Warren, MI Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

City Code Sec. 9-165 defines a dangerous building or structure through ten conditions, including exits that do not meet the fire code, fire, wind or flood damage that reduces structural strength below code minimums, parts likely to fall and injure people or damage property, settling that weakens wind resistance, dilapidation likely to cause partial or complete collapse, conditions manifestly unsafe for the building's use, damage or deterioration that creates an attractive nuisance for children or shelter for vagrants, and dilapidation or unsanitary conditions the code official or health officer finds likely to cause sickness.

A building vacant for 180 consecutive days without a real estate listing also qualifies, unless the owner notifies the department of property maintenance within 30 days and keeps the property maintained, or obtains a vacancy permit under Chapter 28, Article III. Sec. 9-166 separately defines a dangerous premise as one with an accumulation of refuse, junk or debris that becomes a rodent nesting place or health hazard, or an uncontrolled growth of noxious weeds or standing water injuring public health or welfare. Sec. 9-167 declares any building, structure or premise meeting either definition a nuisance that must be abated by repair, maintenance or demolition.

Sec. 9-168 requires the code official, health officer or designated representative to serve written notice of dangerous condition on the owner or occupant, specifying the inspection date, required repairs and abatement deadline, and to set a hearing at least ten days out under Sec. 9-169's hearing officer, who must be an outside expert such as an engineer, architect or contractor and not a city employee.