Spring is in the Air

As the weather gets warmer and we start thinking about spring projects, let’s work together to keep the city of Allen Park looking beautiful, safe and clean.

The following is helpful information from our Building and Code Enforcement Departments:


Sidewalks

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk between their property and the public right-of-way (city easement) – regardless of the cause. It is considered a hazard if a slab is raised three quarters of an inch high between slabs. Property owners will receive notification to repair this code violation within a given timeframe, otherwise, the City will repair/replace what is necessary at the property owner’s expense.

Please keep bushes and trees trimmed so they do not obstruct sidewalks.


Grass and compost

As spring rolls in and the grass starts to grow, please keep in mind that grass height cannot be taller than six inches. This code must be maintained or the City will cut the grass at the homeowner’s expense. Compost and leaf collection starts Monday, April 7. Residents are responsible for bagging or using properly marked containers. These items must be put on the city easement close to the street for GFL Environmental to pick up on your scheduled day. It is a code violation to blow your grass and leaves into the street.


Trash and recycle carts

Trash and recycling carts can be put on the city easement the night before or by 7 a.m. of your scheduled pick up day. Carts must be at least four feet apart so the truck arms can reach each carts. Carts that remain on the easement outside of this noted timeframe is a code violation. Carts must also be stored so they cannot be seen from the street or sidewalk.

It is a violation to park cars on the street on trash pick-up day. This is so street sweepers (and snow plows in the winter) can maintain their route schedule. New signs will be installed shortly to reflect time changes for restricted parking on trash days. The new signs will prohibit parking between the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Rats and nuisance animals

To discourage rats and other nuisance animals, please follow these guidelines. Not following them can result in a ticket.

- Enclose garbage or pet food containers with a tight lid.
- Clean up pet droppings daily and do not leave pet food out overnight.
- Ground feeding animals is prohibited. Bird and squirrel feeders must be at least 48 inches off the ground. Do not overfill them, and keep the area clean and tidy.
- Keep grass shorter than six inches and bushes trimmed away from the ground.
- Wood piles, lumber, building material, boxes should be at least 18 inches above the ground.
- Remove any unused yard furniture or debris that can be used as harborage.
- Address any rodent holes in your yard or storage shelters.


Other helpful information

- Garages & Sheds – A permit is required from the Building Department in order to install garages or sheds.
- Signs – Permanent or temporary signs are not allowed on the city easement. Permanent or temporary signs require a permit from the Building Department.
- Certificate Of Occupancy (C of O) – A certificate is required for home sale and new businesses.
- Recreational Vehicle Or Boat – A recreational vehicle or boat cannot be stored in a driveway longer than 48 consecutive hours. A permit can be obtained from the Building Department for a longer period of no more than 12 consecutive days in a row.