On the agenda: Farmington Hills Packet — Data Center (Jul 20)

AGENDA
FARMINGTON HILLS CITY COUNCIL
FARMINGTON HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION
FARMINGTON HILLS ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
SPECIAL MEETING – JOINT STUDY SESSION
JULY 20, 2026 AT 5:00PM
THE HAWK – CONFERENCE CENTER
29995 TWELVE MILE ROAD
FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN 48336
Telephone: 248-871-2410
Website: www.�gov.com
REQUESTS TO SPEAK: Anyone reques�ng to speak before Council must complete and turn in to the
City Clerk a blue Public Par�cipa�on Registra�on Form.
1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Roll Call/Introductions
3. Presenta�on of the Zoning Ordinance Updates
4. Discussion of Zoning Board of Appeals Trends in Variance Requests
5. Discussion on Zoning Enforcement
6. Council/Commissioner Round Table
7. Public Comment
8. Adjournment
Respectfully submitted,

Carly Lindahl, City Clerk
Reviewed by:

Karen Mondora, Acting City Manager
NOTE: Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the City Clerk’s Office at (248) 871- 2410 at least two (2)
business days prior to the meeting, wherein necessary arrangements/ accommodations will be made.

July 15, 2026

Zoning Ordinance (ZO) and Code of Ordinance (COO) Updates Needed
Topic
Site Plan Review and Regula�ons
• ZO and COO don’t match (COO emphasizes
Engineering standards).
• Update for what’s required to be on plans for a
complete submission.
• Allow for administra�ve review.
• Streamline development review process.
Zoning Ordinance Reorganiza�on
• Preliminary audit completed by Carlisle
Wortman Associates (CWA).
• Op�on 2 - general reorganiza�on and
streamlining to improve its structure, reduce
redundancy, and enhance overall usability.
• Limited focus on upda�ng specific zoning
regula�ons, except where inconsistent with
state or federal law.
Grand River Corridor Market Study
Recommenda�ons
• Revise exis�ng Grand River Corridor (GRC)
Overlay District standards.
• Expand area governed by GRC Overlay District.
PUD Ordinance Update
• Review exis�ng Planned Unit Development
requirements
• Revise PUD standards, procedures, and review
criteria.
• Orient future PUDs more fully around public
benefits, such as public art, low impact design,
public ameni�es and spaces, affordability, and
transit connec�ons
12/Orchard Lake Corridor Market Study
Recommenda�ons
• New zoning district/overlay
Master Plan Updates
• Develop new districts, modify, consolidate, or
eliminate exis�ng districts (e.g., OS and B).
• Revise various zoning ordinance standards to
implement the plan recommenda�ons.
• Review ZBA variances to iden�fy need for code
revisions.
• Revise and add defini�ons.

Zoning Ordinance and
Code of Ordinance Updates

Code
Sec�on(s)
ZO 34.6.1
COO Ch. 21

Priority

Time Frame

High

May 2026 Oct 2026

Master Plan +
Council Goal

All Chapter
34 ZO
Ar�cles

High

Oct 2026 –
Oct 2027

Master Plan +
Council Goal

ZO 34-3.1.34

High

Oct 2026 –
Feb 2027

Master Plan +
Council Goal

ZO 34-3.20
ZO 34-3.19

High

Mar 2027 –
Jun 2027

High

Apr 2027 –
Oct 2027

High

Mul�ple
years to
complete

Drivers
Council Goal

Master Plan +
Council Goal
Master Plan +
Council Goal

All Chapter
34 ZO
Ar�cles

Page 1 of 5

July 15, 2026

Parking
• Adjust minimums to current standards.
• Mechanisms to reduce parking.
• Update minimum required parking per use.
• Consider maximum parking standard.
• Consider curbside pick-up, short-term spaces,
and rideshare
Residen�al Zoning Updates
• Define residen�al flex zones
• ADUs
• Setbacks
Use Matrix and Use Standards
• Table and uses listed for various Districts need
to be expanded and updated.

