Warren, MI Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Article IV of Chapter 28, adopted by Ord. No. 80-741/80-743 in 2016, applies to "subject property," defined at Sec. 28-82(9) as vacant for 30 days or more, meaning real property with vacant buildings or structures used or previously used for commercial or industrial purposes, including property being offered for sale, trade or exchange as commercial or industrial. Sec. 28-83 requires the responsible party (owner, mortgagee, mortgagor or buyer, but not a government agency) to continue electrical service, turn on exterior lights during nighttime hours, remove or paint over graffiti within a reasonable period, maintain the exterior per IPMC Sections 302 and 304, remove weeds, dead vegetation, trash, debris, building materials and accumulated newspapers within a reasonable period, maintain existing landscaping including mowing grass and trimming hedges, and secure the property.

"Secure" is defined at Sec. 28-82(7) to require repairing fences and walls, chaining and padlocking gates, and boarding or locking all doors, windows and other openings. Sec. 28-84 lets the code official (the director of property maintenance and building inspection) demand additional measures like added security lighting or an on-site guard, delivered through a notice to abate under Sec. 28-86. Sec. 28-85 makes a violation of Secs. 28-83 or 28-84 a strict liability offense, and Sec. 28-86 authorizes a notice to abate plus a civil infraction under Sec. 1-8(b). Re-occupancy under Sec. 28-87 requires all outstanding costs, assessments and liens paid in full and a certificate of compliance.