REMOVE VACANT/BOARDED BUILDINGS
House Bill 5588
Sponsor: Rep. Virg Bernero
Committee: Local Government and Urban Policy
Complete to 2-7-02
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5588 AS INTRODUCED 2-5-02
Public Act 167 of 1917, known as the Housing Law of Michigan, requires a local enforcing agency to inspect multiple dwellings and rooming houses on a periodic basis-generally least once every two years-and permits the agency to inspect other dwellings at reasonable intervals. Upon finding a dwelling in violation of the act, the agency must provide the owner, and may provide the occupant, with written notice specifying the inspection date, the inspector's name, the nature of the violation, and the date by which the violation must be corrected. If the owner or occupant fails to comply with the terms of the violation notice, the enforcing agency, the owner, or the occupant may bring action. If the violation remains uncorrected and creates an imminent danger to the health and safety of either the occupants or the general public, the enforcing agency is directed to file a motion for a preliminary injunction or other temporary relief to remove the danger during the pendancy of the action. In making its orders and determinations, the court may, among other things, authorize the agency to make the repairs or to remove the building; however, the act currently prohibits the removal of a building unless the cost of repairs will exceed the building's state equalized value.
House Bill 5588 would amend the housing law (MCL 125.534) to permit the removal of a vacant and/or boarded building or structure if there has been no "significant attempt" to rehabilitate the building or structure for a period of 24 months.
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.