Master Plan +
Council Goal

Master Plan +
Staff

Defini�ons
• Several defini�ons need to be added and/or
reworded.
• New or used car salesroom, showroom or
office…
• Accessory structures and uses customarily
incident to…
Accessory Buildings and Structures
• Conflic�ng terminology with setbacks vs. yards
• Atached vs. detached structure.
• Covered, enclosed, porches and decks.
• General Excep�ons vs. Accessory Buildings.
• Confusing language regarding 9” high decks (ZO
34-3.26.6.B)
• Issues with regula�ng pa�os atached to
buildings as accessory with setback
requirements of building and pools (ZO 343.26.6)
Storage of Recrea�onal Equipment and Commercial
Vehicle
• Size of recrea�onal equipment or commercial
vehicles allowed to be parked/stored in any
residen�al district
Fences
• Consolidate regula�ons.
• Fences around pools.
Data Center Ordinance
• Permited use only in LI-1, no standards

Zoning Ordinance and
Code of Ordinance Updates

ZO 34-5.2

High

TBD

High

TBD

ZO Use
Matrix
ZO 34-3.1

High

TBD

Master Plan +
Staff

ZO 34-2.2

High

TBD

Staff + ZBA
Variances

ZO 34-5.1
ZO 34-3.26

High

TBD

Staff

ZO 34-5.7

High

TBD

Staff + ZBA
Variances

ZO 34-5.12
COO 11

Medium

TBD

Staff

ZO 343.129.B.xi.e

Medium

TBD

Master Plan +
ZBA
Variances

Page 2 of 5

July 15, 2026

Trash Enclosure Updates
• Modify standards to provide waivers for
redevelopment site and facili�es for compost
and recycling
Signs
• Many issues with wall and freestanding sign
standards.
• Confusing language regarding freestanding sign
zone.
• No direc�onal signage considera�ons.
• No defini�on of “establishment”.
• Canopy signage regula�on to restric�ve or not
address (e.g., gas sta�on canopies, drive-thru
order menus).
Low Impact Design
• Building incen�ves for passive stormwater
management, low maintenance landscaping,
na�ve plan�ng, energy efficiency, alterna�ve
energy, less pavement, natural feature
preserva�on, and non-motorized facili�es
• Wetland and watercourse protec�on regula�on
Ligh�ng
• Needs to be modernized and streamlined.
• Confusing regula�ons regarding 4:1 ra�on of
lumens

Master Plan +
ZBA
Variances

ZO 34-5.1.3.D

Medium

TBD

Staff + ZBA
Variances

ZO 34-5.5

Medium

TBD

Master Plan

ZO 34-5.14
COO CH 27,
Sec. 27-83

Low

TBD

Staff + ZBA
Variances

ZO 34-5.16

Low

TBD

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
• Reference to “allowed in all districts”, does not
regulate where on a parcel it is allowed to be
located
• Accessory structure and limited to rear or side
yard?
• From Master Plan – requiring EV infrastructure
in new mul�-family and public use
Swimming Pools
• Consolidate regula�ons and eliminate conflicts.
• Issues with pool deck/pa�o if abu�ng main
building then regulated as atached accessory
structure, which makes it impossible to install a
pool (ZO 34-3.26.6).
Cellular Tower and Cellular Antennae
• Out of date requirements

Staff

ZO 34-4.55

Low

TBD

Staff + ZBA
Variances

COO 28-29
ZO 34-4.11
ZO 34-5.1
ZO 34-3.26.6
ZO 34-5.1.2.I

Low

TBD

Staff

ZO 34-4.24

Low

TBD

Staff

ZO 34-4.60

Low

TBD

Special Accommoda�on Residence
• Out of date requirements

Zoning Ordinance and
Code of Ordinance Updates

Page 3 of 5

July 15, 2026

Missing in ZO
• Egress Windows and encroachment into side
yard (part of house? See East Grand Rapids for
specific egress considera�ons 5.61)
• Defini�on for adult day (care) centers and use
lis�ng add to day care use standard (4.12 – see
Novi)
• Unlisted Use Determina�on? (Novi 4.87)
• Defini�on for retail
Future Special Projects
• Additional Council-directed initiatives, emerging
development trends, legislative changes, and
unforeseen zoning amendments.

