Michigan's natural accumulation doctrine generally protects property owners from slip-and-fall liability for snow on adjacent sidewalks, while leaving local snow-clearing ordinances enforceable as municipal civil infractions.
Michigan common law follows the natural accumulation doctrine, recognized in cases like Buhalis v Trinity Continuing Care, holding that property owners typically owe no duty to remove naturally accumulated snow and ice from public sidewalks. However, MCL 691.1402a (governmental immunity) requires municipalities to maintain sidewalks in reasonable repair, with a limited two-inch sidewalk-defect rule. Cities may adopt local snow-removal ordinances under home rule authority, requiring property owners to clear adjacent sidewalks within a set time after snowfall. Violations are typically municipal civil infractions, not personal injury liability.
Municipal civil infractions ranging $50-$500 per violation; cities may charge contractor clearing costs to property tax bills.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Warren, MI
Warren's noise ordinance (Chapter 21, Article II) prohibits unreasonably loud sounds that disturb peace. After 11:45 PM, police actively enforce disturbing t...
Warren, MI
Barking dogs that disturb the peace and comfort of neighbors are prohibited under Warren's nuisance ordinance (Chapter 21). Complaints handled through code e...
Warren, MI
Warren Code §21-29 prohibits construction, demolition, and excavation work between 7:30 PM–7:00 AM on weekdays, and 7:30 PM–8:00 AM on weekends and holidays....
Warren, MI
No local aircraft noise ordinance in Warren. Aircraft noise is regulated at the federal level by the FAA and subject to flight path agreements. Warren is in ...
Warren, MI
Warren Zoning Ordinance (Article V-A) regulates recreational vehicles. RVs may not be stored within the building setback (front yard) and must be at least 5 ...
Warren, MI
Warren regulates street parking under Chapter 34 and Chapter 37 of its Code of Ordinances (Traffic and Motor Vehicles). General MI Vehicle Code §257.674 appl...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Macomb County.
See how Warren's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
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