Sterling Heights, MI Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Screen season
- May 1 – October 15
- Mesh size
- at least 16 mesh per inch
- Screen doors
- must self-close
- Exception
- air curtains or insect fans allowed
Summary
From May 1 to October 15, Sterling Heights requires tightly fitting insect screens on doors and windows serving habitable rooms and food-prep areas, with self-closing screen doors, under the Property Maintenance Code.
During the period from May 1 to October 15, every door, window and other outside opening required for ventilation of habitable rooms, food preparation areas, food service areas, or any areas where products to be included or utilized in food for human consumption are processed, manufactured, packaged, or stored, shall be supplied with approved tightly fitting screens of not less than 16 mesh per inch (16 mesh per 25mm) and every screen door used for insect control shall have a self-closing device in good working condition. Exception: Screen doors shall not be required where other approved means, such as air curtains or insect repellent fans, are employed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
Property Maintenance Code Section 304.14 requires every door, window, or other outside opening used for ventilating habitable rooms, food preparation areas, or food service and storage areas to carry an approved, tightly fitting insect screen of at least 16 mesh per inch during the warm-weather season, May 1 through October 15. Screen doors covered by the rule must have a self-closing device in good working order. The requirement can be skipped where another approved method, such as an air curtain or insect-repellent fan, is used instead.
Violations & Fines
Missing or non-self-closing screens during the required season is a Property Maintenance Code violation, enforceable under Sterling Heights City Code Section 1-9's general penalty of up to $500 and 90 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need window screens year-round in Sterling Heights?
Can I skip screen doors if I use another bug-control method?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
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