Zoning Ordinance and
Code of Ordinance Updates

Staff

Low

TBD

TBD

TBD

Council Goal

Page 4 of 5

July 15, 2026

Completed Zoning Text Amendments from Master Plan
ZTA
Topic
Approval Dates
ZTA 2, 2024
PC 10-17-2024
CC 12-9-2024

Updated code increasing regula�on on:
• New and Used Automobile Sales
• Car Washes
• Drive-thru Restaurants
• Gas Service Sta�ons
• Automobile Repair

Updated code to reduce regula�on on:
• Cigar Bars
• Arcades
• Other Indoor Recrea�on
ZTA 3, 2024
OS-4 Uses and Parking Updates
• Expanding and adding uses within the district along 12
PC 4-17-2025
Mile and Haggerty Rd
CC 7-14-2025
• Reduc�on in commercial parking standards
City Code Amend. 2, Alcohol in Smoking Lounges
2025
• Updated regula�ons to allow consump�on of alcoholic
CC 6-9-2025
beverages in smoking lounges
ZTA 4, 2024
Restaurant, Drive-in, Automobile Repair Updates
• Updated defini�ons of Restaurant, Drive-in, Commercial
PC 4-17-2025
Outdoor Recrea�on Space
CC 10-27-2025
• Replaced Automobile Service Center with Automobile
Repair
ZTA 5, 2024
Commercial Design Standards
PC 6-19-2025
• Created design standards for new or redeveloped
CC 9-8-2025
Commercial projects
ZTA 1, 2025
Public Art Requirement for New Developments
City Code Amend. 3, • Establishing requirements and standards
2025
• - Review responsibility to Arts Commission
PC 9-18-2025
CC 10-27-2025

Zoning Ordinance and
Code of Ordinance Updates

Priority
Drivers
Master Plan
Master Plan
+ Council
Goal

Master Plan

Council
Goal
Master Plan

Master Plan
Master Plan
+ Council
Goal

Page 5 of 5

2026 Zoning Ordinance
Update Priorities
Joint Meeting – City Council, Planning Commission, and Zoning
Board of Appeals
July 20, 2026

JOINT ROLES AND COORDINATION
1

CITY
COUNCIL

• Set priorities and
policy direction
• Evaluate public
benefits and
community
tradeoffs
• Adopt ordinance
amendments

2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

2

PLANNING
COMMISSION

• Develop and test
ordinance concepts
• Conduct public
hearings and make
recommendations
• Apply standards in
site plan and PUD
review

3

ZONING
BOARD OF
APPEALS

• Apply variance
and appeal
standards
• Identify recurring
hardship and
interpretation
patterns
• Flag unclear or
outdated
provisions

4 STAFF + CWA
• Draft and
coordinate
amendments
• Track
administration and
development
issues
• Provide
alternatives,
analysis, and
implementation
support

WORK PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Summer 2026 through Winter 2027; Master Plan implementation continues
as a rolling multi-year effort.
2026

2027

MULTI-YEAR

BUILD THE
FOUNDATION

ADVANCE CORRIDOR
+ PUD WORK

CONTINUE
MODERNIZATION

• Zoning Ordinance
reorganization
• Site plan process update
• Grand River work begins

• Grand River concludes
• PUD ordinance update
• 12 Mile / Orchard Lake
framework

• District and standards
updates
• Definitions and legal
updates
• ZBA and administration
feedback

2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

HOW THE INITIATIVES FIT TOGETHER
Each project addresses a different part of the zoning system; the value comes from
coordinating them.
SITE PLAN
PROCESS

Defines the review
path, complete
submittals,
administrative
authority, and
approval life cycle.

MASTER PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION
2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

ORDINANCE
STRUCTURE

Creates a logical
home for procedures,
district rules,
development
standards, and
appeals.

PLACE-BASED
UPDATES

Grand River and 12
Mile / Orchard Lake
translate corridor
goals into predictable
zoning standards.

PUD
Sets the rules for when a PUD
is appropriate and what
public benefits should
accompany it.

Functions as the ongoing improvement program—using legal updates,
variance patterns, staff experience, and market conditions to identify the next
ordinance packages.

