Forms

Services

Information

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Automatic Debit Authorization Form

What it’s for: The City of Oak Park offers free, automatic, bill payment for water and sewer utility bills. Residents may enroll in ACH autopay to have their payments deducted automatically from a checking or savings account. To enroll, complete the lower portion of the Automatic Debit Authorization Form and attach a voided check.

How to submit: Return a completed form and voided check to City of Oak Park Utility Billing, 14000 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, MI 48237
 Payments can also be made in person at City Hall, placed in the drop box near the City Hall entrance or mailed to the same address.

Assessment Year Sales Report

What it’s for: Each year, the City Assessor publishes a sales study that analyzes local market conditions and is used in determining assessed values.

The 2026 Assessment Year Sales Study covers sales from April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2025.

Background Check & Clearance Letter

What it’s for: The Oak Park Department of Public Safety provides local background checks and clearance letters upon request. These checks include only contacts within the City of Oak Park and the Oak Park Department of Public Safety.

Fees: This service is free for Oak Park residents. Nonresidents pay a $5 fee.

How to submit: Visit the Oak Park Department of Public Safety, 13800 Oak Park Blvd., during business hours to request a background check or clearance letter.

For statewide criminal history checks, residents must use the Michigan State Police ICHAT system.

Boards and Commissions Application Form

What it’s for: Residents who want to serve the community are encouraged to apply for a City of Oak Park board or commission.

Applicants must be at least 18 and must have lived in Oak Park for at least one year, unless applying to the Corridor Improvement Authority Board as a business owner. Terms are renewed in February and August, and applicants may be interviewed when openings occur.

How to submit: Submit an online application at https://oakparkmi.applicantpro.com/jobs

Building Code Board of Appeals Application

What it’s for: This application is used to request a hearing before the Building Code Board of Appeals when an applicant seeks relief from a building code interpretation.

Fees: A nonrefundable $225 fee is required.

How to submit: Complete our online application or file a completed Building Code Board of Appeals Application and payment at the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.

Applicants will be notified of the meeting date, time and location once the hearing is scheduled.

City Budget

What it’s for: The City of Oak Park follows a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year. Budgets for the past several years are available for public review.

See the links below to view previous city budgets.

Fiscal year 2026-2027 | Fiscal Year 2025-2026 | Fiscal Year 2024-2025 | Fiscal Year 2023-2024

City Hall Art Exhibit Application

What it’s for: The Oak Park Arts and Cultural Diversity Commission invites artists and art groups to display their work at the City Hall Gallery. Exhibits are selected through a review process.

How to submit: Complete our online application or complete a City Hall Art Exhibit Application and return it to the City Manager’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, MI 48237, addressed to the Oak Park Arts and Cultural Diversity Commission.

City Code and Charter

What it’s for: The City Charter and Code of Ordinances guide the governance and operations of the City of Oak Park. Both documents are maintained on Municode. The code is updated after any ordinance or charter amendment is adopted by the City Council.

To review the city's Charter, visit City of Oak Park City Charter.

To review the city's Code of Ordinances, visit City of Oak Park Code of Ordinances.

City Magazine Advertising Rate Contract

What it’s for: Quarterly, the City of Oak Park publishes the Oak Park City Magazine and Recreation Program Guide.

The magazine is a glossy format and is delivered to every home and business in the City of Oak Park.

Business owners are encouraged to advertise in the publication using our online order form or by viewing the City Magazine Advertising Rate Sheet. 

Collective Bargaining Agreements

What it’s for: The city’s Human Resources and Operations Department negotiates collective bargaining agreements with four employee unions.

