News from the City of Dearborn
John B. O’Reilly, Jr., Mayor
Department of Public Information
Mary Laundroche, Director
313-943-2285
April 16, 2015
Police Ordinance officers, Residential Services
team up for neighborhood blight initiative
Targeted enforcement will result in increased compliance,
faster resolution of ordinance violations
DEARBORN, Mich. –In an effort to increase enforcement of ordinances preserving Dearborn neighborhood standards, the Residential Services Department and ordinance officers from the Dearborn Police Department are working together on a comprehensive neighborhood blight initiative.
The special enforcement period began April 16. The citywide effort aims to increase compliance and address violations. It will focus on five key ordinance infractions:
Removal of trash and recycling carts from the curb in a timely manner
Cleanliness of trash and recycling carts, including keeping the carts clean, lids closed, and trash properly bagged
Storage of any materials, junk, litter, debris and interior furniture on the exterior of the home
Overgrowth of grass, weeds and junk trees
Prohibited vehicle storage, including commercial vehicles, inoperable vehicles, and recreational vehicles stored for more than 72 hours
The ordinances targeted for increased enforcement are included in year-round efforts by Residential Services to keep neighborhoods clean, safe and compliant with city ordinances. However, police department ordinance officers will assist with enforcement during peak times of the year.
“This comprehensive neighborhood blight initiative will result in better and faster enforcement of ordinances in our neighborhoods, and supplement the year-round efforts of our Residential Services Department,” said Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr.
Similar to the City’s neighborhood inspectors, police ordinance officers will issue notices of violation. Residents in violation will be given a set amount of time to correct the problem, after which point abatement charges may apply or a ticket may be issued.
Chief of Police Ronald Haddad stressed that the Police Department will use its ordinance officers to assist with the increased enforcement.
“The Police Department’s ordinance officers are out in the city addressing violations such as prohibited parking and Public Service Days infractions,” Chief Haddad said. “The overlap of ordinances means that our team can help combat property violations, too.”
The current initiative will continue throughout the summer, with greater collaboration between police and Residential Services year-round.
Residents can report suspected violations, as well as violations at businesses and building permit or structural problems, to the Residential Services Department by calling 313-943-2161, or the Police Department’s Ordinance Enforcement Officers at 313-943-5930.