SITE PLAN PROCESS UPDATE
SCOPE OF UPDATE

•
•
•
•

Consolidate site plan regulations
Standardize application requirements
Establish distinct review pathways
Clarify post-approval administration,

DRIVER

Council Goal
TIME FRAME

May 2026 – October 2026
CODE

ZO §34-6.1 | Code Ch. 21
WHY NOW

A clearer process can reduce
incomplete submittals,
repeated review, delay decision
and uncertainty.
2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

SITE PLAN PROCESS UPDATE
INTENDED OUTCOME

A consistent and coordinated review process makes
development faster, fairer, and more predictable.

2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

7

ZONING ORDINANCE REORGANIZATION
SCOPE OF UPDATE

• Create a logical article structure with a single
comprehensive table of contents.
• Move related procedures and standards into topicspecific articles.
• Improve readability and functionality

DRIVER

Master Plan + Council Goal
TIME FRAME

Fall 2026 – Fall 2027
CODE

All Chapter 34 Articles
WHY NOW

The current ordinance contains
necessary regulations, and
related provisions are scattered,
repetitive, and difficult to
administer.
2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

ZONING ORDINANCE REORGANIZATION
INTENTED OUTCOME

Reorganization = streamlined ordinance for improved staff
functionality and applicant expectations and support future
updates.

2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

GRAND RIVER CORRIDOR ZONING UPDATES
SCOPE OF UPDATE

• Rework and expand the GR-1 corridor framework to
implement the corridor market study and Master Plan
through clear, form-oriented redevelopment standards.
• Support easier development and redevelopment by
simplifying requirements and establishing practical
approaches to existing nonconformities.
• Test proposed standards against actual parcel
conditions, development scenarios, and market
feasibility before adoption.

2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

DRIVER

Master Plan + Council Goal
TIME FRAME

October 2026 – February 2027
CODE

ZO §34-3.1.34
WHY NOW

The market study identified the
existing overlay as difficult to
use and recommended a
clearer form-based approach
tied to corridor goals.

GRAND RIVER CORRIDOR ZONING UPDATES
INTENDED OUTCOME

The corridor update will support predictable redevelopment,
stronger pedestrian connections, neighborhood protection,
and coordinated improvements.

2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

PUD ORDINANCE UPDATE
SCOPE OF UPDATE

• Clarify PUD eligibility, purpose, review procedures,
approval criteria, and decision-making authority.
• Require requested deviations to be clearly identified and
tied to proportional public benefits.
• Strengthen procedures for preliminary and final plans

DRIVER

Master Plan + Council Goal
TIME FRAME

March 2027 – June 2027
CODE

ZO §§34-3.19 and 34-3.20
WHY NOW

A modern PUD framework
should make process flexible,
predictable, transparent, and
clearly tied to measurable
community value.
2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

12 MILE / ORCHARD LAKE ROAD
DRIVER

SCOPE OF UPDATE

• Create a corridor-specific zoning district to implement the
market study and Master Plan.
• Support feasible infill and redevelopment while coordinating
building form, access, parking, pedestrian connections, transit,
and streetscape improvements.
• Address neighborhood transitions, parcel constraints, phasing,
and nonconformities. Test alternatives with key stakeholders
before finalizing standards.

2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

Master Plan + Council Goal
TIME FRAME

April 2027 – October 2027
CODE

New section to be determined
WHY NOW

The corridor needs a regulatory
framework that translates the
market study into zoning
regulations and coordinated
improvements

MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
SCOPE OF WORK

• Develop, modify, consolidate, or eliminate zoning
districts as implementation needs are identified.
• Update use classifications, definitions, and standards to
reflect Master Plan direction and current practice.
• Modernize parking, access, landscaping, lighting,
environmental, and design provisions.
• Review recurring ZBA variances.
• Group changes into manageable amendment packages
with clear priorities and public review.

2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

DRIVER

Master Plan + Council Goal
TIME FRAME

Multiple years
CODE

All Chapter 34 Articles
WHY NOW

Implementation should be
continuous rather than waiting for
another full ordinance rewrite or
Master Plan cycle.

QUESTIONS + DISCUSSION
Three prompts to focus the discussion:
01

Is the proposed order of updates reflecting priorities?

Should any initiatives should be moved sooner, later, or in a different order?

