Detroit Charter

The Detroit Charter and City Government

← Back to The Detroit Charter Main Page


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preamble and Declaration of Rights

Article 1. Establishment of City Government

  • Sec. 1-101. City Government
  • Sec. 1-102. General Powers
  • Sec. 1-103. Liberal Construction
  • Sec. 1-104. Boundaries

Article 2. General Provisions

  • Sec. 2-101. Qualifications for Elective Officers and Appointive Officers
  • Sec. 2-102. Term of Office
  • Sec. 2-103. Oath of Office
  • Sec. 2-104. Severability
  • Sec. 2-105. Definitions and Rules of Construction
  • Sec. 2-106 Ethics
    • Sec. 2-106.1. Ethical Standards of Conduct
    • Sec. 2-106.2. Disclosures
    • Sec. 2-106.3. Lobbying Registration and Reporting
    • Sec. 2-106.4. Gifts and Gratuities
    • Sec. 2-106.5. One Year Post-Employment Prohibition.
    • Sec. 2-106.6. Contracts Voidable and Rescindable
    • Sec. 2-106.7. Campaign Activities Using City Property Or During Working Hours
    • Sec. 2-106.8. Board of Ethics, Application, Appointment, Qualifications and Terms
    • Sec. 2-106.9. Powers and Duties
    • Sec. 2-106.10. Cooperation in Investigations; Obstruction
    • Sec. 2-106.11. Violations and Penalties
    • Sec. 2-106.12. Meetings
    • Sec. 2-106.13. Funding
    • Sec. 2-106.14. Campaign Finance Reports
  • Sec. 2-107. Dismissal Proceedings
  • Sec. 2-108. Pay Plans
  • Sec. 2-109. Reimbursement
  • Sec. 2-110. General Provisions for Multi-Member Bodies
  • Sec. 2-111. Promulgation of Administrative Rules
  • Sec. 2-112. Public Records
  • Sec. 2-113. Prohibition Against Entering Into Contracts or Giving Position to Those in Default

Article 3. Elections

  • Sec. 3-101. Department of Elections
  • Sec. 3-102. Election Commission
  • Sec. 3-103. Powers and Duties of Election Commission
  • Sec. 3-104. Director and Deputy Director
  • Sec. 3-105. City Elections and City Council Initiated Ballot Proposals
  • Sec. 3-106. State Law to Apply
  • Sec. 3-107. Elective Officers of the City
  • Sec. 3-108. Geographical Basis for Electing Council Members
  • Sec. 3-109. Nominating Petitions
  • Sec. 3-110. Nominees
  • Sec. 3-111. Residency Requirement for Elective Officers

Article 3.5. Office of the City Clerk

  • Sec. 3.5-101. Office of City Clerk
  • Sec. 3.5-102. Duties and Powers of City Clerk
  • Sec. 3.5-103. Deputy City Clerk
  • Sec. 3.5-104. Vacancy in Office of City Clerk

Article 4. The Legislative Branch

Chapter 1. City Council

  • Sec. 4-101. City Council
  • Sec. 4-102. Meetings
  • Sec. 4-103. Selection of Council President and President Pro-Tempore
  • Sec. 4-104. Duties of the Council President
  • Sec. 4-105. Rules and Journal
  • Sec. 4-106. Standing Committee Structure
  • Sec. 4-107. Quorum
  • Sec. 4-108. Voting
  • Sec. 4-109. Investigations
  • Sec. 4-110. Investigative Powers
  • Sec. 4-111. Confirmation Authority
  • Sec. 4-112. Control of Property
  • Sec. 4-113. Prohibition on Interference in Administration
  • Sec. 4-114. Ordinances and Resolutions in General
  • Sec. 4-115. Ordinance Procedure
  • Sec. 4-116. Emergency Ordinances
  • Sec. 4-117. Procedure for Approval or Veto by Mayor and City Council’s Override of Veto
  • Sec. 4-118. Publication of Ordinances and Effective Date
  • Sec. 4-119. Ordinances After Enactment and Resolutions After Adoption
  • Sec. 4-120. Council Personnel
  • Sec. 4-121. Special Counsel
  • Sec. 4-122. Approval of Contracts and Disclosure

