Battle Creek, MI Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)

Chapter 1450 of the Battle Creek Codified Ordinances adopts the International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 edition, as the Property Maintenance Code of the City for regulating the conditions and maintenance of all property, buildings and structures (Section 1450.01). Section 1450.02 fills in the blanks: the code applies to the City of Battle Creek, the penalty under Section 112.4 is $100 per day for each offense, grass and weed length under Section 302.4 is nine inches, and the Section 304.14 dates are April 1st and October 31st.

Section 1450.03 then rewrites several provisions that produce the most common citations. Under 302.3, sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways and parking spaces must be kept in a proper state of repair and free from hazardous conditions, and shrubs, trees and similar plantings must be trimmed so they do not encroach into public walks and rights-of-way or block visibility. Under 502.1, every dwelling unit must contain its own bathtub or shower, lavatory, water closet and kitchen sink in a sanitary, safe working condition, and every occupied unit must have a stove, an oven and a refrigerator in good repair. A kitchen sink cannot substitute for the required lavatory.

Heat is a frequent rental issue. Section 602.3 requires every owner or operator who rents, leases or lets dwelling or sleeping units on terms to furnish heat to supply a minimum temperature of 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms. Under 602.4, indoor occupiable work spaces need heat to maintain a minimum of 65°F (18°C) while occupied. Section 305.6.1 prohibits hasp locks and padlocks in any areas occupied by residents.

Vacant buildings have their own rule. The boarding standard replaces Appendix A: exterior grade plywood of at least one-half inch thickness, cut to the opening, with two-inch long screws at first story and ground accessible openings, and a City Order to Secure must be complied with within seventy-two hours. After that the City can secure the structure and bill the owner of record for all costs, including service fee and administrative costs, as a personal debt. Weed violations are covered in Section 302.4, which sets a nine-inch limit.