They are the:

• Technical, Professional and Officeworkers Association of Michigan
• Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) for Patrol & Detectives
• Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) for Dispatchers
• Police Officers Labor Council (POLC) for Command Officers

The most recent collective bargaining agreements can be viewed by following the links below:

• Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) Dispatchers 2021 - 2024 Agreement
• Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) Public Safety Officers 2021 - 2024 Agreement
• Police Officers Labor Council (POLC) Command Officers 2021 - 2024 Agreement
• Technical, Professional, and Officeworkers Association of Michigan (TPOAM) 2021 - 2024 Agreement

The latest contract extensions and new wage tables can be viewed by following the links below:

Dispatch Two-Year Extension 10/2025
Dispatch Wage Structure
POAM Two-Year Extension 10/2025
POAM Salary Increases 2023.05.01-2027.07.01
POLC Two-Year Extension 10/2025
POLC Wage Structure
TPOAM Two-Year Extension 10/2025
TPOAM Wage Scale

Commercial Property Appearance and Maintenance Guidelines

What it’s for: Section 18 of the City of Oak Park Code of Ordinances requires property owners, occupants and tenants to maintain the property around their buildings.

To understand what is required, view our  commercial-property-maintenance-guidelines.pdf 

Complete Streets Plan

What it’s for: The City of Oak Park’s Complete Streets Plan outlines long‑term goals for streets designed to be safe and accessible for all modes of travel. The plan emphasizes walking, bicycling, transit use and improved mobility throughout the city.

The plan promotes non‑motorized or active, transportation by creating streets where it is easy to cross the road, walk to nearby shops, bike to work and connect to public transit.

It will be updated as needs, conditions and transportation priorities evolve.

Contractor Registration Form

What it’s for: Contractors must register with the City before applying for building, mechanical, electrical or plumbing permits.

Fees: Fees vary depending on the type of registration.

How to submit: Submit through our online application form or complete a Contractor Registration Form and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.

Conceptual Site Plan Review Meeting Checklist

What it’s for: Before beginning a development or redevelopment project, applicants may schedule a free conceptual site plan review meeting with the Economic Development and Planning team.

This meeting helps applicants understand requirements and avoid delays during the formal review process.

Review the Conceptual Site Plan Review Meeting Checklist for information on scheduling and preparing for your meeting.

How to submit: To schedule a meeting, call the Economic Development & Planning team at (248) 691‑7455 or submit your request using our online request form.

Coolidge/Nine Mile Intersection Study

What it’s for: This Coolidge-Nine Mile Intersection Study evaluates design improvements at the Coolidge and Nine Mile intersection, focusing on safety, redevelopment potential, streetscape improvements and walkability. It builds upon ongoing Nine Mile Corridor revitalization.

The city welcomes developers and investors interested in exploring future mixed‑use or residential projects in this evolving corridor. 

To learn more about opportunities in the Nine Mile and Coolidge area, call the Economic Development & Planning team at (248) 691-7455.

Curfew for minors

What it’s for: The curfew ordinance prohibits minors from being in public places during restricted hours unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or delegated responsible adult.

• Youth 14 and younger: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Youth 16 and younger: 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Disabled Veterans Exemption Affidavit

What it’s for: Qualifying disabled veterans or their surviving spouses may apply for a property tax exemption by filing the required affidavit with the Assessor’s Office.

How to submit: Return a completed Disabled Veterans Exemption Affidavit to the Assessor’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.

Economic Condition Factors and Land Value Studies

What it’s for: The annual 2026 Economic Condition Factor Report is used by the Assessor to adjust property valuations based on local real‑estate conditions. Residents may look up their property’s factor at BSAonline.com under the Land Information tab.

The 2026 Land Value Study provides the current land values within the boundaries of Oak Park.

Eligible Manufacturing Personal Property Tax Exemption Claim

What it’s for: Eligible manufacturing personal property may be exempt from local property taxes when properly claimed.

How to submit: Return a completed Eligible Manufacturing Personal Property Tax Exemption Claim form to the Assessor’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd., no later than Feb. 20.

False Alarm Appeal Application

What it’s for: Those receiving a False Alarm Notice from the City of Oak Park can appeal  if they feel a police response to their home does not qualify as a false alarm notice under the Emergency Alarm System Ordinance (Section 34-106).