Chapter 2. Board of Zoning Appeals

  • Sec. 4-201. Establishment of Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Sec. 4-202. Board of Zoning Appeals Ordinance

Chapter 3. City Planning Commission

  • Sec. 4-301. City Planning Commission
  • Sec. 4-302. Powers and Duties
  • Sec. 4-303. Staff Assistance

Article 5. The Executive Branch: The Mayor and General Provisions

  • Sec. 5-101. Mayor
  • Sec. 5-102. The Executive Branch
  • Sec. 5-103. Mayoral Appointments
  • Sec. 5-104. Other Mayoral Powers
  • Sec. 5-105. Appointment of Deputies
  • Sec. 5-106. Powers and Duties of Department Directors
  • Sec. 5-107. Powers of a Departmental Deputy
  • Sec. 5-108. Deputy Mayor
  • Sec. 5-109. Succession to Office
  • Sec. 5-110. Community Meetings

Article 6. The Executive Branch: Staff Departments

Chapter 1. Budget Department

  • Sec. 6-101. Budget Department
  • Sec. 6-102. Powers and Duties
  • Sec. 6-103. Management Audits

Chapter 2. Planning and Development Department

  • Sec. 6-201. Planning and Development Department
  • Sec. 6-202. Advance Planning
  • Sec. 6-203. Current Planning
  • Sec. 6-204. Definition
  • Sec. 6-205. Public Hearings

Chapter 3. Finance Department

  • Sec. 6-301. Finance Department
  • Sec. 6-302. Departmental Divisions
  • Sec. 6-303. Accounts Division
  • Sec. 6-304. Assessments Division
  • Sec. 6-305. Treasury Division
  • Sec. 6-306. Purchasing Division
  • Sec. 6-307. Privatization of City Services
  • Sec. 6-308. Debarment

Chapter 4. Human Resources Department

  • Sec. 6-401. General Purpose
  • Sec. 6-402. Human Resources Department
  • Sec. 6-403. Human Resources Director and Deputy
  • Sec. 6-404. Qualifications
  • Sec. 6-405. Civil Service Commission
  • Sec. 6-406. Non-Discrimination
  • Sec. 6-407. Employee Organization
  • Sec. 6-408. Labor Relations
  • Sec. 6-409. Classification of Positions
  • Sec. 6-410. Examinations
  • Sec. 6-411. Validation
  • Sec. 6-412. Recruitment and Advancement
  • Sec. 6-413. Employee Grievances
  • Sec. 6-414. Jurisdiction
  • Sec. 6-415. Payrolls
  • Sec. 6-416. Residence
  • Sec. 6-417. Classified Service
  • Sec. 6-418. Transfers and Promotions to Exempt Positions
  • Sec. 6-419. Consolidation of Entities

Chapter 5. Buildings, Safety, Engineering and Environmental Department

  • Sec. 6-501. Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department
  • Sec. 6-502. General Purpose
  • Sec. 6-503. Powers and Duties
  • Sec. 6-504. Conservation
  • Sec. 6-505. Environmental Legislation
  • Sec. 6-506. Applications Filed Under Zoning Law
  • Sec. 6-507. Duty Under Other Regulatory Laws
  • Sec. 6-508. One-Stop Service
  • Sec. 6-509. Green Initiatives and Technologies

Article 7. The Executive Branch: Programs, Services and Activities

Chapter 1. General Provisions

  • Sec. 7-101. Existing Programs, Services and Activities
  • Sec. 7-102. Assignment of Authorized Function
  • Sec. 7-103. Advisory Commissions
  • Sec. 7-104. Change In Number of Authorized Functions

