Preparation Guide: The "Spring Sweep" and the 8-Inch Grass Rule
Category: Seasonal Alert
Season: April - October
In Detroit, Blight Enforcement is seasonal. During the winter, tickets focus on Snow (8-15-108) and Trash. But as soon as the temperature rises, the Department of Public Works (DPW) shifts its entire workforce to one specific goal: High Grass (Code 8-15-104).
The "Spring Sweep" Phenomenon
Every year, usually in late April or early May, the City launches a coordinated "sweep." Inspectors drive grid patterns through neighborhoods, issuing thousands of grass tickets in a single week.
The Rule: Grass or weeds cannot exceed 8 inches in height. The Fine: Starts at $50 but escalates quickly.
The Vendor Disconnect
The #1 cause of grass tickets for investors is Vendor Timing.
- You pay your lawn guy to cut "Bi-Weekly" (every 2 weeks).
- In a wet Detroit May, grass can grow 4 inches in a week.
- By Day 12 of your cycle, the grass is 10 inches tall.
- The inspector drives by on Day 13.
- Result: You get a ticket one day before your crew arrives.
How to Protect Your Portfolio
- Switch to Weekly Cuts: From May 1st to June 30th (the high growth season), "Bi-Weekly" is a liability. Pay the extra cost for weekly service.
- Define the "Alley" in Contracts: Most lawn crews will skip the alley unless you explicitly pay for it. The alley is where 50% of grass tickets come from.
- Automated Monitoring: If you get a grass ticket, you need to know immediately so you can send the crew back out to cut it and take a photo. If you bring a dated photo of a clean lawn to the hearing, the ticket is often dismissed.