This appeal must be filed with the Department of Public Safety within 21 calendar days of receiving the notice.

How to submit: Use our online application or return a completed False Alarm Appeal Application to the Department of Public Safety, 13800 Oak Park Blvd.

Fee Schedule

What it’s for: The annual Oak Park Fee Schedule lists all fees charged by the city and is updated as part of the budget process.

View the 2025/2026 schedule online or download the  fee-schedule-2026-27.pdf .

Financial Reports

What it’s for: The Finance Department publishes the budget and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), which outlines the city’s financial status as of June 30 each year.

The ACFR’s are available below in PDF format.

Fingerprinting Services

What it’s for: The Oak Park Department of Public Safety provides manual and electronic fingerprinting to Oak Park residents and to those applying for employment within Oak Park. Electronic fingerprinting requires a completed and signed Livescan Fingerprint Request Form (RI-030) with a Requestor/Destination ID. CPL fingerprinting can only occur after the applicant has filed a CPL application with the Oakland County Clerk.

Fees: Manual cards cost $10. Electronic Livescan prints cost $40 to $90. Concealed pistol license fingerprints cost $15.

How to submit: Visit the Oak Park Department of Public Safety, 13800 Oak Park Blvd., during business hours.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

File FOIA requests using the online Freedom of Information request portal.

What it’s for: Residents may submit requests to inspect or obtain public records using the city’s online FOIA portal.

City of Oak Park FOIA requests are handled by the city’s FOIA coordinator, who can be reached at (248) 691-7544 and FOIACoordinator@oakparkmi.gov. 

Public Safety FOIA requests are handled by the Department of Public Safety FOIA coordinator, who can be reached at (248) 691-7526 and PSFOIA@oakparkmi.gov.

View the City of Oak Park’s FOIA Procedures and Guidelines.pdf  to learn more. You can also review the City’s Public Summary of Freedom of Information Act Procedures and Guidelines.

Appeals:

• To appeal a denial or fee, complete an Appeal a Denial of Records Form or FOIA Waiver Suspension of Fees Affidavit and submit it to the appropriate FOIA coordinator above.
• To file an appeal of an excessive fee, complete a FOIA Appeal an Excessive Fee Form and submit it to the appropriate FOIA coordinator above.

Future Land Use Map

What it’s for: The Future Land Use Map illustrates the city’s long-term vision for how land should be used and developed.

These designations include residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use and open space areas.

The map serves as a guide for decision making related to zoning, development proposals and infrastructure planning so growth aligns with the city’s goals and community priorities.

Guide to Development

What it’s for: The City of Oak Park’s Guide to Development  helps residents, businesses, property owners and developers navigate the city’s planning, zoning, permitting and site review processes. It explains the requirements and steps involved in new construction, redevelopment and renovation projects. The guide also includes zoning regulations, development standards, application procedures and contact information.

For questions or guidance at any stage of your project, call the Economic Development & Planning team at (248) 691‑7455.

Home Repair Loans

What it’s for: Oakland County offers interest‑free home‑improvement loans of up to $23,000 to qualifying Oak Park residents.

There are no monthly payments. The loan becomes due only when the homeowner no longer occupies the home.

For details, call Oakland County Home Improvement Program at (248) 858‑5401 or visit the oakgov.com website.

Injuries/Damages Claim Form

What it’s for: Under Section 19.5 of the Oak Park City Charter, anyone claiming injury or damage must submit a written notice to the City Clerk's Office. This notice must describe the claim and the circumstances involved.

Questions about an existing claim can be directed to the City Manager’s Office at (248) 691‑7410.

How to submit: Complete a Claim Form for Injury/Damages and submit it to the City Clerk’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, MI 48237.

Master Plan

What it’s for: The oak-park-master-plan-2020.pdf  outlines long‑term goals for land use, roadway improvements, community facilities, recreation and redevelopment. It reflects community input and guides future investment and development decisions. Previous plans and updates are available for review.

