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1. What are City Hall's hours?

City Hall is open Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. except on specified holidays.

2. City Hall is closed on what holidays?

City Hall is closed in observance of the following holidays:

• New Year's Eve & New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day and Thanksgiving Friday
• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be celebrated as the holiday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be celebrated as a holiday.

3. How do I contact City Hall?

You can contact the city at 586-445-5200 or use the City Directory to find a specific department to contact.

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1. How do I obtain a city pet license?

The City of St. Clair Shores has entered into an agreement with the Macomb County Animal Control Center to issue dog licenses on behalf of the County. To obtain a license, a resident may come in person to the cashier’s office at City Hall or the Macomb County office located at 21417 Dunham Road, Clinton Township, MI 48036. If a resident already has the dog license application card, it may also be mailed directly to the Macomb County address. To acquire a dog license, proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination must be provided, along with evidence of spaying or neutering if applicable. Licenses are valid for one (1) calendar year. License renewals must be completed by March 1 of each year. 

The fees are as follows: 

• Jan thru March 1 - Spayed/Neutered - 1-Year Tag: $10.00 
• Jan thru March 1 - Not Spayed/Neutered - 1-Year Tag: $30.00 
• Jan thru March 1 - Spayed/Neutered - 2-Year Tag: $20.00 
• Jan thru March 1 - Not Spayed/Neutered - 2-Year Tag: $60.00 
• After March 1st - 1-Year Tag –Spayed/Neutered: $30.00 
• After March 1st - 1-Year Tag – Not Spayed/Neutered: $50.00 
• After March 1st - 2-Year Tag – Spayed/Neutered: $40.00 
• After March 1st - 2-Year Tag - Not Spayed/Neutered: $80.00 

Owners who adopt a dog after the March 1 deadline are exempt from paying the $20 late fee as long as the dog is registered within 30 days of adoption. Puppies are expected to be registered after their rabies shot at around four months old. An extension to six months may be given with the evidence of the animal being spayed or neutered. For more information, please contact the Macomb County Animal Control Office at 586-469-5115 during the following business hours. 

Animal Control Office Hours of Operation:

Monday- Friday
10:00 AM-6:00 PM 

Available Form

2. How do I apply for an On-street Parking Permit?

ANNUAL 3 AM-5 AM ON-STREET PARKING PERMITS: Effective January 2017, when determining the total number of vehicles to be parked at the home, we will only count a MAXIMUM of one vehicle per licensed driver at the home plus two (2) extra. So, if there are two (2) licensed drivers, we will only consider up to four (4) vehicles when issuing permits. Only one trailer will be considered in the total number. RVs are motor vehicles. The calculation of verified parking spaces will remain the same. Permits are not issued for convenience reasons. Vehicles with permits must be in use and must be moved at least every 48 hours. 

Permits do not exempt vehicles from the rules of a snow emergency. Vehicles must be removed from the street until the city has plowed it. 

The registrations (or copies) of all vehicles to be considered must be presented annually for renewal. All registrations must be valid and registered at the address. If you have just moved and SOS has not updated your registration, we will only accept your updated driver’s license for the first year. Registrations must be corrected by the second year of residency. A title must be shown for any unlicensed vehicles. UNLICENSED VEHICLES MUST BE STORED IN THE GARAGE. 

Upon application, an officer will check the residence to determine whether or not a permit is warranted. Neither the vehicles nor the homeowner needs to be present when this takes place. A temporary permit can be issued so that you will not be ticketed during this period. You will call 586-445-5315 in approximately 14 days to learn whether or not you have been approved. There will be a $20 charge for each approved annual permit. 

ALL PERMITS EXPIRE ON FEBRUARY 1ST OF EACH YEAR, so you should renew in January by AGAIN, showing ALL  of your vehicles' registrations. If a vehicle with a permit on it is sold and replaced by a new vehicle, remove the old sticker (in pieces or whole) and bring it in, along with the registration for your new vehicle, and a new permit will be issued. 

NOTE: Stickers must be permanently affixed to the driver’s side of the windshield, approximately 5” up from the dashboard, and can only be used on the vehicle specified by the Police Department. 

RECORDS BUREAU HOURS for PARKING PERMITS are Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their number is 586-445-5315.

