Commission approves fee schedule under abandoned vacant non-residential ordinance

The Mount Clemens City Commission on a unanimous voice vote adopted a resolution setting annual registration and inspection fees under Ordinance No. 18520, the city's abandoned vacant non-residential structure law.

The resolution establishes tiered fees based on how long a property has been vacant and takes effect one year after the ordinance's adoption. During discussion, commissioners asked whether the resolution places an upper cap on cumulative fees for properties that have been vacant for many years; city staff said the resolution contains no cap, and a long-vacant building could therefore accumulate fees over time.

Commissioners also sought clarification on whether a change in ownership resets the vacancy clock. City staff replied that, under the ordinance, a change of owner does not automatically reset the vacancy period; new owners who present active development plans to the city may be treated differently, but simply transferring title does not erase prior vacancy history.

The commission debated the policy rationale briefly, with members noting the ordinance is intended to encourage rehabilitation rather than permit repeated ownership transfers that defer costs. The resolution was approved by roll call.

The resolution implements the fee schedule described in the accompanying staff report; the ordinance and resolution text address enforcement, registration and inspection requirements. Details not stated on the record, such as specific dollar amounts by vacancy tier, were contained in the staff packet and are available from city administration on request.

The commission moved afterward to recess for an executive session.