Planning Commission Explores Property Owner Compliance Tools in Petoskey

The Planning Commission meeting held on July 16, 2025, in Petoskey City, Emmet County, Michigan, focused on addressing the challenges of property maintenance and the responsibilities of property owners. The discussions highlighted the need for effective tools to ensure compliance with city codes and to manage vacant properties.

The meeting began with a recognition of the ongoing issues related to property owner rights versus responsibilities. A commission member emphasized that while property rights are important, the current responsibilities of owners are not being met, leading to a pressing need for the city to take action. The council is already considering initiatives, including a vacancy registration ordinance, which is currently in its first reading. This ordinance aims to require property owners to register vacant buildings annually and maintain them to certain standards.

Further discussions revolved around the concept of eminent domain, which allows municipalities to acquire private property for public use, provided fair compensation is given to the owner. While this tool was acknowledged as a potential solution for dealing with non-compliant landlords, it was noted that using eminent domain for private buildings can be complex and challenging.

Commission members also explored other strategies to encourage compliance among property owners. The International Property Maintenance Code was mentioned as a framework that could be utilized to address properties that do not meet maintenance standards. Additionally, the city can cite property owners for blight, which can further motivate compliance.

The conversation included suggestions for enhancing the effectiveness of the vacancy registration ordinance, such as imposing significant fees for registration to ensure that property owners take the requirements seriously. The need for inspections and maintaining the physical integrity of vacant buildings was also stressed, with examples from other communities illustrating the importance of maintaining windows and overall building appearance.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the necessity for the Planning Commission to actively engage in research and discussions to support the council in developing effective policies for property management. The commission members were encouraged to collaborate and share ideas to address the challenges posed by vacant and poorly maintained properties in Petoskey.