01._Property_Tax_Appeal_Petition_Form_Valuation_Poverty_Classification.dfa555e1-94f2-4ebd-89cc-660cd9e20e82.pdf

Kwaku Ofori Darko, Petitioner V City Of Detroit, Respondent · 25-002470-TT

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STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM

VALUATION / EXEMPTION / CLASSIFICATION APPEAL

MOAHR DOCKET NO. 

Do not use this form to appeal Principal Residence Exemption, Qualified Agricultural Exemption, Special Assessment, or Non-Property tax 

disputes.

Pursuant to Michigan Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 277(3), you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (e.g. Board of Review 

Decision or Notice of Uncapping) with this Small Claims Petition, if applicable. If you do not submit this document, you may be held in default.

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information

Filer Type: Individual 

First Name

Kwaku

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name

Ofori-Darko

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

5227 Courville St

City or Town

Detroit

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48224

Telephone Number

989-488-3835

Fax Number

E-mail Address

koforidarko@gmail.com

Section 2: Petitioner’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information

First Name

M.I.

Last Name

Firm Name (if any)

Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

City or Town

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

Fax Number

E-mail Address 

Section 3: Subject Property Information

How many parcels are you appealing?

1

If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining? 

 *If no, you must file separate appeals for each non-contiguous or non-adjoining parcel.

Property Address (No., Street, City, ST, ZIP) [If multiple, list first property’s address]

5227 Courville St

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Detroit

Michigan

48224

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

City of Detroit (Wayne)

County 

Wayne

Section 4: Issues Being Appealed (check all that apply)

True Cash and Taxable Value

 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal

I am writing to formally appeal the property tax assessment for my residence at 5227 Courville St, Detroit, MI 48224. I deeply value the efforts of the Assessor’s 

Office to support Detroit’s revitalization through fair and accurate property evaluations. I understand the challenges of assessing thousands of properties biennially, 

often relying on external inspections, and I appreciate the critical role these assessments play in funding our city’s progress. However, I believe the current 

assessment of my property overstates its condition and market value due to inaccuracies in its classification, condition rating, and valuation approach. Given its 

nearly 100 year old age, unprofessional renovations, and severe deficiencies—including regular basement flooding during rain or snow melt— I respectfully request 

a reassessment based on the evidence provided below, including a reclassification to Building Class D and a condition rating of "Poor".

Grounds for Appeal

1. Building Class Overstatement: Building Class BC typically denotes higher-quality materials and construction (e.g., superior framing, finishes, or masonry). My 

97-year-old home, built in 1929, features original wood framing, basic brickwork, and minimal modern upgrades, aligning with Building Class D—defined as 

economy, utilitarian construction per the Michigan Assessor’s Manual. This reclassification better reflects the property’s modest materials and aging infrastructure.

2. Overstated Condition 

The current assessment rates the property as "Average" (80%), implying well-maintained improvements with limited depreciation. However, the property’s 

condition aligns more closely with the "Poor" rating per the City of Detroit’s condition guidelines:

"Poor" Definition Match: The guidelines state that a "Poor" rating applies to improvements with "obvious deferred maintenance" and "significant repairs" needed for 

building components, yet the dwelling "remains usable and functional as a residence" but “undesirable. My home fits this description precisely due to extensive 

issues (detailed below) that diminish its functional utility and livability.

3. Documented Deficiencies and Cost to Cure

Despite some cosmetic updates (e.g., repainting, trimming), the property suffers from pervasive structural and safety issues, as evidenced by inspection reports and 

contractor estimates (attached). These deficiencies necessitate substantial repairs, supporting a "Fair" condition and Building Class D classification. 

These issues—especially the recurring basement flooding—refute the "Average" rating and align solely with "Poor".

Conclusion

I respectfully request that the Assessor’s Office reclassify 5227 Courville as Building Class D and adjust its condition to "Poor", reflecting its aging construction, 

significant repair needs, and modest market value. Photos, inspection reports and cost estimates are available to submit as requested.

Thank you for your time and dedication to ensuring equitable assessments. I’m committed to Detroit’s growth and appreciate your consideration of this appeal. 

Please contact me at (989) 488-3835 or koforidarko@gmail.com with any questions.

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues

Year(s) you are appealing:

2025

Did you protest the assessment at a Board of Review (BOR)? Yes

If Yes, check which BOR you attended AND upload the BOR decision: March

If No, check the applicable reason(s):

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Did you request a Poverty Exemption at the BOR? 

If Yes, check which BOR considered your application AND upload the BOR decision: 

 March  July  December

If No, explain why:

Section 7: Valuation Information *Use the multiple parcel form for additional, contiguous parcels.

Parcel Identification Number: 21071689

Classification of Property:

Real

Residential

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the BOR:

62900

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:

62900

What do you believe is the fair market value (also known as True Cash Value)?

80000 

Multiply the True Cash Value by .5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value).

40000

If you believe the Taxable Value differs from your contention of Assessed Value, enter your contention of Taxable Value.

18000

Section 8: Classification Information *Only the MI Dep’t of Treasury may appeal this issue to the Tribunal*

Parcel Identification Number:

 

Current Classification of Property as established by Board of Review:

What do you believe is the property’s classification?

If improved property, how is the property currently being used?

If improved property, for what use was the property designed?

Fee Information

Does the subject property have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the filing of this petition?

Yes

Are you appealing ONLY the denial of a Poverty Exemption?

No

If you answered yes to either or both of these questions, you are not required to pay any filing fees.

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Electronic Signature *Typing your name below will serve as your signature

Petitioner or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: 

/s/ Kwaku Ofori-Darko

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