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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.

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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.

4. How do I obtain a sign permit?

Obtain a sign permits through the Community Development & Inspections Department (CDI).

• Sign Ordinance Cheat Sheet (PDF)
• Sign Permit Application - Permanent (PDF)
• Sign Permit Application - Temporary (PDF)
• Sign Permit Application - Temporary Grand Opening 14-Day (PDF)

5. When are City Council meetings held?

City Council meetings are held the first and third Monday of every month and on Tuesday when Monday falls on a City designated holiday. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers located at City Hall.

6. 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 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Call GFL at 586-806-8944 or email GFL.

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1. What happened to the city calendar?

The annual city calendar is returning in 2024! Because of this, "Inside St. Clair Shores," the city's newsletter, is returning to seasonal publication starting in August 2023. This means no more monthly calendars in the back of the newsletter. You can always view the city's calendar on the website's front page or calendar page. City updates and news are posted in our news section.

2. Where can I find out about events happening in the city?

You can find events on the front page of our website, and the city's Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages.

Community events are also broadcasted 24/7 on Comcast channel 12, WOW channel 18, and between regular programming on Comcast channel 5, WOW channel 10, and AT&T channel 99.

The city also publishes a city newsletter "Inside St. Clair Shores" that list events. 

3. Where can I view the City Council Meetings on-demand?

You can view our latest programming as well as archived programming in the Media Center of our website. Each program has a separate "channel" and can be viewed 24/7.

4. Can I view the city's government access station on DirectTV or other satellite providers?

Unfortunately, residents subscribing to DirectTV or other satellite systems cannot view SCSTV programming on their television.

5. What cable companies service the City of St. Clair Shores?

Three cable providers have video franchises to operate in St. Clair Shores:

• Go to the AT&T website, or call 800-288-2020
• Go to the Comcast website, or call 800-266-2278
• Go to WOW's website, or call 866-496-9669

6. How do I file a video/cable complaint?

If you are having a problem with your video/cable television provider, first contact your provider and attempt to resolve your dispute with them. If you are not satisfied with their answer, you can file an informal complaint with the Michigan Public Service Commission. 

7. Can I show pictures during a city council meeting?

During the "Audience Participation" portion of council meetings, citizens can use the overhead projector to show pictures or documents. All material must be approved prior to the meeting. Submit your material for review by emailing the Communications Director by 4:30 p.m., the Wednesday before the council meeting. 

View our City's Guidelines for Visual Presentations to find our rules and regulations.

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1. 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.

You can also submit an online service request directly to GFL to document your request and receive updates.

2. Can I put large items, like my fridge or other appliances, out for curbside garbage pickup?

Large household furnishings or appliances are collected curbside by GFL on your regular service day.

GFL uses licensed technicians to remove freon gas from refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners at no charge to residents. Residents are also welcome to place other appliances at the curb, like:

• washers
• dryers
• water heaters
• stoves
• furnaces
• microwaves
• garbage disposals
• trash compactors
• heat pumps
• water softeners
• and others.

Any non-hazardous items left at the curb can be dropped off at the DPW building during collection events called Long Monday Drop-off Day. This takes place at the DPW Complex on the second Monday of the month from April through October from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Residents are limited to one pickup-sized load per household. Proof of residency is required.

3. How do I dispose of construction equipment from my home projects?

GFL will pick up small amounts of material from residents performing their own repairs or remodeling. Please abide by the following guidelines:

Wood & Molding (2”x4”, 2”x2”, etc.) - bundle no larger than four feet in length, 18 inches in diameter, and weighing no more than 60 pounds. Tie with heavy twine or rope. Remove or hammer down all nails to prevent injury to GFL employees.

Plywood - stack neatly in sections no larger than  4’x4’. No nails.

Shingles & Drywall - place in 32-gallon containers or trash carts. Heavy-duty cardboard boxes can also be used. Do not exceed 60 pounds per bundle. Do not place at the curb for curbside pickup on rainy days.

Bricks/Concrete - GFL will not pick up bricks in any quantity. Residents can dispose of bricks at the DPW Complex during Long Mondays Drop Off Day occurring the second Monday of the month from April through October.

Broken Glass (including mirrors) - Never place broken glass in plastic bags. It can cause serious injury. Place all glass in metal containers like coffee cans, heavy-duty cardboard boxes, or hard plastic containers. Mark the container with “Broken Glass.” Be careful to stay within the 60-pound weight limit.

