Sample Zoning Ordinance Violation Notice

(Reprinted from the Township Guide to Planning and Zoning)

When a violation notice is issued:

1. The violation notice is sent to the property owner, not necessarily the tenant.

2. Describe the precise location of the property.

3. Include a copy of the ordinance section(s) involved. Describe what the official saw, and why it violates the ordinance.

4. Be as precise as possible when describing the actions necessary to correct the violation.

5. Give a date when the property will be rechecked. Plan to visit the site on or shortly after that date.


(name) Township

First Notice of Zoning Ordinance Violation

This is to inform you that the (zoning administrator/zoning enforcement officer) has discovered a violation of the (name) Township zoning ordinance on your property located at (address), permanent parcel number (number), on (date).

The (name) Township Zoning Ordinance, Section (number), requires that (describe the ordinance provision that has been violated). A copy of this provision is included with this notice. On (month, date and year), the (zoning administrator/zoning enforcement officer) found (describe the violation). In order to correct this violation, you will need to (describe the action(s) to be taken to correct the violation). Once this action has been taken, you will no longer be in violation of this ordinance.

The (zoning administrator/zoning enforcement officer) will recheck your property on or about (month, date and year).

Should you have any questions about this notice or need additional time to bring the condition into compliance with the ordinance, please do not hesitate to call (include zoning administrator/zoning enforcement officer’s name) between the hours of (hours), (days of week). You may also call and make an appointment during those same hours. We thank you for your prompt attention to this notice.

Sincerely,

(Zoning administrator/zoning enforcement officer’s name and title)


When a second violation notice is issued:

1. This information is given, in case the property owner claims the notice was not received or went to the wrong address.

2. This section will vary, depending on the enforcement procedures and actions required by
the township’s zoning ordinance. The language here only applies to a civil infraction. Other actions include issuing a misdemeanor appearance ticket or a Circuit Court summons.

3. While it is desirable to indicate some flexibility if there are reasons beyond the property owner’s control for not correcting the violation, the language should be strong enough to indicate the township’s intentions are serious.


(name) Township

Second Notice of Zoning Ordinance Violation

On (month, date and year), you were sent a notice of a violation by the (zoning administrator/zoning enforcement officer). This violation of the (name) Township zoning ordinance was located on your property at (address), permanent parcel number (number). A copy of that first notice is attached.

A recheck was made of your property on (month, date and year). At that time, it was noted that the corrective measures required by the notice dated (month, date and year) had not been undertaken.

In order to correct this violation, you will need to (describe the action(s) to be taken to correct the violation).

Failure to correct this situation could result in the issuance of a civil infraction citation, which may result in fines up to $(dollar amount). In addition, each day that this violation continues will be considered a separate offense and subject to additional fines.

The (zoning administrator/zoning enforcement officer) will recheck your property on or about (month, date and year).

You are urged to contact this office immediately if there is a valid reason why corrective action has not been taken. You may call (include zoning administrator/zoning enforcement officer’s name) between the hours of (hours), (days of week). Please take prompt action so that further legal action will not be necessary.

Sincerely,

(Zoning administrator/zoning enforcement officer’s name and title)