Code Enforcement

How service is provided:

Report a complaint by e-mailing the Building Department or calling the Building Department at 343-2426. A staff member will take information regarding the location and nature of the violation. The Code Enforcement Officer will conduct an inspection of the property. If it is determined that a violation exists, the inspector will attempt to make contact with the property owner to resolve the problem voluntarily. If that is not possible, the inspector issues a notice of violation.

If you receive a notice of violation:

Find out how to correct the problem and do so promptly. You can ask for additional time provided you are making progress on the violations. Some problems are serious and correction must not be delayed. Remember to get proper permits that may be required for some repairs. If you are unwilling to take prompt action to correct the problems, there are several possible consequences. The City can arrange for a property to be mowed or for a vacant, open structure to be boarded. The cost is then billed to you. If legal action becomes necessary, you will be served a notice to appear in the Grosse Pointe Woods Municipal Court.

Opening a business in GPW?

Please visit our Business Information Page for important information for both new and existing businesses.

Common Code Violations:

• Yard Maintenance Standards – Yard maintenance standards are the responsibility of every property owner and include the maintenance of plant material in any right-of-way abutting the property. On a corner lot, no fences, walls, hedges or planting shall be erected or maintained to a height exceeding thirty (30) inches above the crown of the roadway within fifteen (15) feet of the intersection of the front and side street property lines. Vegetation and trees must be trimmed so as not to impair vision or obstruct the travel of motorists or pedestrians.
• Inoperative Motor Vehicles – Inoperative motor vehicles cannot be stored except in a fully enclosed structure that was constructed with a permit. An inoperative vehicle is a vehicle that does not display a current license tag and/or is not equipped with all parts that are required to legally and safely operate on public streets and/or cannot be driven under its own power (whether or not designed for use on the public streets).
• Junk, Trash and Debris – Junk, trash and debris cannot be left in the yard and must be properly disposed of. This includes junk, auto parts, appliances, furniture, building materials, tires, trash such as discarded paper, cardboard, plastics, etc., and debris such as tree trimmings and fallen limbs.
• Parking – Parking is permitted for passenger cars and motorcycles in residential lots only on a legal driveway or in a garage. A drive or parking area must be constructed with approved parking surfaces. There are limits to the amount of yard area that can be used for a driveway or parking. Check with the Building Department for more information about legally recognized parking areas.
• Commercial Equipment – Generally, commercial equipment and commercial vehicles may not be parked or stored in a residential area unless they are within a fully enclosed structure.
• Maintenance of Commercial Structure – All exterior building structures and walls shall be maintained in a secure and attractive manner. All defective structural and decorative elements of such building façade(s) shall be repaired or replaced in a workmanlike manner, to match as closely as possible the original materials and construction of the building.
• Condition of Structures – The maintenance of a structure is the responsibility of the property owner. Any wood, siding, shingles, roof covering, railings, fences, walls, ceilings, porches, doors, windows and screens, and other exterior parts of a structure must be maintained in weather tight, rodent proof, sound condition and good repair. The property owner is responsible for maintaining secure windows, doors or other openings that cannot be readily opened from the outside.
• Outdoor Storage – Outdoor storage is prohibited. Generally, any equipment, materials or furnishings that would ordinarily not be used outdoors may not be stored outdoors. For example, you may not keep indoor furniture, household appliances, auto parts, or building materials outside.