02

Where is early policy direction most important?

Where in the process should City Council be included?

03

What recurring problems are we missing?

What issues seen by City Council, the Planning Commission, the ZBA, staff, applicants, or residents should be added to the
work program?

Thank you.
2026 ZO Updates Priority List | July 20, 2026

Trends in Variance Requests
Joint Meeting: City Council/Planning
Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals
July 20, 2026

Why This Study?
Variance Cases
↓
Identify Patterns
↓
Find Ordinance Problems
↓
Recommend Improvements

26 Meetings Reviewed

January 2023 –

Residential +
Nonresidential

June 2026

What Is A Variance Request?
A variance is formal permission from a local government to break a specific zoning rule.
People request them because strict rules can create unfair "hardships" due to unique
property traits, like an unusual shape, steep hill, or old building. The community can
recognize exceptional circumstances to allow changes to property or structures without
changing the zoning ordinance.

Use vs Dimensional Variances
Dimensional (Area) Variances – Most common requests. They seek relief from the physical
and structural rules of a lot because the land's shape, size, or topography makes strict
compliance impossible.
Use Variances - Most common requests. They seek permission to use a property for a
purpose otherwise prohibited in that specific zoning district.
• Use variances carry a much higher legal burden of proof and are even banned in some
jurisdictions.

Residential vs
Nonresidential

Dimensional vs
Use Variances
Percent of All Cases
(Jan 2023 - Jun 2026)
5%

Use
Dimensional
95%

Most Frequent Variance Requests
Variance Type

No. Requests

Side setback

19

Most common residential variance

Rear setback

16

Primarily home additions

Front setback

7

Existing lots and additions

Lot width

3

Existing nonconforming parcels

Accessory building location

11

Detached garages and accessory structures

Building height

8

Homes and accessory buildings

Comb. accessory building floor area

3

Larger residential lots

Fence

9

Visibility, corner lots, and placement

Dumpster placement

6

Commercial redevelopment

Façade

4

Existing commercial buildings

Loading space placement

4

Older commercial sites

Sign

3

Commercial redevelopment

Use Variance

4

Land use compatibility issues

LEGEND:

Blue = Residential

Red = Nonresidential/Commercial

Planning Observation

Purple = Use

Ordinance Sections Most Frequently Varied
34-5.1.2.D

Accessory building/use floor area

34-3.1.25.E Side/Rear yard setback (Gas station/Convenience store)
34-3.1.4.E

Lot width/height/setback requirements in RA-1 District

34-5.7

Parking/storage of recreational equipment or trailers

34-4.35.1.C Drive-in use adjacent to residential district

34-3.26.14

Temporary outdoor sales time restrictions

34-3.26.6.A

Deck/Patio projection into rear yard setback

34-4.3.5.2.V Landscape area abutting street
34-4.4.3

Setback from RA districts for one-family dwellings

34-3.1.7.E

Setback/Lot area/Lot width requirements in RA-4 District

34-4.36.2

Dealership frontage on Grand River Avenue

34-5.1.2.C

Height for detached accessory buildings

34-4.40.B

Setback for car wash vacuuming area from residential

34-5.4

Loading and unloading space

34-5.1.1.B

Placement of accessory structure in front yard setback

34-7.1.3.A

Enlargement of non-conforming structure

34-5.1.3.D

Location of a dumpster

34-5.12

Fence height in exterior side yard setback

34-5.13

Nonresidential use access driveway on local street

34-5.15 B.E

Berm or masonry obscuring wall requirement

34-3.1.27.E Setback in ES Zoning District

34-5.5.3.A.ii

Freestanding sign zone

34-3.1.6.E

Height/Setback requirements in RA-3 District

34-5.5.3.A.iv. Freestanding sign height/area

34-3.5.G

Street setback from Twelve Mile/Middlebelt

34-5.5.3.B.ii

Number of wall signs per facade

34-3.5.V

Landscape area/Front yard open space

34-7.14.6

Temporary structure permission

34-3.1.29.E

Fence in yard abutting road right-of-way

34-3.1.24.E Landscaped area/Parking setback
34-5.1.1.C

Location of accessory structures relative to main building

34-3.1.5

Setback requirements in RA-2 District

34-3.1.9.E

Rear yard setback

Residential Trends
• Setbacks (Rear, Front, Side)
• Garages and Accessory Buildings
(Height, Size, Lot Coverage and Placement)
• Fences
• Home Additions - Existing Nonconforming

