Standards for Abatement of Structural Nuisances.
Grand Rapids City Code § 9.110
in effectSec. 9.110. - Standards for Abatement of Structural Nuisances.
All windows, doors or other openings in a vacant or unoccupied structure which can be reached from the ground or from an appurtenance or adjacent structure shall be in good repair and locked or otherwise fastened from the inside or shall be secured in the manner set forth in this Code. All openings or structural elements in poor repair which allow the interior to be damaged by water shall be secured or otherwise made watertight.
(1) Boarding Exterior Openings. Boarding shall be secured by use of exterior grade plywood of at least ⅜″ thickness, cut to the size of the opening and secured by use of Phillips headed 2½″ long screws, spaced to inhibit prying, on all first story or ground accessible points of entry or by use of 16d common nails which are permitted only on entry points being secured above the first story or where not accessible from the ground level. Boards may be placed over all points of entry. Open holes, overlapping and extensions beyond the frame which allow prying are not permitted. Boarding shall be painted either white, grey or a color similar to that of the boarded building.
(2) Time Limit to Secure Structure. A City order to board or secure a property shall be complied with in not more than seventy-two (72) hours. If the securing has not been commenced, is incomplete, or does not comply with the requirements for boarding, the City shall secure the structure and the City shall bill the owner of record for all costs incurred, including service fees and administrative costs. The amount so billed shall constitute a personal debt of the owner and may be assessed as a lien against the cited property.
(Ord. No. 2006-32, § 1, 6-6-06; Ord. No. 2010-30, § 2, 6-22-10)
Source: City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mi/grand_rapids/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIOLRE_CH151NU_ART8PRMANU_S9.110STABSTNUFetched: 11/7/2026