The Community Development and Inspection Department (CDI) handles requests relating to planning, engineering, and building.  CDI staff and inspectors can answer questions regarding zoning ordinances, e.g., land uses, setback requirements, lot coverage; engineering, sewer, water, sidewalks, and streets; as well as building permits and sign code requirements.  Community Development prepares the agendas and reviews for the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Water Resources Commission.  These Commissions review request for new buildings, additions, and lake related items such as seawalls, hoists, boat wells, and ordinance variance requests.

Please note:  The City of St. Clair Shores enforces the 2003 Michigan Building Code, 2003 Michigan Electrical Code, 2003 Michigan Plumbing Code.

Roads    If you have a problem with your street, please call us with the information so it can be properly catalogued and repairs can be scheduled.  Our Street Millage is at work to improve and safeguard our roadways and beautify our City.

Sidewalks    The Sidewalk Repair Program for 2007 will take place in District 6.  Sidewalk sections slated for repair are currently being marked.  The area to be completed is 11 Mile to 12 Mile from Harper to the west city limits.

Business Licenses    CDI reviews applications for new businesses.  Items such as zoning, engineering, code enforcement and taxes are reviewed.  Once a certificate of occupancy is approved, a retail business will be granted a business license.  Business licenses expire at the end of each calendar year.  Remember to renew your license.

Flood Prevention    The City of St. Clair Shores in conjunction with the Army Corp of Engineers has completed the installation of 36 storm water pumps along the waterfront.  These pumps will prevent lake water from entering the storm sewer system which diminishes the life expectancy of the infrastructure.   During storm events, the pumps will automatically turn on and pump rain water from the surface roads into the lake.  The project, when completed, will help protect housing, businesses and infrastructure along Jefferson from the south city limits to the north city limits.

Code Enforcement

The Code Enforcement Department responds to a variety of requests and concerns of our citizens.   Nuisances, recreational vehicle storage, weed control, as well as temporary sign and ordinance violations are sources of frequent questions and complaints.  Upon receipt of a complaint, the Code Enforcement Officer will make an inspection for verification.  Should a violation exist, except for weed control, written or verbal contact with the alleged violator shall result.  A short amount of time will be allowed for compliance.  Failure to comply at that point will result in the issuance of a citation for an ordinance violation, which may require a court appearance.  In some instances, failure to comply may result in the City correcting the violation.  In these cases, the property owner of record shall be held responsible for all costs incurred by the City.  Residents may contact the Code Enforcement Department through Community Development between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.