Code Enforcement

Duties & Responsibilities

Community Planning and Development is responsible for the Township’s Code Enforcement functions. This includes making sure that the Township Zoning Ordinances and other codes including the Code of Ordinances are observed by all property owners in the Township.

The Code Enforcement staff strives to reduce blight and remove all unsafe conditions throughout the Township. We have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of the individual citizens, as well as the general public. It is our goal to make the Township a cleaner and healthier community. With cooperation and assistance, we can make our neighborhoods more desirable places to live and assure a better community for all.

Efforts are also underway to increase citizen awareness of the Township’s codes and increase involvement of their enforcement. The beauty and charm of our neighborhoods are among Waterford Township’s most precious assets. The Code Enforcement staff is committed to providing information, assistance and meeting the needs of the citizens we serve.

Report Suspected Violations

Complete an online Code Enforcement Request Form to have an ordinance officer look into a suspected violation of Waterford Code.

Code Enforcement Brochures

Due to the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance No. 135-A (PDF), on February 22, 2010,  the Code Enforcement brochures are currently under revision. Please check back for updated information.

Vacant Property Registration 

Commercial and Residential property owners are required to register their vacant properties by completing the Vacant Property Registration & Affidavit pursuant to Waterford Township Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4, Article VI.

The intent of this ordinance is to help protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens by preventing blight, protecting property values and neighborhood integrity, avoiding the creation and maintenance of nuisances and ensuring safe and sanitary maintenance of dwellings, commercial and industrial buildings. Due to economic conditions, mortgage fraud, foreclosures and increased bankruptcies, many homes and buildings have become vacant and unsupervised. This has caused properties to become attractive nuisances for minors and criminal activity. Vacant properties have a negative impact on surrounding properties and neighborhoods. Potential buyers are deterred by the presence of nearby vacant abandoned buildings. There is an increased instance of unsecured or open doors and windows, broken water pipes, theft of metals and other materials, overgrowth of grass, weeds, shrubs and  bushes, illegal dumping and rat and vermin activity at vacant structures. Such neglect devalues properties and causes deterioration in neighborhoods and commercial areas. Further, it is important for the Township to be able to contact owners of vacant properties for fire safety and police purposes.