Algonac Council adopts Vacant Building Ordinance

By Barb Pert Templeton

Owners of vacant and abandoned buildings in Algonac are going to have to start cleaning them up unless they want to face substantial fines. 

The city council formerly adopted an amendment to their Chapter 18 Environmental Ordinance adding Article 7 Vacant Buildings, at a meeting on Dec. 5, 2023. 

Mayor Rocky Gillis said the amendment to the existing ordinance will require owners of vacant property to register and pay a fee to the city. Article 7 is being added to encourage property owners not to embrace the status quo and to consider immediate implementation of a plan to revitalize their property. Gillis said Detroit, Marine City, Melvindale, Mount Clemens and Southfield have similar ordinances in place. 

Councilman Ed Carter made the motion to adopt the amendment and it was seconded by Councilwoman Cathy Harris. 

“I think this will be a way for people to be enticed to get things developed (on their vacant property),” Gillis.

Councilwoman Dawn Davey said she wanted to once again reiterate that the amendment to the existing ordinance was not just another way for the city to collect funds from people.

“The city’s not going to go crazy and be at my house and cite me for this and cite me for that,’ Davey said. “This is a good ordinance that is specifically for vacant buildings and those who do not take care of them.”

A second part of the ordinance amendment was to have the council formerly adopt Resolution 2023-25 for establishing annual registration and inspection fees for abandoned or vacant structures. 

Councilman Ray Martin asked for some clarifications to the resolution. He wanted to point out that if the building is abandoned or vacant for a year there’s no fee but if its stays vacant beyond that, will the fee be $500 every year?

“Mayor Pro Tem Martin it’s going to be $500 a year for every year it remains vacant,” City Manager Denice Gerstenberg said. 

Councilman Corey Blair was absent from the recent meeting.

The ordinance’s definition of an abandoned or vacant structure includes the following:

Section 18-122 Definitions

1. All lawful activity has seized for at least 30 days or more. 
2. Provides a place for loitering, vagrancy, unlawful activity and criminal activity.
3. Has been boarded for at least 30 days.
4. Has utilities disconnected or not in use.
5. Is not maintained within any section of the Algonac City Code.

Section 18-123 Applicability and Administration

1. Written notice shall be given to the abandoned or vacant property owner in person or by U.S. mail and must be answered within 30 days.
2. The City Manager is authorized to administer and enforce the provisions of the ordinance.

The following information will be required of the property owner:

1. Address and legal description of the property.
2. The current name, physical address and mailing address, including email plus a phone number from anyone involved in ownership of the property. 
3. Proper identification for the owner.
4. The contact information for any local property owner.
5. A written comprehensive plan of action for correcting violations including a timeline for completion.
6. A complete floor plan of the property for first responders.
7. Written notice to the city for a chance of ownership.
8. Owner informs the city that the building will be vacant for up to 180 days.

*There’s a snowbird provision, which means if you go to Florida for the winter, it’s not a vacancy so the ordinance isn’t applicable.