CITY OF FERNDALE

Community & Economic Development

The Community and Economic Development Department (CED) facilitates and develops many of the City's core services that improve Ferndale's quality of life, like Building, Code Enforcement, Planning, Zoning, and Rentals. CED is the primary contact for many of Ferndale's stakeholders and volunteers, and works closely with the community to expand and progress the future of Ferndale. 

Build in Ferndale:

Building, Code Enforcement, and Rental Services

Learn how to pull a permit, safely maintain a property, and understand rights and responsibilities.

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Plan in Ferndale:

Planning & Zoning

The City's zoning ordinance is an important tool for land use management within the boundaries of Ferndale. 

Learn More

Additional Services

Incentives & Resources
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Community Plans

All of the City's projects and initiatives are carried out with extensive planning, studying, and vision-casting to support the goals of the community. Community plans provide guidance to staff, stakeholders, volunteers, and residents, while considering the community's principles of diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. 

Learn More About Community Plans

Department Members

Ross Querro

Community and Economic Development Director

Melissa Kalnasy

Planner II

Emily Loomis

Building Official

Brett Sturtz

Code Enforcement Officer and Rental Inspector

Liz Sackley

Code Enforcement Officer and Rental Inspector

Kathy McClintic

Customer Service Representative, Permits and Rental

Keyanda Smith

Code Enforcement Inspector

Community and Economic Development Department FAQs

For additional questions, contact the Community and Economic Development Department at 248-546-2525 Ext. 2. 

My neighbor's tree looks unsafe and may fall on my property. What can the City do to address this concern?

The City understands your concern regarding the condition of the tree(s) located on neighboring private property. However, the City of Ferndale does not have the legal authority to require a private property owner to remove or otherwise abate a tree that may pose a risk to adjacent private properties. In situations such as this, we recommend that you communicate your concerns directly to the property owner in writing. For your records, it is also advisable to retain a copy of the correspondence and provide a copy to your homeowner’s insurance carrier. Documentation of the concern may be important in the event that the tree later causes damage to private property. If you believe there is an immediate emergency or imminent threat to public safety within the public right-of-way, please contact the Department of Public Works at 248-546-2519 or dpwservice@ferndalemi.gov.

What are the requirements for foundations and rat walls?

Unattached frame garages and sheds 600 square feet or less shall be built on a concrete slab no less than 4 inches thick and 4 inches wide for a 24-inch rat wall. Anchor bolts (minimum 1/2 inch diameter) shall be set 2 inches above and 7 inches below concrete, 6 feet on center and within 1 inch of corners with 2 anchors minimum (per wall section).

Masonry garages and masonry fronts on frame garages and all structures over 600 square feet must be built on a foundation or footing at least 12 inches wide that extends at least 42 inches below finished grade to undisturbed soil. On all construction attached to and made structurally a part of the residence, a 42-inch foundation or footing is required.

Concrete shall be designed to have a minimum compressive strength of 3,500 pounds per square inch (psi) at 28 days. If air-entrained concrete is used, the ultimate compressive strength may be reduced to 3,000 psi at 28 days.