FAQs • Garden City, MI • CivicEngage

I need to obtain a local background check. Can I get one at the Police Department?: A local Police Clearance Letter, in which only Garden City Records are checked, can be obtained at the Garden City Police Departments Records Bureau during their normal business hours. Picture ID that includes an address must be shown and a short form completed by the requester. There is no charge for this service. You must be a Garden City resident.

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Police Department

1. How do I request information under the Freedom of Information Act?: Contact the City Clerk's Office.

2. What is considered an abandoned vehicle?: Any vehicle, whether on public or private property, that is not plated, insured, and not in a state of disassembly, other than a minor repair tune-up, brakes, tire change. The vehicles owner will be ticketed under Ordinance #92.03(c). This is a Misdemeanor.

3. What conditions must be met for a snow emergency to be declared?: The City must receive 3 inches or more of snow and/or the city declares an official snow emergency. The vehicle owner can be ticketed Ordinance #70.04(p). This is a misdemeanor.

4. Where on my property can I store my boat, recreational vehicle (RV) or utility trailer?: They must be parked behind the front line of the home. The property owner can be ticketed Ordinance #92.46(b). This is a Misdemeanor.

Leaving the boat, RV or utility trailer in the street overnight , the owner can be ticketed Ordinance #92.46(a). This is a Misdemeanor.

5. If I own a small business of my own, can I keep my business vehicle at my house?: No commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) may be parked at a home or street. Under state law #154.069, commercial vehicles in residential areas is a misdemeanor and the owner can be ticketed. Ordinance #70.05 says commercial vehicles parked in the street is a misdemeanor and the owner can be ticketed.

6. How many garage sales can I legally have each year?: The Ordinance allows for 2 garage sale permits a year. There is an exception of 1 extra garage sale permit if you are moving from your home. If your garage sale occurs on a rainy day you may get an extension within 10 days of the original date. Ordinance #112.62. This is a misdemeanor.

7. How many Dogs or Cats can I own?: No person residing in a residential area in this city shall keep, harbor, or possess more than three dogs or cats (Ordinance #90.16), this is a misdemeanor. For exceptions see Ordinance 90.40, which deals with Boarding Kennels.

8. Who is responsible for the sidewalk in front of my home after a snowfall?: As a homeowner, you are responsible to clear the snow from the sidewalk in front of your home and around the corner if necessary. You must clean the sidewalk within 24 hours of the snowfall. Ordinance #94.48. This is a misdemeanor.

9. Can I park my vehicle in my front yard or on the median in front of my home?: No you can not park your vehicle in the front yard or on the median. Ordinance #154.066(B) applies to front yards, and Ordinance #70.04(D) applies to parkways. Both ordinances are misdemeanors.

10. If I am leaving to go on vacation, can I put out my garbage early?: No. You need to leave the garbage with a neighbor to take care of or don’t put out till 6:00 p.m. the night before pickup. Under Ordinance #54.04(A) this is a misdemeanor.

11. What if I do vehicle repairs at my home for others? Is it legal?: No. This is considered running a business out of an R-1 residential area. Under ordinance #154.211, this is a misdemeanor.

12. What if I’m out of town long enough that my lawn gets too high?: You can be issued a ticket if the grass gets over 12inches high. Under Ordinance #92.15 this is a misdemeanor.

13. What if I have a neighbor whose yard is really messy with junk?: A violation can be issued for debris in yard after a 10 day notice is given. Under Ordinance #54.06© this is a misdemeanor.

14. My neighbor has a dog that barks all night. What can you do?: A violation can be issued for loud barking dogs after 1 warning is given. Under ordinance #90.19(A) this is a misdemeanor.

15. Do I need a license when purchasing a dog or cat?: Yes. All dogs and cats must be licensed within the city and have a collar. Under Ordinance #90.15 this is a misdemeanor.

Hours

- Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed on weekends and holidays

There are no gun related transactions 30 minutes prior to closing.

17. How do I get a copy of my police report?: If you reported a larceny, malicious destruction of property, or domestic violence complaint, only the person listed on the report as the victim can pick up a copy. You must show valid picture ID. To see if a report is available or to answer others records questions please call 734-793-1750.

For other reports, you may purchase a copy during the business hours of the Records Bureau.

Accident reports can be purchased here.

18. How do I get a copy of my traffic crash report?: Just go to the CLEMIS website. CLEMIS Crash report and citations

19. I am an attorney and wish to have a discovery order filled by the police. What do I do?: You must present an original Discovery Order signed by a judge to the Records Bureau. Copies will not be accepted. We will contact you when the order is completed and advise you of the cost.

20. I need to obtain a local background check. Can I get one at the Police Department?: A local Police Clearance Letter, in which only Garden City Records are checked, can be obtained at the Garden City Police Departments Records Bureau during their normal business hours. Picture ID that includes an address must be shown and a short form completed by the requester. There is no charge for this service. You must be a Garden City resident.

21. I need to have my fingerprints taken. Can I do this at the Police Department?: Technology has dramatically changed the way fingerprints are now taken. Most fingerprints must be taken and transmitted electronically and the Garden City Police Department does not offer this service. If inked impressions are acceptable, you can have those taken at the Police Department Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. If the person or employer requesting your fingerprints indicates they must be electronically captured and transmitted, then you will need to contact a private vendor offering that service.

22. What is the procedure for buying a handgun?: You must be at least 18 years of age, a US Citizen and live in Garden City. If you are not an US Citizen, you must present your Resident Alien Card and have proof that you have lived in Michigan for at least 90 days. You cannot have any felony convictions or charges that reflect assault, drug charges of any type and or domestic violence.

When you come to the Police Department you will be given a short test and a criminal background check will be made. Providing you pass the test and background check, a purchase permit will be issued. You will have 10 days to purchase a weapon. You then have 10 days from the date of purchase to return your executed paperwork to the police department.

23. Can I obtain a CCW at the Police Department?: The Garden City Police Department does not issue CCW permits. You can, however, pick up a packet at the front desk of the police department that is put together by the Wayne County Sheriff. The packet includes instructions, forms and fingerprint cards.

The Garden City Police Department cannot do fingerprints for CCW. They must be done at the Wayne County Sheriffs Department.