Chapter 2. Responsibilities in Health and Sanitation

  • Sec. 7-201. Health
  • Sec. 7-202. Sanitation

Chapter 3. Arts

  • Sec. 7-301. Department

Chapter 4. Public Works

  • Sec. 7-401. Department
  • Sec. 7-402. Sidewalk Maintenance
  • Sec. 7-403. Recycling

Chapter 5. Fire

  • Sec. 7-501. Department
  • Sec. 7-502. Fire Department Divisions
  • Sec. 7-503. Duties
  • Sec. 7-504. Fire Marshal
  • Sec. 7-505. Advisory Commission
  • Sec. 7-506. Promotions

Chapter 6. Historical

  • Sec. 7-601. Department

Chapter 7. Human Rights

  • Sec. 7-701. Department
  • Sec. 7-702. Human Rights Commission
  • Sec. 7-703. Budget
  • Sec. 7-704. Duties
  • Sec. 7-705. Powers
  • Sec. 7-706. Appeals
  • Sec. 7-707. Remedies Cumulative

Chapter 8. Police

  • Sec. 7-801. Police Department
  • Sec. 7-802. Board of Police Commissioners
  • Sec. 7-803. Duties of the Board of Police Commissioners
  • Sec. 7-804. Staff
  • Sec. 7-805. Chief of Police
  • Sec. 7-806. Duties of the Chief of Police
  • Sec. 7-807. Discipline
  • Sec. 7-808. Complaints
  • Sec. 7-809. Resolution of Complaints
  • Sec. 7-810. Division of Police Personnel
  • Sec. 7-811. Deputy Director
  • Sec. 7-812. Recruitment and Entry into Service
  • Sec. 7-813. Powers and Duties
  • Sec. 7-814. Promotions
  • Sec. 7-815. Examinations
  • Sec. 7-816. Employees
  • Sec. 7-817. Police Officers Employed by Governmental and Educational Institutions
  • Sec. 7-818. Police Reserves

Chapter 9. Public Lighting

  • Sec. 7-901. Department
  • Sec. 7-902. Qualifications
  • Sec. 7-903. Commission
  • Sec. 7-904. Powers and Duties
  • Sec. 7-905. Limitations on Sale of Assets

Chapter 10. Recreation

  • Sec. 7-1001. Department
  • Sec. 7-1002. Advisory Commission

Chapter 11. Transportation

  • Sec. 7-1101. Department
  • Sec. 7-1102. Advisory Commission
  • Sec. 7-1103. Intelligence Division
  • Sec. 7-1104. Limitations

Chapter 12. Water and Sewerage

  • Sec. 7-1201. Department
  • Sec. 7-1202. Powers
  • Sec. 7-1203. Limitation on Funds
  • Sec. 7-1204. Limitation on Sale of Assets

Chapter 13. Zoological Park

  • Sec. 7-1301. Department
  • Sec. 7-1302. Commission

Chapter 14. Television Channels

  • Sec. 7-1401. Cable Television Channels
  • Sec. 7-1402. Executive Oversight, Operation and Management
  • Sec. 7-1403. Channel Use
  • Sec. 7-1404. Limitations

Article 7.5. Independent Departments and Offices

Chapter 1. Auditor General

  • Sec. 7.5-101. Auditor General
  • Sec. 7.5-102. Deputy Auditor General
  • Sec. 7.5-103. Term of Office
  • Sec. 7.5-104. Employees
  • Sec. 7.5-105. Powers and Duties
  • Sec. 7.5-106. Limitations

Chapter 2. Law Department

  • Sec. 7.5-201. Law Department
  • Sec. 7.5-202. Qualifications
  • Sec. 7.5-203. Civil Litigation
  • Sec. 7.5-204. Penal Matters
  • Sec. 7.5-205. Advice and Opinions
  • Sec. 7.5-206. Form of Documents
  • Sec. 7.5-207. Drafting
  • Sec. 7.5-208. Intra-Government Dispute Resolution
  • Sec. 7.5-209. Enforcement of Charter
  • Sec. 7.5-210. Claim Reduction
  • Sec. 7.5-211. Other Duties

