Grace Period Announced Ahead of Trash Ordinance Enforcement

Published on March 18, 2025

With the arrival of each spring, melting snow reveals months of accumulated litter and debris across Kalamazoo. The City of Kalamazoo reminds both residential and commercial property owners of their responsibility to maintain clean, debris-free properties year-round in accordance with Chapter 15A of the City’s Code of Ordinances (Trash Ordinance).

The Trash Ordinance states, “…All garbage must be stored in a watertight container that is constructed of metal, plastic or other durable material impervious to rodents, has a tight-fitting lid or cover, and is capable of being serviced without creating unsanitary conditions.…”

To support community-wide clean-up efforts, the City of Kalamazoo provides a grace period for litter violations each spring. This year, the grace period is in effect through Sunday, April 13. During this time, property owners are encouraged to remove any accumulated debris without penalty.

Beginning Monday, April 14, the City will actively enforce the Trash Ordinance. Properties found in violation will receive a written enforcement notice, granting 10 days for compliance. Additionally, a $79 inspection recovery fee will be assessed. If violations are not addressed within the allotted timeframe, a $230 civil infraction will be issued. If the matter proceeds to court and the City prevails, cleanup crews will be dispatched to restore the property to compliance, with all associated costs billed to the property owner.

“Our goal is to keep our neighborhoods and our city clean and welcoming for everyone, and the best way to achieve that is for each of us to take care of our properties during this grace period,” said Marvella Vincent, code administration manager for the City of Kalamazoo. “We would much rather not have to issue fines or penalties, so please take advantage of this time to clean up trash and debris.”