Oak Park is currently updating its Master Plan in partnership with Giffels Webster, with completion expected in February 2027. Residents and community members are encouraged to participate in the process.

Visit the dedicated Master Plan Update website below to learn more, explore project materials and take the survey:
https://engage.giffelswebster.com/oak-park-master-plan

View previous Master Plans below.
oak-park-master-plan-2017.pdf 
oak-park-master-plan-1997.pdf 

Multi‑Community Planning: 11 Mile Road and Coolidge Hwy

What it’s for: The cities of Oak Park, Huntington Woods and Berkley partnered on a joint planning study to improve the 11 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway corridors.

The  multi-community-planning---11-mile--coolidge-hwy.pdf  study focused on ways to add green infrastructure to better manage stormwater, explored lane modifications and potential road diets to enhance safety, and looked at strengthening pedestrian and bicycle connections between the three communities.

The goal is to create a more cohesive, accessible and attractive corridor that supports long‑term mobility and quality of life.

The City of Oak Park, in collaboration with its neighboring cities, will continue the momentum on 11 Mile to create a more walkable, connected and welcoming corridor for all.

Musician Inquiry Application

What it's for: Musicians are encouraged to perform during the Oak Park Farmers Market!

How to submit: To be considered to perform at one of our concerts, submit our online application or complete a  musician-inquiry-application.pdf  and email it to recoffice@oakparkmi.gov or return it to 14300 Oak Park Blvd.

Musicians perform Thursday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. during the market season.

Name and Mailing Address Change Request (Assessor)

What it’s for: Residents and property owners may use this form to update their name or mailing address with the Assessor’s Office.

How to submit: Submit a completed  name-and-mailing-address-change-request.pdf  to the Assessor’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.

Notary Public 

What it’s for: Notary services are available at both the Oak Park Department of Public Safety, the City Clerk’s Office and the Oak Park Public Library. A valid ID is required and signatures must be made in the notary’s presence.

Fees: Notary service costs $5, though large numbers of documents may incur additional fees.

• Department of Public Safety: 13800 Oak Park Blvd.
• City Clerk’s Office: 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
   Available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Oak Park Public Library: 14200 Oak Park Blvd.

Oak Park – A New 9 Mile CNU Report

What it’s for: The Oak Park: A New 9 Mile CNU Report helped launch major improvements along the Nine Mile Corridor.

Developed with the Congress for the New Urbanism, the report envisioned a walkable, people‑focused corridor with enhanced mobility, public spaces and redevelopment opportunities. The report continues to influence ongoing and future investments.

Developers with interest in Nine Mile opportunities can contact the Economic Development & Planning team at (248) 691‑7455.

Oak Park & Bark Dog Park

Address: 21920 Scotia Road, Oak Park, MI, 48237

Contact: (248)-691-7555

Hours: Open daily, year-round, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed Mondays from 7 to 11 a.m. for maintenance.

Amenities include:

• Drinking water for dogs and humans, seasonally
• A paw-wash station seasonally
• Bags for waste disposal
• Entry controlled by a keyless electronic system

Oak Park & Bark is 1.64 acres and is divided into three sections:

• 1.3 acres for large dogs over 25 pounds
• 0.18 acres for small dogs under 25 pounds
• 0.16 acres for yellow ribbon dogs with special needs (those with physical or emotional challenges)

Cost: The annual fee is $40 for residents and $65 for non-residents. A replacement fob is $20 and a replacement tag is $10.If you would like to register more than one dog (up to three dogs), each dog is $10.

Memberships are calendar year renewal, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.

Applying for membership

You are registering as the owner of your pet, for the dog park. Any other person who may take your dog(s) to the park without you, must also register.

Steps required to register:

1. Complete the City of Oak Park - Dog Park Application online.
2. Watch the required online video and complete the quiz. You must score more than 70 out of 100 to continue with the membership process.
3. Bring all necessary documents to the Community Center at 14300 Oak Park Blvd., during business hours, to pay and pickup your fob and tag.