Chapter 3. Office of Inspector General

  • Sec. 7.5-301. Establishment
  • Sec. 7.5-302. Appointment, Removal, Term of Office and Vacancy
  • Sec. 7.5-303. Minimum Qualifications
  • Sec. 7.5-304. Limitations; Prohibited Activities
  • Sec. 7.5-305. Jurisdiction
  • Sec. 7.5-306. Powers and Duties
  • Sec. 7.5-307. Subpoena Powers
  • Sec. 7.5-308. Duty to Report Illegal Acts
  • Sec. 7.5-309. Employees
  • Sec. 7.5-310. Cooperation in Investigations; Obstruction
  • Sec. 7.5-311. Consultation Required
  • Sec. 7.5-312. Conflict of Interest; Special Counsel
  • Sec. 7.5-313. Confidentiality
  • Sec. 7.5-314. Immunity
  • Sec. 7.5-315. Retaliation Prohibited; Penalty
  • Sec. 7.5-316. Funding

Chapter 4. Ombudsperson

  • Sec. 7.5-401. Ombudsperson
  • Sec. 7.5-402. Term of Office
  • Sec. 7.5-403. Vacancy
  • Sec. 7.5-404. Salary
  • Sec. 7.5-405. Staff
  • Sec. 7.5-406. Definition
  • Sec. 7.5-407. Jurisdiction
  • Sec. 7.5-408. Powers of Investigation
  • Sec. 7.5-409. Delegation of Powers
  • Sec. 7.5-410. Correspondence From Person Detained
  • Sec. 7.5-411. Consultation Required
  • Sec. 7.5-412. Reports
  • Sec. 7.5-413. Duty to Report Illegal Acts
  • Sec. 7.5-414. Obstruction
  • Sec. 7.5-415. Immunity
  • Sec. 7.5-416. Limitations
  • Sec. 7.5-417. Remedies Cumulative

Article 8. Planning and Financial Procedures

Chapter 1. Planning Procedure

  • Sec. 8-101. Comprehensive Plan
  • Sec. 8-102. Periodic Review
  • Sec. 8-103. Council Procedure
  • Sec. 8-104. Purpose of the Plan

Chapter 2. Budgets

  • Sec. 8-201. Fiscal Year
  • Sec. 8-202. Capital Agenda
  • Sec. 8-203. Annual Budget
  • Sec. 8-204. Budget
  • Sec. 8-205. Form of Appropriation
  • Sec. 8-206. Public Hearing
  • Sec. 8-207. Amendment Before Adoption
  • Sec. 8-208. Budget Adoption
  • Sec. 8-209. Effect of Budget Adoption
  • Sec. 8-210. Amendments After Adoption
  • Sec. 8-211. Transfer of Appropriations
  • Sec. 8-212. Report of Budget Deficit
  • Sec. 8-213. Revenue Estimating Conference
  • Sec. 8-214. Proportional Funding for Oversight Agencies

Chapter 3. Administration of Budgets

  • Sec. 8-301. Work Programs and Allotments
  • Sec. 8-302. Limit on Obligations and Payments
  • Sec. 8-303. Penalties for Violation
  • Sec. 8-304. Obligations to be Met by Subsequent Appropriations

Chapter 4. Property Taxation

  • Sec. 8-401. Power
  • Sec. 8-402. Assessors’ Duties
  • Sec. 8-403. Collection of Property Taxes

Chapter 5. Borrowing

  • Sec. 8-501. General Power
  • Sec. 8-502. Limitations on Borrowing
  • Sec. 8-503. Specific Kinds of Borrowing
  • Sec. 8-504. Use of Borrowed Funds
  • Sec. 8-505. Execution of Obligation
  • Sec. 8-506. Tax Exempt

