Council introduces animal ordinance amendment and permit-fee changes; both advanced for adoption

Southfield City Council on Feb. 10 voted to approve and introduce two ordinance amendments: one moving animal-related provisions into police regulations and another adjusting permit review, inspection and appeal fees and penalties for failing to obtain building permits.

Councilman Cruz explained the animal ordinance amendment transfers provisions that previously resided in the zoning code — such as rules about chickens and bees — into police regulations and sought council approval to amend the ordinance. The council approved an amendment to the animal ordinance and then moved to introduce it as Ordinance No. 18‑05; the motion was approved by voice vote.

Separately, the council considered a proposed amendment to Chapter 101 governing permit review, inspection and appeal fees. Administration explained the change increases penalties to improve compliance with building-permit requirements to protect public health, safety and welfare. Council approved the proposed amendment and introduced it as Ordinance No. 18‑06.

Both ordinance introductions were moved and supported by council members and advanced according to the council’s standard introduction process; recorded votes in the transcript were voice votes and the clerk noted motions carried. The council did not finalize adoption of the ordinances at the Feb. 10 meeting; introduction sets the ordinances for subsequent readings or adoption steps per city practice.

Council members indicated the zoning amendments related to chickens would come forward from the planning commission at a future meeting and that the current item puts animal-related enforcement into the police/regulatory code.