Who decides if a web-accessibility exemption is granted?

The city department that owns the content, often in consultation with the Information Technology Department and the office that handles disability or civil rights complaints.

How long does a decision take?

Timing varies by department and case complexity; the cited city pages do not specify standard time limits.

Can I appeal a denial?

Appeal routes depend on the enforcing department; if not specified in departmental rules, pursue administrative review or file a civil complaint under applicable federal law.

Request Web Accessibility Exemption - Detroit Ordinance

Technology and Data Michigan 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026

In Detroit, Michigan, city departments generally follow federal and local accessibility obligations for public-facing websites and digital content. This guide explains how to request an exemption or accommodation for city-hosted web content, who enforces accessibility, what evidence the city typically requires, and how to appeal a denial. Use the official department contacts and forms listed below to start a formal request; if the city points to specific municipal code sections or published policies, follow those citations when filing.^[1]

Scope and legal basis

City-controlled websites and digital services are expected to comply with applicable accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and federal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Where the city allows exemptions for technical infeasibility or undue hardship, the precise criteria and process are defined by departmental policy or administrative rule rather than a single ordinance.

Who to contact

City department IT or web team (Information Technology Department) for submission and technical review.
Office handling disability accommodations or civil rights complaints for accessibility determinations.
City clerk or records office for any required filings or formal petitions.

Start by contacting the department that manages the content you seek to exempt.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for failure to comply with accessibility obligations is typically carried out through administrative complaint procedures, coordination with the city civil rights or disability office, or referral to federal agencies where federal law applies. Specific monetary fines for web-accessibility violations are not commonly listed in general municipal code pages and may differ by enforcement path; where a binding city ordinance prescribes fines it will appear in the municipal code or departmental rules.

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.^[1]
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatments are not specified on the cited page and depend on the enforcing office.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remediate content, administrative directives, and referrals to court or federal enforcement (e.g., DOJ) are possible.
Enforcer: City of Detroit Information Technology Department and the city office responsible for disability or civil rights complaints; see contacts below.^[1]
Appeals: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; appeals typically follow administrative procedures stated by the enforcing department or municipal code.

Applications & Forms

Where a formal exemption request form exists it will be published by the managing department. If no form is published, submit a written request including: description of content, technical reasons for exemption, accessibility impact assessment, proposed alternative access, and contact information.

If no official form is available, a detailed written request to the department IT lead is the practical starting point.

Documentation & evidence to provide

Technical report describing attempts to meet WCAG and specific technical barriers.
Source code excerpts or CMS limitations showing infeasibility.
Project timeline and remediation plan with concrete dates.
Cost estimates when undue financial hardship is alleged.

Process overview

Typical departmental steps for an exemption request:

Submit request and supporting documentation to the site owner or IT department.
Technical review by IT and consultation with disability/civil rights office.
Decision issued, with remediation requirements or formal denial and an explanation.
Appeal or administrative review as specified by the department or municipal code.

Document all communications and keep copies of remediation proposals and technical assessments.

FAQ

Who decides if a web-accessibility exemption is granted?: The city department that owns the content, often in consultation with the Information Technology Department and the office that handles disability or civil rights complaints.
How long does a decision take?: Timing varies by department and case complexity; the cited city pages do not specify standard time limits.^[1]
Can I appeal a denial?: Appeal routes depend on the enforcing department; if not specified in departmental rules, pursue administrative review or file a civil complaint under applicable federal law.

How-To

Identify the city department that publishes or controls the web content.
Gather technical evidence, alternatives, and a remediation timeline.
Submit a written request to the department IT lead and the city office that handles disability or civil rights complaints.
Ask for a written decision with reasons, conditions, and any remediation deadlines.
If denied, request administrative appeal instructions or consider federal complaint options.

Key Takeaways

Start with the department that controls the content and the city IT team.
Provide clear technical evidence and a remediation plan.
Appeals and fines are governed by department rules or higher-level law; specific fines are not listed on the cited city pages.