3. I have questions about a ticket I received and I want to know who do I call?

Once a ticket has been issued, the original copy is electronically sent to the 40th District Court. Any questions regarding fines, points, or court dates should be directed to the court at 586-445-5280.

4. Will my criminal complaint be investigated?

The St. Clair Shores Police Department reviews all criminal complaints. The Investigative Division uses solvability factors and the resources available to determine if the investigation can reach a successful conclusion. If the case is assigned, a detective will contact you with additional questions.

5. What are the Operational Support Services' hours and how do I obtain a gun permit?

Operational Support Services is open 9 AM - 5 PM, Tuesday-Thursday. In addition to the regular open hours, Support Services will be open for public business on the first and third Monday of each month from 4-7 PM. If the first or third Monday is a holiday, there will be no evening hours until the next regularly scheduled evening hours day. Rule of Thumb to follow: if it’s a Monday and there is a Council Meeting that evening, we are open 4-7 PM.

A person who intends to obtain a pistol from an individual must first complete a purchase permit application and submit it to the OSS personnel. Individuals purchasing a pistol from a licensed dealer can work directly with them and avoid obtaining a permit from the Police Department. 

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1. American Mahjong

American Mahjong

Fridays, 12:30 PM in the Craft Room
American Mahjong meets in the Craft Room on Fridays.

2. Billiards

Billiards

Mondays-Thursdays, 7 AM-7 PM
Friday, 7 AM-4 PM

The pool table is open during the above times. The table is first come, first serve.

3. Bocce & Shuffleboard

Bocce & Shuffleboard

Bocce and shuffleboard are free to play, but you must be a member of the Senior Center to utilize the courts. If the weather is warm enough for you, you are welcome to play! See Diane or Jeff in the office with questions. Bocce leagues will start again in June. If you are interested in starting a shuffleboard league or game, please call Matt at 586-498-2414.

4. Bridge

Bridge

Thursdays, 1-4:30 PM in the Computer Room.

5. Cornhole

Cornhole

1-2:30 PM, Thursdays in the Craft Room
Everyone is welcome to come and give this game a try.

6. Crafting with Barbara

Crafting with Barbara

2nd & 4th Mondays, 2-3:30 PM in the Craft Room
Bring out your creative side! Barbara is an artist and has taught in schools for over 30 years. For the next couple of months, she will focus on drawing and crafts. Must sign up in advance for $5. Class sizes are limited.

7. Dominoes

Dominoes

2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 3-5 PM in the Gathering Room
If you enjoy playing Mexican Train Dominoes or would like to learn how, we would be happy to have you join us.

8. Euchre

Euchre

Wednesdays, 12:30-3:45 PM in the Gathering Room.

9. NEW Refresh Euchre

NEW Refresh Euchre

Thursdays, 10-11:30 AM in the Gathering Room.
Come get back in the swing of Euchre!

10. Hand & Foot

Hand & Foot

Tuesdays, 12:30-2:30 PM in the Gathering Room.

11. Indoor Pickleball Group

Indoor Pickleball Group

• Mondays, 2:30 PM
• Tuesdays, 3 PM
• Fridays, 2:30 PM
• Multipurpose Room

Pickleball players are coming together inside our Multipurpose room. Must be a member of the Senior Center to participate. Please take a beginner class/clinic to understand the rules of the game before participating. Ask Senior Center staff for details on clinics.

12. Knitting & Crocheting

Knitting & Crocheting

Tuesdays, 9 AM in the Craft Room
Come join your friends and showcase your talents! Want to learn? Many of our talented members have the time and patience to teach you.

13. Movie Day

Movie Day

2nd & 4th Mondays, 12:30 PM in the Carol Klein Board Room
Meet a friend for a movie at the Senior Activity Center. Bring a snack or drink to enjoy during the movie. Call for details on what’s showing.

14. Pinochle

Pinochle

Mondays, 12 PM & Thursdays,12:30 PM

15. Rummikub

Rummikub

Wednesdays, 12:30 PM in the Craft Room
Our Rummikub group is always looking for more players. If you haven’t played in a while or are looking to learn, please stop in. Everyone is welcome.

16. Wii Games

Wii Games

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:45 PM in the Board Room.
Join us for Wii Bowling and Wii Golf! Try other games like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune as well.

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1. What is a stormwater utility fee?

