Code enforcement is part of the Community Services Bureau of the Kentwood Police Department. Code enforcement specialists are responsible for the oversight and enforcement of City ordinances adopted by the City of Kentwood to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of those individuals living, working, and doing business within the City. Code enforcement collaborates with other City Departments to obtain code compliance on properties throughout the City. They are also active in assisting to educate the community and raise awareness concerning ordinance violations by attending local neighborhood association meetings. They also personally meet with property owners, landlords, and other community organizations whenever possible. The code enforcement staff is comprised of one full-time and two part-time code enforcement specialists, as well as two part-time police cadets.
MISSION
The code enforcement staff investigates complaints of property maintenance violations within the City. Our main focus is to eliminate outside nuisances, to improve and preserve the appearance of the City's residential and business areas, and create a community where those who live, work, or visit can experience a sense of pride.
Sign Ordinance reminder
As the election nears, please keep the City’s code ordinance on placing signs in public places in mind. Temporary signs may not be placed on public property, such as telephone poles or in the public right-of-way, which is the section of land between the sidewalk and street. Property owners must keep signs within their own lots. For further information, please review the ordinance or contact Code Enforcement at 616.656.6574.
Sec. 66-61. - Parking prohibited during hours that could impair or impede snow removal
From November 15—March 15 of each year and after the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived, so that city streets may be snowplowed, cleaned or maintained, no parking of any vehicle is permitted on either side of any city street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. or at any other times when on-street parking could impair or impede such snowplowing, cleaning or maintenance operations.
Most Frequent Code Violations
1) Weeds/grass or undergrowth more than six (6) inches high;
2) Parking violations on non-paved surfaces or front lawns;
3) Improper storage of recreation vehicles, campers, boats, utility trailers etc. Cannot be stored within the front yard area of the residence and should be stored in the side yard or backyard;
4) Inoperable/junked/unlicensed vehicles (Exception-only one unlicensed vehicle can be parked for sale in the driveway for a period of 30 days;
5) Garbage, trash, or containers left within the right-of-way;
6) Yard waste or debris (grass clippings, brush, leaves, or tree debris);
7) Exterior nuisances (dilapidated fences, dead trees, limbs, or open air storage);
8) Building maintenance (dilapidated out-buildings, garages, rotting wood, wood damage, etc.);
9) Sidewalk hazards or obstructions (sidewalks must be free of obstructions including weeds, tree branches, and snow or ice);
10) Sign violations (signs cannot be placed within the City's right-of-way or secured to utility poles).
Dave Genrich
Phone: (616)-656-6574
Email: GENRICHD@KENTWOOD.US
rALPH MASON
PHONE: (616)-656-6568
EMAIL: MASONR@KENTWOOD.US
TERRY NOVAKOSKI
PHONE: (616)-656-6587
EMAIL: NOVAKOSKIT@KENTWOOD.US