Code Enforcement

Rental Home Registration Ordinance Proposed To Protect Neighborhoods

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Posted by – Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development

The City Council unanimously voted last night to proceed with scheduling a public hearing to adopt an ordinance which will require property owners to register their detached one-family rental homes and subsequently hold said owners accountable for the upkeep of their property via a permit to occupy.

The regulation of rental homes is a Y2018 strategic goal for the City Council

The proposed ordinance is intended to be a proactive tool to enable the City to better protect its residential neighborhoods from blight and stabilize home values.  The City Council adopted a similar ordinance to require the registration of vacant homes in 2010.  If adopted, this ordinance would require all detached one-family rental homes to be registered by December 31, 2018.

The City Council believes there is a need to adopt an organized registration and permit program to ensure that rental homes meet minimum code requirements.  Most importantly, the proposed ordinance will provide the City with a more efficient system for compelling rental home owners to correct code violations when they are found.

To learn more, please review the Frequently Asked Questions flyer and/or the May 7th City Council packet.

The public hearing to adopt the proposed ordinance will be held at the City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, June 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall.

Rental Home Registration Ordinance Proposed To Protect Neighborhoods

Time To Cut The Grass

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Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Community Development Executive Assistant

What felt like an endless winter, has finally come to an end!  Warmer temperatures have set in, and the grass is green and growing in our beautiful city!  May 1st marked the beginning of the Auburn Hills’ Weed Abatement Program…just in case the grass grows a little too long.

Between May 1st and October 15th, Ordinance 78-28 specifies that grass on residential properties cannot exceed 8” in height.  Violation of that rule will result in the placement of a green sticker on the front door of the home to notify the occupants that the grass must be cut within 72-hours.

In the case of vacant lots, a notice is mailed giving property owners ten days to comply.  These notices are only issued once a year at a particular location.   If the grass is not cut, the location is added to a list and cut by a city contractor (at the property owner’s expense).

Code Enforcement Officers observe most of the violations, but anyone is welcome to report grass over 8″ tall by calling the Community Development Department at (248) 364-6934.  A big thanks to all of the Auburn Hills’ residents and businesses that continue to keep our City green – not overgrown.

Time To Cut The Grass

Welcome New Code Enforcement Officer Chris Myers

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Posted by – Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development

We’re happy to announce that Christopher Myers has joined our team.

Chris started this past Monday as our new Code Enforcement Officer.  He has big shoes to fill as he replaces veteran Officer Dale Mathes who retired last September after serving just under 12 years in the position with the City.  Chris joins Officer Jack Skinner as our new dynamic duo.

Code Enforcement Officers Jack Skinner (left) and Chris Myers (right)

Chris has a Bachelor Degree in Communications from Oakland University and most recently worked at Oakland County Children’s Village.  He brings a myriad of construction and supervisory experience to his new role.  Chris will focus on the enforcement of the City’s codes and ordinances related to tall grass abatement and general property maintenance of private land throughout the community.

Welcome Chris!

Welcome New Code Enforcement Officer Chris Myers

Clearing Sidewalks Of Snow Makes A Safer Community For All

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Posted by – Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development

The weather forecasters say that a big winter storm is coming today, so we wanted to provide a friendly reminder of the City’s published rules for snow and ice removal.

If your property has a sidewalk, Sections 62-77 and 62-78 of the Auburn Hills Code of Ordinances outline the general requirements for timely removal of snow and ice.  Specifically, the occupant of a property (or if unoccupied, the owner) is responsible for clearing his/her sidewalks:  1) within 12 hours – if the snow or ice falls during daylight hours; or 2) by 6:00 p.m. the following day – if the snow or ice falls during the night.

If you have physical limitations and need help, you may qualify for a City assistance program.  Contact our Community Center at 248-370-9353 for more information.

Timely snow removal is important as it makes life easier and safer for the elderly, kids walking to the bus stop or school, emergency personnel, and delivery people.  Thank you for being a good neighbor and doing your part to help to make Auburn Hills safer for people of all ages and abilities.

Clearing Sidewalks Of Snow Makes A Safer Community For All

Halloween 2017

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Posted by – Jack Skinner, Code Enforcement Officer

Serving as a Code Enforcement Officer, I make rounds though the city every day.  One of the best holidays for decorations – hands-down – is Halloween.

Auburn Hills’ residents really get into the spirit, so every year we try to bring you some of the most creative and creepy displays we see out there.

 

Enjoy trick-or-treat tonight in Auburn Hills between 6 pm and 7 pm.  Have a safe and happy Halloween.

Halloween 2017

Happy Retirement Dale!

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Posted by – Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development

Yesterday, the City of Auburn Hills celebrated and honored Code Enforcement Officer Dale Mathes.  Dale will be retiring next week as he concludes just under 12 years of service in the Community Development Department.

Dale Mathes (left) being congratulated by City Manager Tom Tanghe (right)

Dale will truly be missed by our Department.  I’m sure that if you were to look in Webster’s Dictionary for the definition of a “really good guy” you would find a photo and description of Brother Dale (as we affectionately call him).  He would be wearing a Detroit Red Wings jersey.

This will be Dale’s second retirement.  He came to Auburn Hills in 2005 after retiring from the City of Detroit Police Department.  Dale has been extremely valuable to our team as he has brought a wealth of knowledge, a ton of real life experience, patience, and pure common sense.  Simply said, he made us better – which is an outstanding legacy to leave.

Best wishes Brother Dale.  Enjoy your much deserved retirement.  Thank you again for your service to the City of Auburn Hills.

Congrats Dale!
Happy Retirement Dale!

Honor Our Flag This Memorial Day

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Posted by – Dale Mathes, Code Enforcement Officer

As Americans we will observe Memorial Day this coming Monday, a national holiday to honor the members of the armed services who died in defense of our lives and liberties.  Many of the observances will involve displaying of “The Stars and Stripes,” “Old Glory,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the flag of the United States of America.

The following are some rules of flag etiquette that can help in handling and displaying our flag with honor and respect.

  1. On Memorial Day itself, the flag is to be lowered to half-staff before noon and then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.  Raising the flag is to be done briskly while lowering it should be done slowly and with all present saluting.  A standard military salute is performed by all in uniform while those in civilian dress should place their right hand over their heart.  Those wearing hats should remove them and hold them in their right hand as the hand is over the heart.
  2. Display of the flag has its own set of rules. The flag must be raised to the very top of the pole (except when at half-staff).  No other flag must be above it.  Flags should be flown from dawn to dusk.  If flown at night, it must be illuminated.  If displayed indoors, on a wall (either vertically or horizontally) the stars should be to the left of the observer.
  3. If a flag becomes worn, it can be sewn and repaired.  However, if it becomes tattered and unrepairable, it should be replaced and the worn flag should be burned in a dignified manner.  The American Legion, along with Boy and Girl Scout troops, often will hold flag burning ceremonies on June 12th, Flag Day.

As Americans, it is our proud heritage to honor our fallen heroes this coming Monday.  We should also make sure that we revere and respect our country’s unique symbol in their memory.

Honor Our Flag This Memorial Day