DEARBORN, Mich. – Walking through neighborhoods can be frustrating when encountering overgrown lawns. To address this issue, the City of Dearborn has introduced a new requirement aimed at ensuring residents maintain their properties, contributing to a pleasant living environment.
The policy took effect on Jan. 1, but its significance was not fully realized until now, as spring temperatures prompt grass to grow. As Dearborn designates April 1 as the start of “grass season,” residents can expect an increase in calls regarding overgrown lawns.
Renault Arseneau, Dearborn’s Code Compliance Manager, explained that when a violation is noted, a notice is posted on the front door of the property. The notice includes contact information and a recheck date for residents to follow up.
Residents have also voiced concerns about other issues, such as dog waste, litter and overgrown weeds. “Neighbors really want to live peacefully, and they want to live where there’s no rats and where there’s no garbage,” Arseneau said. “Those types of things are important to residents, and they’re important to the city’s overall goals.”
Once a notice has been issued, residents must follow up with the city to provide proof that the issue has been resolved. The city offers three convenient options for communication: residents can cut their grass as requested, call a designated phone number, or send an email. Additionally, a QR code on the notice allows residents to scan and submit the required information.
Property owners who fail to notify the city after addressing code violations will incur additional administrative fees, even if they have resolved the issue, such as cutting their grass. For instance, if the cost to cut the lawn is $100 and the city arrives to find it already cut, the property owner will still face a $50 fee for the city’s inspection. If the lawn was tall when the contractor arrived, the full $100 charge would apply, along with an administrative fee.
To avoid these potential costs, residents are encouraged to keep their lawns trimmed to a maximum height of 6 inches. While life can sometimes get in the way, it is crucial for residents to address any notices promptly and inform the city once the issue has been resolved.
