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Council orders independent survey after year‑long fence dispute; city to obtain three quotes
Summary
Faced with conflicting certified surveys and a building‑permit limbo, the council authorized an independent survey at 25470 Kennedy St., directing administration to obtain three quotes and to absorb the cost initially; motion amended so neither party is billed and passed 4–2.
After prolonged public argument and a notice of ordinance violation tied to an unclosed fence permit, the Dearborn Heights City Council authorized an independent property boundary survey to resolve a dispute at 25470 Kennedy St.
Building department counsel Roger explained staff received competing surveys and that the permit was not final because there was no clear ownership of the area where a fence stands. Council considered requiring one party to pay the cost but legal counsel and multiple council members said the council lacked the authority to compel payment at this stage.
Council amended a motion to require administration to solicit three quotes from licensed survey companies, to present the bids and proposed contract language back to the council, and to make the initial survey cost a city expense (the motion explicitly stated neither resident would be billed); council voted 4–2 in favor of that approach. The chair clarified the plan: solicit three licensed vendors, present costs and contract terms, and bring the results back to council for final award.
The buildings department and counsel said that if either party files a quiet‑title action in circuit court the administrative process will pause. Counsel also said the lack of a permanent, closed permit leaves the buildings department required to enforce the ordinance; if the permit is not closed the fence may be removed pending a final determination.
What’s next: Administration will solicit at least three quotes for a neutral land‑survey firm, return a recommendation and contract language to council, and the buildings department will keep both parties apprised of remedial permit status.