M ost requests involve updating existing homes

Potential Ordinance Amendment
Accessory Building Regulations
Primarily residential properties
Recurring issues include:
• location
• height
• combined floor area of accessory buildings relative to the principal dwelling
• placement
Potential amendments:
• allow larger accessory buildings on larger lots
• exempting attached/detached garages from floor area calculations
• revised placement standards
• updated height limits
• administrative approval for minor encroachments

Potential Ordinance Amendment
Fence Standards

Primarily residential properties
Recurring issues include:
• Pool barrier standards
• corner clearance visibility triangles
• Fencing in front and exterior side yard setbacks
• height front yard
Potential amendments:
• modernize sight triangle standards
• distinguish decorative from opaque fences
• updated height limits
• pool fencing
• administrative approval for minor encroachments

Nonresidential/Commercial Trends
• Dumpster placement
• Façade (e.g., transparency requirements)
• Loading space placement
• Signs

M ost nonresidential variances support redevelopment of older site.

Potential Ordinance Amendment
Nonresidential/Commercial Redevelopment Standards
These standards frequently affect redevelopment of older shopping centers and commercial properties.
Recurring issues include:
• dumpster placement/enclosures
• Façade transparency requirements
• loading spaces
• parking
• setbacks
Potential amendments:
• shared loading facilities
• flexible dumpster locations
• administrative parking reductions
• redevelopment incentives
• adaptive reuse standards
• administrative approval for minor encroachments

Questions?

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Code Enforcement Division
Six-Month Review
Reporting Period: January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026

Executive Summary
The first six months of 2026 were marked by significant organizational growth and a consistently
high enforcement workload. During this reporting period, the Code Enforcement Division
investigated and managed 782 enforcement cases involving a broad range of zoning, property
maintenance, nuisance, and public safety concerns throughout the City.
In addition to maintaining daily enforcement operations, the Division underwent several important
staffing changes that strengthened its ability to serve the community and improve operational
efficiency.

Staffing and Organizational Improvements
The Division experienced several key personnel additions during the reporting period:
•

A new Code/Zoning Supervisor assumed leadership responsibilities at the end of
February 2026, providing increased oversight, consistency in enforcement practices,
improved case management, and enhanced coordination with other City departments.

•

A full-time Zoning Clerk joined the Division in March 2026, backfilling a vacancy created
by a promotion. This has the effect of improving customer service, complaint intake,
scheduling, records management, permit support, and administrative workflow. This clerical
addition has allowed Code Officers to spend more time performing field inspections and
enforcement activities.

•

The open Code Enforcement Inspector position was filled in April 2026, increasing the
Division's field presence and inspection capacity while reducing response times and
improving follow-up on citizen complaints.

Although these staffing changes occurred throughout the first half of the year, the additional
personnel have already begun improving operational efficiency and positioning the Division for
continued success.

Enforcement Activity
During the reporting period, the Division investigated 782 enforcement cases across numerous
enforcement categories.
Administration
248.871.2550
248.871.2521 Fax

Building Division
248.871.2450
248.871.2451 Fax

Community Development
248.871.2549
248.871.2521 Fax

Planning Office
248.871.2540
248.871.2521 Fax

Zoning and Code Enforcement
248.871.2520
248.871.2521 Fax

31555 West Eleven Mile Road • Farmington Hills MI 48336 • www.fhgov.com

Enforcement Category Cases
Weeds / Tall Grass
176
Trash / Garbage / Blight 123
Nuisance
83
Junk Vehicles
68
Multiple Violations
68
Commercial Blight
55
Recreational Vehicles 38
Property Maintenance 36
Commercial Vehicles 31
Signs
30
Permits / Licenses
19
Accessory Structures
12
Zoning
12
Animals
9
Dangerous Dogs
7
Citizen Assist
5
Neighbor Complaints 4
Site Plan Compliance 4
Home Occupation
2

Operational Highlights
The data reflects several notable trends:
•

Seasonal enforcement remained the Division's largest workload, with weeds/tall grass and
trash/blight complaints representing nearly 40% of all enforcement activity.

