Dearborn Heights ramps up code enforcement amid blight complaints

The ordinance office received a spike in calls from residents reporting problems following the neighborhood sweep

Published: July 22, 2026 at 4:08 PMUpdated: July 22, 2026 at 5:46 PM

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – Dearborn Heights officials are stepping up property code enforcement this summer after a wave of complaints about tall grass, blight and unsafe conditions across the city.

Mayor Mo Baydoun and Ordinance Director Usef Nasrallah recently walked through neighborhoods together, identifying properties in violation, and they found several.

“Some of the homes we hit yesterday were homes that we hit a year ago, and some of these homeowners just don’t care, and it becomes contagious really,” Baydoun said. “If you’re going to beautify your home, everybody is going to beautify your home. If you’re going to allow blight, everyone is going to allow blight.”

What inspectors look for

The ordinance office received a spike in calls from residents reporting problems following the neighborhood sweep.

Inspectors watch for overgrowth, weeds, debris, and even boats, trailers, or RVs parked in unauthorized areas. The department conducts rounds daily.

Nasrallah says his team tries to work with residents, but repeat offenders should expect consequences.

“We understand certain things happen and there’s situation and circumstances,” Nasrallah said. “Now if we’re dealing with a repeat offender or somebody we constantly have issues with, we’re going to go straight to ticket.”

Fines, frustrations

Tickets can run upward of $300. Some residents say the enforcement feels excessive.

“I feel like they’re watching my grass grow or something like that,” said Alex Farhat, a Dearborn Heights resident. “The minute it gets a little high, they’re slapping my door with a ticket.”

Others who spoke off camera say the crackdown is necessary. Baydoun says the violations his team is targeting are not recent developments.

“These aren’t blight that’s growing for like the last week or two. This is blight that has been growing for several months, so it’s like you got to do better,” he said.