enclosed building past 30 days without abating after a Sec. 17-53 notice exposes the owner to city-ordered removal and cost recovery via property lien, tax assessment, or civil suit, plus administrative expenses.

This is one of the stricter rules in Farmington Hills's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Farmington Hills is tougher than many cities when it comes to parking rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Farmington Hills, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Farmington Hills's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.