DETROIT EXTERIOR WALL PROGRAM
Detroit Exterior Wall, Roof Structure & Projection Inspection Guide
Property Maintenance Code §8-15-34(d)(8) for Building Owners & Property Managers
Detroit Property Maintenance Code Section 8-15-34(d)(8) requires building owners to maintain and periodically inspect exterior walls, roof-mounted structures, cornices, and projections to ensure they do not pose a hazard to the public.
Over time, façade materials, architectural elements, and rooftop equipment supports can deteriorate due to weather exposure, water infiltration, and aging construction materials. These conditions can lead to falling debris or structural instability if not properly monitored.
To reduce these risks, Detroit requires building owners to inspect exterior elements and address unsafe conditions promptly.
This guide explains who must comply, what components must be inspected, typical inspection procedures, corrective actions, and how building owners and property managers can manage compliance effectively.
Who Must Comply with Detroit Property Maintenance Code 8-15-34(d)(8)
Detroit’s exterior structure maintenance requirements apply to all property owners responsible for maintaining buildings within the city.
Buildings commonly affected include:
• Multi-story residential buildings
• Condominium and cooperative buildings
• Commercial and office buildings
• Mixed-use developments
• Institutional and hospitality properties
Responsibility for compliance rests with the property owner, even when building operations are managed by a professional property management company.
Owners must ensure exterior components remain structurally sound and that unsafe conditions are corrected promptly.
Exterior Components Covered by the Ordinance
Detroit’s maintenance code requires inspection and maintenance of exterior structural components and architectural features that could deteriorate or detach over time.
Key components covered include:
Exterior walls
• Brick, stone, and masonry systems
• Concrete façade elements
• Exterior cladding and curtain walls
• Structural framing supporting façade systems
Roof-mounted structures
• Mechanical equipment supports
• Cooling towers and rooftop equipment platforms
• Elevator overruns and penthouses
• Antenna and communication equipment mounts
Cornices and decorative features
• Ornamental architectural cornices
• Parapets and decorative façade projections
• Historic architectural features attached to façades
Projections and attachments
• Balconies and exterior projections
• Window lintels and sills
• Anchored architectural elements
• Exterior signage or structural attachments
These elements require regular monitoring because deterioration may create falling hazards or structural safety risks.
Common Conditions Identified During Exterior Inspections
Exterior wall inspections typically identify early signs of deterioration caused by aging materials or environmental exposure.
Common issues include:
• Masonry cracking or displacement
• Concrete spalling or surface deterioration
• Corrosion of steel anchors or reinforcement
• Water infiltration and freeze-thaw damage
• Loose cornices or architectural projections
• Structural movement affecting façade elements
Identifying these conditions early allows owners to perform repairs before hazards develop.
Inspection Expectations for Building Owners
Detroit’s Property Maintenance Code requires building owners to monitor exterior conditions and address unsafe elements when identified.
In practice, many building owners arrange periodic inspections by a qualified design professional, especially for larger or older buildings.
Typical inspection practices include:
• Visual evaluation of exterior wall systems
• Review of roof-mounted equipment supports
• Assessment of cornices and architectural projections
• Documentation of façade conditions with photographs
• Identification of potential safety hazards
For taller buildings or complex façades, inspectors may use scaffolding, lifts, or drone technology to perform close-up examinations.
Who Can Perform Exterior Structure Inspections
Although routine maintenance inspections may be performed by building staff, structural evaluations are typically conducted by licensed design professionals.
Qualified professionals commonly include:
• Michigan-licensed Professional Engineers (PE)
• Michigan-licensed Registered Architects (RA)
These professionals are trained to evaluate structural integrity and determine whether exterior conditions present a safety hazard.
Inspection reports typically include:
• Description of façade conditions
• Photographic documentation
• Identification of hazardous elements
• Recommended repair or stabilization measures
Required Actions When Unsafe Conditions Are Identified
When exterior wall components or projections become unsafe, building owners must take immediate corrective action.
Typical responses may include:
• Installing temporary safety barriers or sidewalk protection
• Restricting access near hazardous areas
• Removing loose façade elements or projections
• Performing structural repairs or stabilization
• Hiring qualified contractors to perform corrective work
Failure to address hazardous conditions may result in city enforcement actions or penalties.
Documentation & Maintenance Records
Maintaining documentation of exterior inspections and repairs is an important part of compliance with Detroit’s maintenance code.
Owners should retain records including:
• Inspection reports from engineers or architects
• Photographs documenting exterior conditions
• Repair plans and contractor documentation
• Certification confirming corrective work
These records may be needed for:
• City inspections or enforcement reviews
• Insurance underwriting
• Property refinancing
• Real estate transactions
How rascompany.com Helps with Detroit Exterior Compliance
Exterior inspections often require coordination between engineers, contractors, and access specialists.
rascompany.com helps Detroit building owners and property managers streamline exterior compliance by connecting them with vetted professionals experienced in façade inspections and structural repairs.
Through rascompany.com you can find:
• Licensed façade engineers and architects
• Masonry and façade restoration contractors
• Waterproofing and structural repair specialists
• Scaffolding and façade access providers
Using rascompany.com allows owners to:
• Quickly identify qualified inspection professionals
• Coordinate inspection and repair teams efficiently
• Reduce compliance risk by working with experienced specialists
This integrated approach helps projects move efficiently from inspection to repair to full compliance.
Penalties & Liability Risks
Failure to maintain exterior walls and projections can expose building owners to serious risks.
Potential consequences include:
• Civil penalties and municipal enforcement actions
• Orders requiring emergency stabilization or repairs
• Increased liability if falling debris causes injury or damage
• Insurance coverage complications
Proactive inspection and maintenance programs significantly reduce these risks.
A Practical Detroit Exterior Maintenance Strategy
Building owners and property managers can manage compliance more effectively by following a proactive approach:
Schedule periodic exterior wall inspections
Monitor roof-mounted structures and equipment supports
Address cornice and projection deterioration early
Engage licensed engineers or architects when structural issues arise
Maintain documentation of inspections and repairs
Using a professional matching platform like rascompany.com can help simplify coordination between inspectors and contractors.
Key Takeaway
Detroit’s Property Maintenance Code Section 8-15-34(d)(8) requires building owners to maintain exterior walls, roof-mounted structures, cornices, and projections so they do not create safety hazards.
Building owners who conduct regular inspections, address deterioration promptly, and work with qualified professionals are best positioned to maintain compliance while protecting occupants, pedestrians, and property value.
Professional matching services such as rascompany.com help property owners efficiently connect with engineers and contractors needed to move from inspection to repair and full compliance.