•

Property maintenance, nuisance complaints, junk vehicles, and multiple-violation cases
continued to require significant staff time due to the complexity of investigations and
follow-up inspections.

•

Commercial enforcement activities, including commercial blight, commercial vehicle
violations, signs, and site plan compliance remained an important component of the
Division's responsibilities.

•

The addition of new staff has allowed the Division to better balance reactive complaint
investigations with proactive enforcement efforts.

Operational Improvements and Technology Enhancements
During the first half of 2026, the Code Enforcement Division continued to modernize its operations
through investments in technology, communications, and interagency collaboration.
The Division is exploring technology enhancement options to improve access to law enforcement
information systems, improve coordination with other municipal agencies (streamline investigative
and enforcement activities) and issue citations and forward electronically to the court. This is being
explored to align with best practices and fiscal responsibility while moving forward with increasing
operational efficiency and strengthening partnerships with public safety agencies throughout
Oakland County.
In addition, the Division successfully implemented the use of state-of-the-art portable radio
communications for Code Enforcement Inspectors. The new radio system provides reliable
citywide communications, enhances officer safety while working in the field, improves
coordination with other City departments, and allows for faster responses to incidents requiring
immediate assistance. This technology upgrade represents a major improvement over previous
communication capabilities and supports more effective field operations.
These technological advancements, combined with the addition of new personnel, have
significantly strengthened the Division's ability to provide responsive, professional, and efficient
code enforcement services.

Challenges
Despite the successful addition of new personnel, the Division continued to manage a substantial
workload while integrating new employees and maintaining customer service.
The seasonal increase in property maintenance and vegetation complaints required significant field
resources during the spring and early summer months. In addition, complex nuisance and multipleviolation cases often required repeated inspections, coordination with property owners, and
collaboration with other City departments.

Goals for the Next Six Months
The Division will continue to focus on:
•

Improving response times to citizen complaints.

•

Expanding proactive neighborhood inspections.

•

Increasing voluntary compliance through education and communication.

•

Enhancing coordination with Building, Planning, Fire, Police and Public Works staff.

•

Continuing staff training and professional development.

•

Improving case tracking and administrative efficiency through the support of the
Administrative Assistant.

•

Utilizing the full staffing of Code Inspectors to increase inspection coverage and reduce case
backlogs.

Conclusion
The first half of 2026 has been a period of significant growth, modernization, and organizational
development for the Code Enforcement Division. The addition of a new Code/Zoning Supervisor,
Zoning Clerk, and fourth Code Enforcement Inspector has brought the Division to full staffing
improving the Division's capacity to effectively serve the community while improving customer
service and field operations.
The Division has also made meaningful investments in technology and communications through the
implementation of modern portable radio equipment and technology updates. The division is
exploring additional technology updates to further enhance officer safety, improve coordination
with public safety partners, and increase the overall effectiveness of enforcement efforts.
With 782 enforcement cases managed during the reporting period, the Division has demonstrated
its ability to successfully meet a growing workload while continuing to improve operational
efficiency. As staffing, technology, and interagency partnerships continue to evolve, the Division is
well positioned to provide an even higher level of service to the residents and businesses of the City
during the second half of 2026.
These additions emphasize that the Division is not only handling a substantial enforcement
workload but is also proactively investing in personnel, technology, and partnerships to build a
more efficient, professional, and service-oriented Code Enforcement program.

Zoning/Code Enforcement
Joint Meeting: City Council/Planning
Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals
July 20, 2026

Enforcement Activity
January to June 2026
4%

9%
22%

4%
4%
5%

16%

7%
9%
9%

11%

Challenges

Initiatives

•
•
•

Technology
Updates
Communications
Interagency
Collaboration

• Seasonal volume
• Complex nuisance concerns
• Multiple Violation cases

Goals
•
•
•
•

Improve response times
Expand proactive inspections
Increase voluntary compliance
Enhance inter-department
coordination
• Professional Development

Questions ?