Commission introduces ordinance to expand blight rules, update animal-control regulations

The Mount Clemens City Commission on May 5 introduced an ordinance that would add violations tied to the registration and inspection of rental dwellings to the city’s blight code and revise the city’s animal‑control ordinances.

City manager Greg Shipman told commissioners the draft, prepared by the city attorney, would give the Administrative Hearings Bureau authority to enforce registration and inspection requirements and impose civil responsibility fines. “Attached as an ordinance to amend the city's blight ordinance to include as blight a violation of regulations related to the registration and inspection of rental dwellings,” Shipman said. The commission set May 19, 2025, as the date for adoption.

The proposed animal‑control changes add definitions, clarify standards for humane treatment and nuisances, and revise licensing and impoundment procedures. Commissioners questioned language addressing tethering and whether the draft’s repetition was a typo; staff indicated the city attorney will clarify the wording. One commissioner asked whether the ordinance requires continuous adult presence when an animal is tethered; staff said they would have the attorney review and correct the draft where needed.

Commissioners also asked about licensing for cats and other animals. Shipman and other staff said the city recently established a state‑certified kennel operated by public works (established about six months ago), noting the city no longer relies on Macomb County for shelter services. Commissioners discussed that, in practice, only a small number of cats and other pets are registered, often due to institutional requirements in senior housing and high rises.

The ordinance was introduced by motion and forwarded for formal adoption at the May 19 meeting. The ordinance text was prepared by the city attorney; the commission asked staff to correct drafting errors before final consideration.