4. How do I dispose of paint?

Wet paint will not be picked up curbside. Dry latex paint by filling the can with cat litter or sand and place on the curb for pickup. Leave the lid off so GFL employees can see the paint is dried. 

Oil-based paint is considered hazardous waste and can be collected at Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day events.

5. How can I safely dispose of sharps (medical needles and syringes)?

Needles and syringes are considered trash and can’t be recycled. Place these inside a rigid container like a metal coffee can seal, tape the lid, and mark the container as SHARPS. It will be picked up with your regular trash.

6. What about other items? What do I do with items GFL won’t pick up?

The DPW holds collection events to accept non-hazardous items not collected by GFL called Long Mondays Drop Off Day. This takes place at the DPW Complex on the second Monday of the month, from April through October, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 

Residents are limited to one pickup-sized load per household. Proof of residency is required.

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1. Why is jury service important?

The United States Constitution guarantees all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status, the right to trial by an impartial jury. Justice ultimately depends to a large measure upon the quality of the jurors who serve in our courts and that's why you are important.

2. What is my duty as a Juror?

As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. Your actions and decisions are the foundation of our judicial system.

3. How was I selected?

You were selected at random from a list of driver registrations who live in the City of St. Clair Shores.

4. Am I eligible to be a juror?

Jurors must: 

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be a resident of the City of St. Clair Shores
• Be 18 years or older (those over the age of 70 may be exempt upon their request)
• Be able to speak and understand the English language
• Be physically and mentally able to carry out the duties of a juror
• Not have served as a juror in the past 12 months
• Not have been convicted of a felony

5. What are the different types of cases?

There are two basic types of cases; criminal and civil.

Criminal

A criminal case results when a person is accused of committing a crime. You, as a juror, must decide whether the person charged is guilty or not guilty. The accused person is presumed innocent, and the city or state, represented by a prosecutor, must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The verdict must be 6-0 (unanimous).

Civil Cases

A civil case results from a disagreement or dispute between two or more parties. In a civil case, you, as a juror, must answer questions of disputed facts based upon the testimony and evidence admitted by the Judge. The answers to these questions are called the verdict. In civil cases, 5 out of 6 must agree on the verdict.

6. Will I be paid for being a juror?

Yes. The 40th District Court issues a re-loadable prepaid MasterCard for paying jurors. Jurors receive the card prior to leaving the court building, upon conclusions of their service. Funds are available immediately and may be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted. (Please be sure to read the packet of information given with the card for details.)

Public Act 51 [MCL 600.1344] dictates that juror mileage reimbursement rate. 

Juror Compensation is as follows:

• For the first day or half day of actual attendance at the court, not less than $30 per day and $15 per half day.
• For each subsequent day or half day of actual attendance at the court, not less than $45 per day and $22.50 per day

7. Is my employer required to pay me while I am on jury duty? Can I be fired for missing work for jury duty?

Your employer is not required to pay you while on jury duty; however, employers are prohibited by law from firing an employee for serving on a jury nor can your job be affected by serving on a jury.

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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. Card Games

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

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

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

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

Pinochle - Mondays, 12 PM & Thursdays,12:30 PM

5. Cornhole

Cornhole

1-2:30 PM, Wednesdays in the Multipurpose 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. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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. What are the current water rates?

 

	FY 2023	FY 2024
Water	5.674	6.230
Sewer	6.932	6.932
	12.606	13.162
Customer Charge (Readiness to Serve Charge)*		Based on   meter size
5/8" meter	18.96	19.92
3/4" meter	18.96	19.92
1" meter	47.40	49.80
1 1/2" meter	104.28	109.56
2" meter	151.68	159.36
3" meter	274.92	288.84
4" meter	379.20	398.40
6" meter	568.80	597.60
*Residential meters larger than 3/4" will be billed at $19.92.
Retention Basin	0.49	0.49
Commercial  Meter Charge  (Wastewater Flow Chg)
5/8"	10.74	10.92
3/4"	16.11	16.38
1"	26.85	27.30
1 1/2"	59.07	60.06
2"	85.92	87.36
3"	155.73	158.34
4"	214.80	218.40
6"	322.20	327.60
Surcharge	1.00	1.00
Opt-Out Charge	10.00	10.00

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.

4. What do a I do if my water bill is estimated?

If you receive an estimated bill, call the water department at 586-447-3317 with the reading off their meter.  You received an estimate because your MTU device is not transmitting the reading.  When you call, staff will give instructions on setting up an appointment to replace the unit.