Frequently Asked Questions

 

When do the different Boards and Commissions meet?

The City Council meets every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. The Planning Commission meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. The Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. The Zoning Board of Appeals meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 4:15 p.m.  All Boards and Commissions meet in the Council Chamber located on the 2nd floor of the Henry L. Brown Municipal Building, One Grand Street.

 

Is the public allowed to attend these meetings?

Yes.  The general public is welcome to attend any of these meetings.  Should you wish to attend, please call the City Manager's office or the City Clerk's Office at (517) 279-9501 to verify that the meetings have not been cancelled.

 

Why doesn't the City provide a "citywide trash pickup" every year?

Every other year, the City of Coldwater, as a service to the residents of the City, tries to implement a citywide trash pickup.  On the years that we do not have a trash pickup, we try to coordinate a "household hazardous waste pickup" with the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities. That way, one or the other of these two services is being provided to our residents (at no additional cost to residents) every year.  We would like to be able to provide both services on an annual basis, but it is too cost restrictive, as the citywide trash pickup costs in excess of $30,000 per pickup and the household hazardous waste pickup costs in excess of $20,000 each time.  For a fee, residents can contract with the Department of Municipal Services to have large trash items picked up.

 

Do I need a permit for a sign or fence?

Yes. Persons installing signs or fences should first get a zoning permit through the Zoning Administrator's office at the Henry L. Brown Municipal Building.

 

Do I need a permit to build a shed?

Any shed under 200 sq. ft. does not require a building permit.  A permit is required if the shed is over 200 sq. ft.  Also, any shed over 400 sq. ft. requires 42" footings, and all sheds must be three feet from the property lines and ten feet from another building.

 

Does the City survey property?

No. The City does not have a surveyor available to respond to citizen requests. Property owners are responsible for knowing the boundaries of their property or, if necessary, hiring a private land surveyor to survey their land.

 

Do I need a permit to have a garage sale?

No, but residents are limited to sales of three days or less and no more than three times per year.

 

When is brush picked up?

The first Monday of each month from April through October.

 

How much does a building permit cost?

Building permit fees are calculated on the cost of the project, except for roofing, siding, and fences, which are $10.00 each.

 

Is parking on City streets overnight permitted?

Parking on City streets is prohibited from 2:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.

 

Is there a curfew in Coldwater?

Yes. Children age 14 and under from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Children age 15-17 from midnight to 5:00 a.m.

 

Is there a limit of the number of dogs a person may have in town?

No, as long as the owner is not keeping the dogs for payment, such as a kennel, etc.

 

Why does the fire department go to medical calls with their large fire truck?

They respond to medical calls with the fire engine / rescue truck in case they receive a fire call while they are out attending to the medical call. It makes for a quicker response to a fire if they have the fire truck with them at all times.

 

How do I contact the Better Business Bureau?

To check on a business, call (313) 644-1012. For complaints, call (517) 373-1140.

 

How do I go about starting a new business?    

Call the Downtown Development Authority at (517) 279-6902 or check out their website at www.coldwaterdda.org and they will refer you to the right group.