2026 Public Hearings

The City of Keego Harbor invites residents, property owners, and other interested members of the public to review proposed changes before upcoming public hearings. This page provides hearing dates, background information, and links to the proposals so you can learn what is being considered and prepare your questions or comments.

November Public Hearings

The City Council is considering new rules for vacant buildings and for properties that repeatedly cause problems. 

This is the most current red-lined version following the October 15th City Council meeting discussion. This version will be reviewed by the City Council during the November 19th public hearing.

What the ordinance would do

Keego Harbor has an older vacant property ordinance (Ordinance No. 418, adopted in 2011). The City’s lots are small and close together, so an unsecured or neglected building affects the neighbors quickly. The draft replaces the 2011 rules with a clearer set of requirements and gives the City more ways to resolve problems.

• Registration of vacant buildings: Owners register a vacant building within 90 days after it becomes vacant (30 days for an abandoned building) and renew every six months until it is occupied or demolished. The registration includes a contact person and the owner’s plan for the building. Fees are set by Council resolution.
  
  Securing and maintenance: Vacant buildings must be kept secured and maintained to set standards. The City inspects the exterior on a schedule. An unsecured building can receive a 72-hour securing directive.
  
  Chronic nuisance properties: A property that keeps having qualifying incidents or stays in violation can be designated a chronic nuisance property. The owner receives a written notice to abate and a right to appeal to the City Council.
  
  City abatement: After notice, the City can clear rubbish and debris, cut overgrown vegetation, and remove dangerous trees (a certified arborist determines which trees are dangerous). The City cannot remove vehicles, trailers or other personal property of apparent value without a court order. Abatement costs are billed to the owner and can become a lien on the property.
  
  Police access: A police officer may check the outside grounds of a registered vacant building to see that it is secured. The ordinance does not allow entry into the building.

Penalties

Violations are municipal civil infractions, not misdemeanors. Fines increase with each repeat offense within a 12-month period (24 months for a designated chronic nuisance property). The first failure to register carries a minimum fine, in addition to the schedule.