Battle Creek, MI Code Violation Reporting: Response Times (2026)

Section 1462.14(a) requires every order on a Property Maintenance Code (PMC) violation to carry a specified time for compliance in relation to the seriousness of the violation. Emergencies and violations of PMC 602.2, 602.3 or 102.2 get at least 24 hours but not more than 72 hours after oral notice or after written notice is served or posted. An order to secure an unsafe dwelling under PMC Section 108 allows not more than five calendar days, and securing a vacant dwelling under PMC Section 108.2 and 301 allows not more than seven calendar days. An order to vacate under § 1462.24 allows not less than 24 hours or not more than seven days. All other violations get not more than 60 calendar days.

Subsection (b) tolls exterior painting, concrete work or any other exterior work adversely affected by cold or snow when the order is issued between October 31 and March 31, or its time limit has not expired by October 31. The remaining time begins on April 1.

Subsection (c) lets the Administrator approve additional time, up to double the time limit in the written notice, when an inspector determines the violation is not a hazard to health or safety. The responsible person must document in writing that compliance cannot be achieved by the initial date because of serious disability, illness or death of the person or family, extraordinary economic hardship, weather conditions making compliance impossible or impractical, or delays in obtaining supplies, materials or services beyond the person's control. Under subsection (d), no other extension comes except by order of the Board of Appeals.

Clock mechanics matter: under § 1462.12 a mailed order is deemed received seven calendar days after mailing, and an appeal must be filed with the Code Compliance Department within 20 business days under § 1462.17(c). An appeal does not stay deadlines for emergency orders or orders on utilities and securing vacant dwellings (§ 1462.10(i)). Emergency orders under § 1462.13 can be given orally and are effective immediately.