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1. 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.

2. Do I need a permit for a garage sale or block sale?

Yes, anyone hosting a garage or block sale needs a permit. You can pick up and submit permits at to the Community Development & Inspections (CDI) Department in City Hall. 

Garage sale permits are $5 and block sale permits are $25 for a minimum of 5 properties. Please list all participating addresses on the application form. City Hall takes payment as cash, check or credit card. There is a 3% fee and a minimum of $1.50 for credit card charges.

Permit Details

• Permits need to be displayed in a location easily seen from the street.
• Permits are valid for three consecutive days.
• Do not place any sale signs in the public right of way between the sidewalk and the street or they are subject to confiscation. 
• Do not attach signs to trees, utility poles or other public signs. 
• Signs should be completely removed at the end of the sale.
• Individual residences may participate in not more than two block sales per year.
• Individual residences cannot host more than three garage sales per year.

Violation of sale regulations are subject to fines and penalties set forth in the SCS City Ordinances 15.000 and 19.150.

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

Schedule a passport appointment

To obtain a U.S. Passport you must provide:

• Proof of Citizenship (certified birth certificate, original naturalization certificate, Expired U.S. Passport, etc.) Plus 1 photocopy of the front and back
• Valid picture I.D. (Driver's License or State I.D.) Plus 1 photocopy of the front and back
•  Application Form DS-11, regardless of age (bring the completed application to the appointment, use black ink or type)
• Both parents of the applicant(s) who are under 16 have to be present. If one parent is not present please complete this form: Parent not in Attendance Form DS-3053 , or Special Family Circumstances Form DS-5525 for other circumstances.

Visit the Clerk's Office for more information

Passport Information

2. How can I obtain a death or birth certificate?

Birth Certificates

The Clerk's Office can provide certified copies of birth certificates for all home births within the City of St. Clair Shores back to 1913.

Birth certificates may also be obtained from Macomb County Vital Records or State of Michigan Vital Records.

Death Certificates

Certified copies of death certificates may be obtained at the City Clerk's Office for any death occurring in the City of St. Clair Shores after 1922. For any death prior to 1923, copies may be obtained from Macomb County Vital Records or State of Michigan Vital Records.

COST: $15.00 – One copy & $7.50 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

• Death Record Request (PDF Fillable)

For more information, visit the Clerk's page.

Obtaining a Birth or Death Certificate

3. Where can I get something notarized?

Notarization can be processed at the City Clerk’s Office for $10 per document. We do not notarize Power of Attorney documents, wills, or documents without a notary certificate.