Royal Oak Township, MI Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Article III of Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances of the Charter Township of Royal Oak, Michigan, is the dangerous building article. Section 6-44 defines a dangerous building through ten conditions, including a part of the building likely to fall, become detached or dislodged, or collapse and injure persons or damage property; a building manifestly unsafe for its use; a dwelling unsanitary or unfit for human habitation; a building vacant, dilapidated and open at door or window; and a building that remains unoccupied for 180 consecutive days or longer and is not listed as available for sale, lease or rent with a licensed real estate broker. Section 6-45 then makes it unlawful for any owner or agent to keep or maintain a dwelling or part thereof that is a dangerous building.

The 180-day condition has two exceptions. An owner or agent who notifies a local law enforcement agency within 30 days after the building becomes unoccupied, and who maintains the exterior and adjoining grounds, is outside it. A secondary dwelling of the owner, such as a vacation home, hunting cabin or summer home, that is regularly unoccupied for 180 days or longer each year is also excepted if the owner gives the same notice.

The process runs through a hearing. Under § 6-46 the building official issues a notice served personally or by certified mail, at least ten days before the hearing, and the supervisor appoints a hearing officer with housing expertise. Under § 6-47 the hearing officer decides within five days after the hearing: close the case, or order the building demolished, otherwise made safe, or properly maintained. If the owner fails to comply, the matter goes to the Township Board, which sets its own hearing not less than 30 days after the first hearing. An approved or modified order must be complied with within 60 days. For demolition where repair cost exceeds the state equalized value, compliance is due within 21 days.

Costs follow the property. Demolition cost includes hearing officer fees, title searches, recording fees, demolition and dumping charges, court reporter fees and collection costs. If the owner does not pay within 30 days after the assessor mails the cost notice, the Township has a lien. An owner can appeal a final Township Board order to the circuit court by petition within 20 days (§ 6-49).