Chapter 6. Special Assessments

  • Sec. 8-601. Power To Assess
  • Sec. 8-602. Special Assessments to Finance Transit Facilities
  • Sec. 8-603. Procedure Ordinance
  • Sec. 8-604. Assessment Lien
  • Sec. 8-605. Contest of Assessments

Article 9. Miscellaneous

Chapter 1. Community Advisory Councils

  • Sec. 9-101. Definition and Purpose
  • Sec. 9-102. Creation and Composition of Advisory Councils
  • Sec. 9-103. Powers, Duties and Limitations

Chapter 2. Council of the Arts

  • Sec. 9-201. Council of the Arts

Chapter 3. Regulatory Power and Review

  • Sec. 9-301. Regulatory Power
  • Sec. 9-302. Appellate Review
  • Sec. 9-303. Limitations on a Franchise
  • Sec. 9-304. Standard Provisions of a Public Utility Franchise

Chapter 4. Specific Responsibilities

  • Sec. 9-401. Board of Review
  • Sec. 9-402. Hospitals
  • Sec. 9-403. Revision Question
  • Sec. 9-404. Schools
  • Sec. 9-405. Elimination of Redundancy in Government

Chapter 5. Specific Powers

  • Sec. 9-501. Eminent Domain
  • Sec. 9-502. Enabling Legislation
  • Sec. 9-503. Historic Areas and Landmarks
  • Sec. 9-504. Library
  • Sec. 9-505. Penalties
  • Sec. 9-506. Rents, Tolls, Excises and Taxes
  • Sec. 9-507. Service Fees
  • Sec. 9-508. Utilities
  • Sec. 9-509. Parking Fines
  • Sec. 9-510. Incentives for City-Based Businesses

Chapter 6. Retirees' Representation

  • Sec. 9-601. Retirees’ Representation

Chapter 7. Risk Management

  • Sec. 9-701. Risk Management Council
  • Sec. 9-702. Duties

Chapter 8. Insurance Assistance

  • Sec. 9-801. City Sponsored Insurance Assistance

Article 10. Courts

  • Sec. 10-101. Courts

Article 11. Retirement Plans

  • Sec. 11-101. City’s Duties
  • Sec. 11-102. Continuation of Existing Plans
  • Sec. 11-103. Principles Applicable In Administering Plans
  • Sec. 11-104. Information Required Before Benefit Increase
  • Sec. 11-105. Audits

Article 12. Initiative and Referendum

  • Sec. 12-101. Initiative and Referendum
  • Sec. 12-102. Petitions
  • Sec. 12-103. Time of Filing
  • Sec. 12-104. Duties of the City Clerk
  • Sec. 12-105. Insufficient Petitions
  • Sec. 12-106. Suspension of Ordinance
  • Sec. 12-107. Procedure
  • Sec. 12-108. Submission to Voters
  • Sec. 12-109. Amendment, Repeal and Re-Enactment
  • Sec. 12-110. Submission by Council
  • Sec. 12-111. Similar or Conflicting Measures
  • Sec. 12-112. Repeal or Amendment of Ordinance in Effect

Article 13. Schedule

  • Sec. 13-101. Effect on Existing City Legislation
  • Sec. 13-102. Continuation of Public and Private Rights
  • Sec. 13-103. Rights of Officers and Employees
  • Sec. 13-104. Effective Date
  • Sec. 13-105. Employees Benefit Plan
  • Sec. 13-106. Condemnation
  • Sec. 13-107. Fire and Police Pension Committees
  • Sec. 13-108. Police Fund
  • Sec. 13-109. Initial Appointments
  • Sec. 13-110. General Provision
  • Sec. 13-111. Submission of the Charter

← Back to The Detroit Charter Main Page