Rochester Hills, MI Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 18-490 flatly prohibits keeping or maintaining any building or structure, or part of one, that is a dangerous building. Section 18-491 defines a dangerous building to include a building whose exits do not conform to the fire code, one weakened by fire, wind or flood damage, one with a part likely to fall or collapse, one manifestly unsafe for its use, one that has become an attractive nuisance or harbor for vagrants, one unfit for human habitation, and one left vacant, dilapidated and open at a door or window for trespassers to enter, or unoccupied for 180 consecutive days without notice to law enforcement.

Section 18-493 requires the mayor to appoint a hearing officer with housing expertise, who cannot be a building department employee. Section 18-495 requires written notice at least ten days before a show-cause hearing on whether the building is dangerous, served personally, by certified mail, or posted on the structure. Section 18-496 lets the hearing officer, after testimony, order demolition or repair with a compliance deadline, and Section 18-497 gives the City Council authority to approve, disapprove or modify that order at a hearing held at least 30 days later.

Section 18-498 allows judicial review by the circuit court within 20 days. Section 18-499 sets a 60-day compliance deadline after City Council action, shortened to 21 days where fire, wind or flood damage exceeds the state-equalized value. Section 18-501 lets the city recover its demolition or repair cost plus a $300.00 administrative fee from the owner, and Section 18-502 creates a tax-style lien if unpaid within 30 days of billing.