The stormwater utility fee is similar to a water or sewer fee. In essence, customers pay a fee to convey stormwater from their properties. The utility is the result of unfunded United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) mandates that force cities like St. Clair Shores to manage stormwater within their jurisdiction. The fee is used to finance annual compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting standards. The NPDES is the compliance system for the Clean Water Act (CWA) and requires that all stormwater discharges that enter waters of the United States must meet minimum federal water quality requirements.

 

2. Why is stormwater run-off a problem?

Stormwater begins as rain or snowmelt that flows over land rather than seeping into the ground. It flows over hard surfaces (impervious surfaces) such as roofs, driveways, walkways, and pervious surfaces such as grass, gardens, and woodlands into the city’s combined sewer system. The more hard surface (impervious surface) on your property, the more stormwater runoff is contributed to the sewer system.

This drainage either flows into the same underground pipes as sewage and must be treated at the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) wastewater treatment plant before it can be released back into the environment or Lake St. Clair through a separate stormwater sewage system.

The SESMD bills the City of St. Clair Shores for the conveyance and treatment of combined sewage at GLWA.

3. Why should I have to pay for rain falling on my property

While stormwater is a result of rain and snowmelt, the stormwater fee is not related to how much rain falls on your property, but rather the facilities used to manage stormwater such as sewers, manholes, catch basins and wastewater treatment. The more hard surface a property has, the more it uses the stormwater system components.

4. Why did the city stop charging a stormwater fee and but now is charging a new fee?

Since 1993, the city has had a stormwater utility ordinance that requires property owners to pay a user fee related to the operation and maintenance of the city’s stormwater system. The current stormwater utility ordinance was developed based on a 1992 Stormwater Utility Implementation Report prepared by McNamee, Porter & Seeley, Inc. This 1992 report is now 30 years old and has not been updated based on recent court rulings. The Michigan Supreme Court has since ruled on stormwater service charges, in particular as related to violating the “Bolt Criteria.”  The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the stormwater service charge imposed by Lansing was unconstitutional and void on the basis that it was a tax for which voter approval was required and not a valid use fee. The Court established three criteria for distinguishing between a fee and a tax:

1. a user fee must serve a regulatory purpose rather than a revenue-raising purpose
2. a user fee must be proportionate to the necessary costs of the service; and
3. a user fee must be voluntary--property owners must be able to refuse or limit their use of the commodity or service

The outcome of this study recommends the City adopt an updated methodology as a basis of billing for stormwater charges that meets the three aspects of the “Bolt Criteria.” This study has determined a methodology to assign all properties within the City their proportional share of the service cost to capture, convey, and treat the stormwater that runs off each property and to meet the needs of the City’s stormwater regulatory obligations. The study recommends using the direct impervious vs. pervious surface area and total property area to determine the property’s direct runoff potential. This entails an individual review of each residential lot by size/zoning classification and every non-residential property to calculate square feet of imperviousness for each parcel. Once PRP is determined, there are no zoning classifications or groups of properties. All calculations are based solely on impervious vs. pervious area and the particular benefit each property receives due to the stormwater system. Other general items that were looked at that affect stormwater were topography, soils, property maintenance, and access to stormwater facilities.

 

5. Why is this fee higher than the fee that was previously charged?

This fee considers all aspects of managing and maintaining a separate stormwater management system. The previous charges did not adequately capture the total operation, maintenance, and capital improvements cost. The new fee provides the necessary revenues to make sure the city meets its responsibilities under Federal and State requirements.  This is done by ensuring proper maintenance and operation of the city’s forty-plus pumping stations, conveying water off properties and roads into the drainage system, and providing for continued stormwater system upgrades. The expenditures for the stormwater management system are approved each year by the Mayor and City Council as part of the city’s fiscal budgeting program.

6. What is my stormwater fee based upon?

The fee is based upon the property runoff potential, or PRP, of each parcel in the City of St. Clair Shores.  PRP is based upon hydrologic engineering principles for calculating runoff that uses both the impervious surface area and the pervious surface area.  All surfaces will generate some amount of runoff during precipitation events and can be assigned a runoff coefficient to represent the fraction of the precipitation that results in runoff.