The following are needed:

1. Rabies vaccine(s)
2. DHLPP vaccine(s)
3. Bordatella vaccine(s)
4. Dog license(s)
5. Pay for membership and enjoy the park.

Personal Property Released

What it’s for: Property held by the Oak Park Department of Public Safety is released by appointment only. Appointments must be scheduled with the property clerk.

To schedule an appointment, call the property clerk at (248) 691‑7528 during business hours, Monday through Friday.

Personal Property Statement (2026)

What it’s for: Businesses with personal property in Oak Park must file a Personal Property Statement each year.

How to submit: Return the completed statement, by Feb. 20, to the Assessor’s Office at 14000 Oak Park Blvd.

Planning Commission Annual Reports

What it’s for: These annual reports summarize planning and development activity each year, including zoning actions, development reviews, long‑range planning and community engagement. They help the public understand how the city is implementing planning goals.

They also help track trends and guide future updates to policies, plans and zoning regulations.

• Annual Report Fiscal 2020/2021
• Annual Report Fiscal 2021/2022
• Annual Report Fiscal 2022/2023
• Annual Report Fiscal 2023/2024
• Annual Report Fiscal 2024-2025

Porch Construction Guidelines

What it’s for: The City of Oak Park publishes its Porch Construction Building Guidelines to help homeowners and contractors understand the requirements for constructing or reconstructing a porch.

Poverty Exemption Form

What it’s for: The poverty exemption provides a temporary reduction in property taxes for eligible applicants. If approved, the exemption applies for the current year only and must be applied for annually. Applicants who meet all qualifications may receive up to a 50 percent tax reduction.

Deadline dates are included on the application.

How to submit: Complete a 2026-application-for-poverty-exemption-and-affidavit-1.pdf and return it to the Assessor’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.

Principal Residence Exemption

What it’s for: A Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) removes up to 18 mils of school operating tax from a homeowner’s primary residence.

How to submit: Complete a Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit and file it with the Assessor’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.

Property Transfer Affidavit

What it’s for: A Property Transfer Affidavit is required whenever real property ownership is transferred, including changes in title, beneficial use or ownership interest.

How to submit: File a completed Property Transfer Affidavit with the Assessor’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd., within 45 days of the transfer.

Public Act 202 – Pension and Healthcare Report

What it’s for: Public Act 202 requires municipalities to publicly post pension and retiree healthcare funding reports and, if necessary, Corrective Action Plans for underfunded systems. Oak Park provides these reports along with related documents for each applicable retirement system.

A copy of these reports can be found by visiting:

• Public Act 202 of 2017 Pension and Health Care Report - FY 2024
• Public Act 202 of 2017 Pension and Health Care Report - FY 2023

The Protecting Local Government Retirement Benefits Act requires that municipalities with a defined benefit-pension retirement system post a Corrective Action Plan under certain circumstances. These include having a funded status of less than 60 percent - according to the most recent audited financial statements - and when the annually required contribution for all the defined benefit pension retirement systems is greater than 10 percent of their annual governmental fund revenues, based on the most recent fiscal year.

Or, the submitted plan must demonstrate through distinct supporting documentation how and when the local unit will reach the 60 percent funded ratio. Or, the submitted plan may demonstrate how and when the required contributions for all the defined benefit pension systems will be less than 10 percent of annual governmental fund revenues, as defined by the Act.

Copies of the city's plans can be found by visiting:

• General Employees’ Retirement System
• Public Safety Retirement System
• district-court-retiree-health-care-system.pdf
• General Employees’ Retiree Health Care System
• Public Safety Retiree Health Care System

Public Safety Citizens Academy Application

What it’s for: The Oak Park Department of Public Safety offers a free, five‑week Citizens Academy each spring. Participants learn about police, fire, EMS operations, patrol procedures, crime scene investigations, equipment and use‑of‑force standards. Applicants must be 18 or older.

