Detroit Violation 8-15-104: High Weeds / Plant Growth
Vegetation exceeding 8 inches in height on private property or the adjacent berm.
Informational summary. Based on City of Detroit ordinance data and public enforcement records. This is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship. For guidance on your specific case, consult a licensed Michigan attorney or call the Department of Administrative Hearings at (313) 224-0098.
Fine Schedule
1st Offense
$50
2nd Offense
$125
3rd Offense
$250
How to fight this ticket
Do NOT argue the weeds are on the city easement. Under Sec. 8-15-102, owners are legally responsible for maintaining the right-of-way between the sidewalk and curb, and halfway into the alley. Your defense is either presenting timestamped photos proving the overgrowth was cut prior to the ticket, or proving the inspector cited the wrong parcel. If you corrected the issue before the hearing, file an Evidence of Compliance packet with dated photos.
Resolution strategy
Abatement & Incorrect Parcel Defense
Dismissal approach
I have cut and removed all vegetation exceeding the code limit on the property, including the right-of-way between the sidewalk and curb. Timestamped photographs taken after the abatement are attached as Exhibit A, showing the property and adjacent berm in compliance.
Evidence required
Timestamped photographic evidence of compliance is required for dismissal.
Legal constraints
Owner IS responsible for right-of-way maintenance per Sec 8-15-102. Do not argue city easement.
What happens if you ignore this ticket
If you miss your hearing, a default judgment is entered automatically. You have 21 calendar days to file a Motion to Set Aside under DAH Rule 3.601 — after that, the judgment becomes permanent.
The unpaid judgment is transferred to the Wayne County Treasurer's tax roll. Under Code 9-2-5, BSEED will deny all permit applications for properties with outstanding judgments.
The judgment becomes a priority lien on the property title. It transfers to any new buyer at closing and can trigger tax foreclosure proceedings.
The hearing process
Ticket issued
An inspector cites the property. There is no prior warning — the ticket itself is the first notice and carries an immediate fine.
Hearing scheduled
The DAH (Department of Administrative Hearings) schedules a hearing, typically 30–60 days after the ticket date.
Present your defense
Attend the hearing with evidence. Timestamped photos of compliance are required.
Judgment entered
The hearing officer rules: dismissed, reduced fine, or responsible. If you don't attend, a default judgment is entered automatically.
21-day appeal window
After a default judgment, you have exactly 21 calendar days to file a Motion to Set Aside. This is the "golden window" — miss it and the judgment is permanent.
Frequently asked questions
What is Detroit violation code 8-15-104?
Violation 8-15-104 (High Weeds / Plant Growth) is a vegetation violation under Detroit's blight enforcement code. Vegetation exceeding 8 inches in height on private property or the adjacent berm. First-offense fines start at $50.
How much does a 8-15-104 ticket cost in Detroit?
The fine schedule for 8-15-104 is: $50 (1st offense), $125 (2nd offense), $250 (3rd offense). If unpaid, these fines accrue additional costs and can become liens on the property title.
Can I sell a Detroit property with an outstanding 8-15-104 violation?
Unpaid blight judgments become priority liens that transfer to the buyer at closing. Most title companies will flag the lien, and it must be resolved before clear title can be issued. A default judgment on 8-15-104 will show up in a compliance report even if it doesn't appear in a standard county-level title search.
Does Detroit give a warning before issuing a 8-15-104 ticket?
No. Detroit has no statutory obligation to warn before ticketing for blight violations. The ticket itself is the first notice and carries an immediate fine. This is why proactive monitoring is critical for property owners — by the time you receive the ticket, the clock is already running on your hearing date.
How do I check if my Detroit property has a 8-15-104 violation?
You can run a compliance report at DetroitCompliance.com to scan 11 city databases in 5 seconds. The report will show all active violations including 8-15-104, unpaid balances, hearing dates, and a closing readiness score (CLEAR, ENCUMBERED, or BLOCKED).
Check your property now
Don't wait for a ticket to show up in the mail. Scan 11 city databases instantly.
Run a Compliance Report