Commission hears first reading of abandoned/vacant nonresidential-structure ordinance, sets second reading for July 1

City administration presented the introduction and first reading of the Mount Clemens abandoned/vacant nonresidential structure ordinance, identified as Ordinance No. 18.52, which would authorize registration of vacant nonresidential properties, set standards of care and establish procedures for reoccupancy, fees and penalties.

A commissioner asked how the city would notify affected property and business owners. A city staff member said there were currently no plans for notification but the commission could consider outreach; staff also said the fees required by the ordinance would be adopted later via resolution and would not take effect for a year. The ordinance was introduced and the commission set the second reading and adoption for July 1, 2019.

The measure is intended to give the city tools to regulate nonresidential properties that have fallen into disrepair, create standards to encourage reoccupation, and allow adoption of fees and penalties following the ordinance’s effective date.