How to submit: Submit using our online form or complete a Public Safety Citizens Academy Application and email it to both:

• sarbenowske@oakparkmi.gov
• jdean@oakparkmi.gov
   Applications are due before April 26. Questions: (248) 691‑7509 or (248) 691‑7504.

Radar Trailer Request Form

What it’s for:  To help address speeding concerns in their neighborhood, residents can request the placement of the city’s mobile radar trailer.

Placement is based on request order, safety conditions and seasonal availability.

How to submit: Complete the online Radar Trailer Request Form.

Real Estate Non‑Solicitation List

What it’s for: Residents can request to be added to the city’s list of homes that do not wish to be solicited by real estate companies.

How to submit: Submit using our online form or complete a  request-to-cease-solicitation.pdf  and return it to the City Clerk’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.

Recreation Event Sponsor Interest Form

What it's for: Residents or businesses interested in being a sponsor for a recreation event.

How to submit: Complete our online interest form or complete a  recreation-sponsor-interest-form.pdf  and return it to the Community Center at 14300 Oak Park Blvd. One of our staff will be in contact.

Rental Inspection Checklist

What it’s for: All rental properties must pass inspection before occupancy.

The Rental Inspection Checklist outlines what inspectors review so property owners can prepare.

Request to Rescind Disabled Veterans Exemption

What it’s for: Residents must rescind their exemption within 45 days after they no longer own or occupy the exempted property or no longer qualify.

How to submit: File a completed Form 6054 Request to Rescind Disable Veterans Exemption with the Assessor’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.

Request to Rescind Principal Residence Exemption

What it’s for: Homeowners who sell or convert their principal residence must file a rescission to remove their principal residence exemption.

How to submit: Submit a completed Request to Rescind Principal Residence Exemption to the Assessor’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.

Residential Housing and Retail Market Study

What it’s for: In 2023, the City of Oak Park completed the Oak Park Market Study for Residential and Retail Opportunity Assessment, a residential and retail market study focused on the 11 Mile Road corridor. While the study centers on 11 Mile Road, the findings highlight broader opportunities across the city.

The results indicate a growing potential for mixed‑use projects that support walkability, enhance community connectivity and complement ongoing investments in key corridors such as the 11 Mile Social District and 9 Mile Road. These insights help guide future investment and support the creation of vibrant, pedestrian‑friendly environments throughout Oak Park. 

As momentum continues to build, the city welcomes developers and investors interested in exploring mixed‑use opportunities city-wide.

Call the Economic Development & Planning team at (248) 691-7455 with questions or ideas to help shape the next phase of development in Oak Park.

Roofing Guidelines for Residential Properties

What it’s for: The city’s Roofing Guidelines for Residential Properties explains the roofing-permit process and required inspections for roofing projects in Oak Park.

Rubbish and Recycling Containers 

What it’s for: Rubbish and recycle bins can be purchased in person at the Utility Billing Division Office at 14000 Oak Park Blvd. or online through our payment processor, Point & Pay.

If you choose to pay using a credit or debit card, you will see Point & Pay listed on your statements and any related payment records.

Please note that Point & Pay applies a 3 percent processing fee to all transactions (there is a minimum charge of $1.50 per payment).

To avoid this fee, containers may be purchased in person using cash, check or certified funds at City Hall, at 14000 Oak Park Blvd.

Available sizes and costs:

• 96-gallon trash or recycling containers: $79.50 (tax included)
• 64-gallon trash or recycling containers: $68.90 (tax included)

Free delivery is provided every Wednesday. All containers will be placed curbside at the service address listed on the order form. Purchases made on Wednesdays will be delivered the following Wednesday.

Other items and costs:

• Recycling bin with lid = $12
• Recycling container upgrade from 64 to 96 gallons = $40
• Replacement lids (city logo cart only) = $15
• Replacement wheel, axle or catch bar (city logo cart only) = $8