Greenville council adopts new Construction Code, names city enforcing agency

Greenville's City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 24-12 on Aug. 6, replacing the city's existing provision titled "International Existing Buildings Code" with a new Chapter 8, Article IV called the "Construction Code." Councilperson Lehman moved adoption and Councilperson Johnson seconded; the motion passed 7-0.

The ordinance adopts by reference the State Construction Code under the State Construction Code Act (Act No. 230 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1972, MCL 125.1501 et seq.) and designates the city as the enforcing agency responsible for plan review, permitting and enforcement. It establishes a five-member construction board of appeals with two alternates and sets civil infraction fines beginning at $100 with stepped increases for repeat offenses (not less than $250 for a first repeat and $500 for subsequent repeats). The ordinance also designates the city building official, or designee, as authorized to issue civil infraction citations under the Construction Code.

The ordinance includes a provision that knowingly failing to comply with, removing or defacing a "stop work" or other written order issued under the Act constitutes a criminal misdemeanor under the city code. It also contains standard repealer and savings clauses and an emergency ordinance declaration; the ordinance becomes effective 20 days after publication as required by the city charter.

Council did not record additional amendments during the meeting. The roll-call adoption vote was recorded as Ayes: Lehman, Linton, Cunliffe, Scoby, Johnson, Barrus and Moss; Nays: 0; Absent: 0.