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CDI

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1. What is the difference between a snow event and a snow emergency?

A snow event is called when at least 2 inches of snow has accumulated in a single snowfall. Snow events are posted on the city’s website and local access cable television. During a snow event, residents have 48 hours to remove snow from the public sidewalk abutting their property. If snow is not removed in a timely fashion, the city reserves the right to have a contractor remove the snow and charge the homeowner for the service and administrative fee. 

A snow emergency is called when enough ice or snow has or is significantly likely to accumulate to impede safe travel within the city. Snow emergencies are posted on the city’s Facebook Page, website, and on our local access cable television channels. During a snow emergency, there is no street parking and 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. parking permits are void.

2. What do I need to bring in to process a passport?

You can find out what you need to bring by visiting the Passport Services page.

3. Where can I put my RV or other recreational vehicle when I am not using it?

Residents may store their own recreation vehicles and recreation equipment on their own property for an indefinite period of time, provided the vehicles are in operable condition and can meet all other provisions of the city’s codes and ordinances. In short, Recreational Vehicles must be parked on a paved surface and meet setback requirements. Recreational vehicles shall be set back at least four (4) feet from any side lot line if the vehicles are located closer than six (6) feet to the main building on the site. If the vehicles are located more than six (6) feet from the main building, then the recreational vehicles shall be set back at least two (2) feet, six (6) inches from any side or rear lot line. For residents whose recreational vehicles cannot meet the setback and/or lot coverage requirements, their recreational vehicle may be stored up to forty-eight (48) hours prior to a planned trip, for loading purposes, and forty-eight (48) hours upon return from the same trip, for the purpose of unloading the recreational vehicle. In no event shall such recreational vehicles or equipment be stored more than ninety-six (96) hours in a seven (7) day period. A recreational vehicle or equipment parked or stored on a lot within the city shall not be connected to water, sanitary facilities, or electrical service, and shall not be occupied.

4. I’ve left messages on the Code Enforcement Hotline but I haven’t received a call back, why?

Our Code Enforcement Department fields hundreds of inquiries every week. If your call was to file a complaint, you may not receive a call back; however, we have logged the complaint and are pursuing it. If you have called to speak with a member of the department, please feel free to call, email us at codeenforcement@scsmi.net or submit a complaint through Report A Concern.

5. What’s the phone number for the Chamber of Commerce?

This organization is not affiliated with the city of St. Clair Shores, but please feel free to check out the organization's website here.

6. What’s the phone number for the Health Department?

The organization listed above is not affiliated with the city of St. Clair Shores, but please feel free to check out the organization’s website here

7. What’s the phone number for the Post Office?

The organization listed above is not affiliated with the city of St. Clair Shores, but please feel free to check out the organization’s website here.

8. What’s the phone number for the Secretary of State?

The organization listed above is not affiliated with the city of St. Clair Shores, but please feel free to check out the organization’s website here.

9. What is the proper way to store fire wood?

According to the city’s Rat Proofing ordinance, all fire wood shall be placed on open racks that are elevated not less than eighteen (18) inches above the surface upon which the materials are placed and evenly piled or stacked.

10. What is a rat wall? Why do I need one?

According to the city’s Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 15.495 a rat wall is a type of building foundation made of poured concrete that extends 24 inches below grade, is four inches thick, and has a four inch thick floor. A rat wall prevents rats or other burrowing rodents from digging under your shed or garage by providing the 24 inch deep concrete barrier. A rat wall also provides a solid foundation for a small structure such as a shed.

11. When do I need a footing versus a ratwall when building my shed?

If your shed is less than 600 square feet, then you’ll only need to have a ratwall under it. But if your shed or garage is 600 square feet or greater, then you’ll need a footing. See the question above for the description of a rat wall.

12. What are the City’s policies on keeping grass maintained?

The City’s ordinances and the Property Maintenance Code require that all owners/occupants of a residential or commercial property maintain it. That includes keeping your grass cut and trees/shrubs/flowerbeds maintained without weeds. The ordinance states that grass, brush or weeds eight (8)  inches in height or more shall be cut by the City as many times as necessary with costs and fees to be assessed against the property owner.

13. There’s a tree in front of my house that is between the sidewalk and the street. Am I required to take care of it? Can I cut it down?

The area between the sidewalk and the street is called the road right-of-way, and typically, any trees that are growing in that area are considered City trees. If you feel that there is a city tree that may need to be trimmed, may be dead, or could be considered dangerous, you can call 586-445-5363 or submit a report to Report A Concern.

Report A Concern

14. I want to put up a fence. What do I need to do?

A fence permit is required to construct a fence. You must submit a fence request form, along with a description of the type of fence (a photo, catalog page, or printout from a website is great), its height, and where it will be located (in the form of a drawing) to the Community Development Department, along with the fee. Once the application has been reviewed, it will either be approved or denied. Once you have your fence permit you may construct your fence, and once you are finished, please call us for a final inspection. You need not be home for the inspection. If your request is denied, then you may request an appeal. There is a fee and form involved with that.

15. Where is city hall?

City Hall is located at the corner of 11 Mile and Jefferson, next door to the library. There’s a whole municipal complex over here with a pool, water slide, coffee shop/café, and marina. Come check it out!

16. What are the hours of operation at City Hall?

City Hall is open for business from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. We recommend that you arrive no later than 4:00 pm if you are going to pay bills, ask questions, or submit paperwork.

17. Are we open during lunch?

Yes! City Hall is open continuously from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

18. My garbage wasn’t picked up today even though it is trash day. Who do I contact?

GFL Environmental East Corporation is responsible for residential trash, recycling, and yard waste pick up. Customer service hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. All service calls are to be directed to GFL by calling 586-806-8944 or email gfluscustomerservice@gflenv.com

19. Is there a waste disposal guide available so I know what I can recycle and what must be thrown out?

The Waste Disposal Guide is available here.

20. Do I need a permit for garage sale? What about a block sale?

Yes, a garage sale permit is just $5.00 and you can stop in to City Hall and get one. A block sale permit is $25 for a minimum of 5 properties. Please list all participating addresses on the application form. Please remember that we only accept cash or check at City Hall.

21. Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, the City doe4s accept credit cards.

22. How can I find out the zoning of a property?

Please click here.

23. I’d like to add on to my house, build a garage, build a shed, or put in a pool. How far away does it have to be from the property line?

If you want to build a shed or garage, then it will need to be at least 2.5 feet from the side and rear property line. A pool must be 6 feet from the property line. If you want to add on or build a house, go to https://www.municode.com/library/mi/st._clair_shores/codes/compilation-general_and_zoning?nodeId=n15.000ZOORCH35EFAU201996_ARTXVIII_15.480SCRE for details on the setback requirements

then click here to see the setback requirements.

24. What information do I need to provide when I am applying for a building permit?

You’ll need a section drawing, a plot plan that includes the location and dimensions of ALL buildings on the property and their distance to property lines, and an elevation drawing. You’ll also need to fill out the Building Permit Application and provide a fee. Please feel free to call the Community Development and Inspections Department with any additional questions at 586-447-3340.