Runoff potential is based on the following formula:  

• Property Runoff Potential(sft) = .20 x [Total Area-Impervious Area] + 0.9 x [Impervious Area]

This factor is then multiplied by the per square ft rate that is determined by the fiscal budget

7. What is considered "Impervious" or "Pervious"?

Areas identified as impervious: 

• Hardened surfaces on or near the ground: sidewalks, private roads, private streets, parking lots, walkways, patios, concrete slabs, runways, taxiways, aprons, or other hardened surfaces consisting of asphalt, concrete, or other paving material
• Hardened surfaces above ground: buildings, foundations, storage tanks, rooftops, athletic courts, and tracks 
• Gravel and dirt driveways and pavers that do not meet requirements to be classified as pervious
• Paved decks adjacent to pools 
• Wooden decks covered by a roof or having an impervious underlying surface
• Surface water that is not part of the public conveyance system

Areas identified as pervious: 

• grass 
• gardens 
• landscaped areas without impervious underlying membrane 
• natural rock formations 
• dirt paths 
• pavers set in porous fill (photos, design plans, and specifications must be submitted) 
• porous pavements (photos, design plans, and specifications must be submitted)

 

8. How were the impervious surfaces measured on my property?

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) conducted an aerial survey of the region in 2015 that was analyzed to determine the building footprints and impervious surface areas. The resulting data sets were provided to each community, and the building footprint and impervious surface area data sets were used for this study and supplemented with other commercially available data sets. The impervious surface area measurements made using the SEMCOG data were verified for properties of different types by visually analyzing aerial photographs of the individual parcels. This factor also corresponds to the factor used in the 2017 Stormwater Asset Management Plan.

9. Are roads and public rights-of-way charged the stormwater utility fee?

Yes, Roads and public rights-of-way maintained by the city are not exempt from the stormwater utility fee. City-owned properties such as parks and parking lots are also subject to the stormwater utility fee. Fees owed by the city as part of this stormwater utility are budgeted in the city’s General Fund or Streets Fund.

10. What does the stormwater program do?

The revenues from the Stormwater Utility can only be spent on stormwater-related activities. They will provide a steady funding source for much-needed operations and maintenance activities, maintenance of stormwater structures, replacement and installation of pump stations, and the city’s federally and state-mandated stormwater quality management program.

11. How accurate are the impervious are analysis images that can be found online?

Fairly accurate, but the impervious area analysis images are not without error. A review and appeal process exists within the city’s Code to address those errors and ensure every landowner is paying their fair share.  

12. What credits are available to residential property owners?

You can implement a few features on your property to gain credit.

Rain barrels harvest and store water from your rooftop by collecting it from a gutter downspout. The stored runoff can be used for watering or other purposes that don't require drinking water. Rain barrels offer several advantages. Using the runoff for watering can reduce your water bill, benefit your plants, and help rain percolate into the ground and recharge groundwater supplies.  A credit equal to 100 sft of impervious area per rain barrel is in use.

Rain gardens are planted depressions of deep-rooted native vegetation designed to absorb excess rainwater runoff from a house or other impervious area with the purpose (besides being beautiful) of allowing rainwater to pool in a low spot just long enough to percolate into the ground. Cisterns are water management devices that provide retention storage volume in above or underground storage tanks. 

Cisterns are often larger than rain barrels, with some underground cisterns having a capacity of 10,000 gallons. Only one credit can be taken for utilizing a dry well or cistern.

Drywells are small, excavated pits backfilled with aggregate and used to infiltrate “good quality” stormwater runoff, such as uncontaminated roof runoff. Drywells are not to be used for infiltrating any runoff that could be significantly contaminated with sediment and other pollutants, such as runoff from high-potential pollutant loading areas and parking lot runoff. Only one credit can be taken for utilizing a dry well or cistern.  Credit for these depends on the design capacity for each.  

13. What if I was overcharged or I successfully appealed the measured impervious area?

The amount will be credited on the following quarter’s water/sewer bill. 

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1. When will I get my water bill?

Residents receive their water bills quarterly in the City of St. Clair Shores. You should receive your bills on the first of the following months:

   

48080	48082	48081
January	February	March
April	May	June
July	August	September
October	November	December

Payments are due three weeks after the bills are mailed.

2. How much water is a unit?

Each unit is 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons.

3. My meter is in my house, how does the city know how much water I used?

Most home meters now have a radio read device that transmits the reading to the city offices at the time of billing.