The Ordinance Department is constantly monitoring conditions throughout St. Joseph Charter Township. We look for compliance of our International Property Maintenance Code. The property Maintenance Code is aimed at the upkeep and general maintenance of all properties, houses, and buildings.
Many ordinance issues are handled on a daily basis including, but not limited to: off street parking, animals running at large, the proper keeping of animals, appearance of lawn and house exteriors, parking on lawns, noise abatement, and nuisances of many varieties.
Please do not hesitate to notify us of anything you feel might be a violation, as we aim to keep St. Joseph Charter Township a sought after community in which to live.
St. Joseph Charter Township
Code of Ordinances
Non-zoning Ordinance Revisions –
At the April 4th, 2022 Board of Trustees meeting, non-zoning ordinance revisions were adopted and will be effective April 11, 2022 for the following:
Current Officials Page
Chapter 1 – General Provisions
Chapter 6 – Animals
Chapter 10 – Building and Building Regulations
Chapter 14 – Fire Prevention and Protection
Chapter 22 – Nuisances
Chapter 26 – Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions
Click here for a copy of the revisions.
Copies of the ordinance revisions are also available at the Township Hall 3000 Washington Ave., St. Joseph, MI 49085. You may request an email copy at info@sjct.org.
Chapter 1 – General Provisions (Adopted revisions effective 4/11/2022)
Chapter 6 – Animals (Adopted revisions effective 4/11/2022)
Chapter 10 – Buildings and Building Regulations (Adopted revisions effective 4/11/2022)
Chapter 12 - Emergency Services
Chapter 13 - Reserved
Chapter 14 – Fire Prevention and Protection (Adopted revisions effective 4/11/2022)
Chapter 18 - Licenses, Permits and Miscellaneous Business Regulations
Chapter 20-21 - Reserved
Chapter 22 – Nuisances (Adopted revisions effective 4/11/2022)
Chapter 26 – Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions (Adopted revisions effective 4/11/2022)
Chapter 30 - Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places
Chapter 34 - Subdivisions and Other Divisions of Land
Chapter 38 - Traffic and Vehicles
Chapter 46 - Zoning (effective July 19, 2021)
Code Comparative Table - 1984 Code
Code Comparative Table - Ordinances
Ordinance to Provide for the Operation of Berrien County Water Supply System Number 2 - March 1970
Resolution to Adopt Uniform Traffic Code - April 1973
Resolution to Adopt Uniform Building Code 1973 Edition - May 1974
Revision to the Zoning Ordinance - March 1981
Resolution to Adopt/Amend the St. Joseph Charter Township Zoning Map (Adopted July 2016)
Zoning Map (Effective July 19, 2021)
Re-Zoning/Overlay
At the March 4, 2024 St. Joseph Charter Township Board of Trustees meeting, an ordinance to provide for a re-zoning overlay was adopted. Click here for further information.
Municipal Civil Infractions Ordinance Adopted –
The following ordinance was approved and adopted at the October 3rd Board of Trustees meeting and will become effective January 1, 2023.
Click here to view the ordinance as adopted.
Common Violations
Leaving Large Items of Rubbish at the Curbside
Special arrangements should be made with Best Way Disposal by calling Tami at (269) 463-3232.
Parking on the Grass
Parking is only allowed on concrete or asphalt.
Tall Grass/Weeds
If you do not mow, the Township has to do it. You will be invoiced.
Barking Dogs/Dogs at Large
If a complaint comes in, you will receive a letter. A second complaint may result in a citation.
Soliciting
You can not solicit door to door in St. Joseph Township without first obtaining a permit to do so.