Vacant or Abandoned Buildings

Abandoned or Vacant Building FAQs

Q.  When did the Abandoned or Vacant Building Registration (AVBR) program go into effect?
A.  On July 21, 2022 the City Commission of Marine City adopted and enacted Ordinance No. 22-002 with an effective date of December 1, 2022.

Q. Does VBR program apply to all properties in the City of Marine City?
A.  No, the VBR program applies to both industrial and commercial properties throughout the City of Marine City.

Q. How will the City determine if a building is vacant?
A.  A vacant or abandoned industrial or commercial structure is a single tenant building located in an industrial or commercial zoned district which has been unoccupied for a period of ninety consecutive days or which satisfies one of the supplementary conditions defined Section 158.150(H) of the Ordinance.  A vacant or abandoned industrial or commercial structure is a multi-tenant building located in an industrial or commercial zoned district which is more than 50% unoccupied for a period of ninety consecutive days or which satisfies one of the supplementary conditions defined Section 158.150(H) of the Ordinance.

Q.  When do I have to register a vacant building?
A.  A vacant building must be registered upon an occurrence that causes the building to meet the criteria of being defined as vacant under the Ordinance.  

Q. What happens if I purchase a vacant property?
A. Persons acquiring a vacant building through a sale, transfer or conveyance shall register the vacant building the City of Marine City.  

Q.  Are there any exemptions from the Vacant Building Registration requirements?
A.  There are no exemptions from the requirement to register the building, however there are exemptions from the monthly fee. Some exemptions shall be decided on a case-by-case basis. 

Q.  I own a vacant industrial building in the City of Marine City.  It’s currently for sale and I have it listed with a real estate company.  Do I still have to register my building even if I am selling it?
A.  Yes, the building will still have to be registered, however it is recommended that you complete the Monthly Fee Exemption form. 

Q.  I own a vacant commercial building in the City of Marine City.  It’s is currently subject to litigation in Circuit Court.  Do I still have to register my building?
A.  Yes, the building will still have to be registered, however it is recommended that you complete the Monthly Fee Exemption form. 

Q. I own a building where I was operating a business, however discontinued doing so and am now using my building to store property. Do I still have to register my building?
A.  Yes, the building will need to be registered and will likely be subject to the monthly fee if the use is inconsistent with the applicable Zoning Ordinance. Please contact the City to discuss this matter of inconsistent use further. 

Q.  There was a fire in my building and it is structurally unsound. Do I still have to register my building and pay a monthly fee?
A.  Yes, the building will need to be registered and the applicable monthly fee will be assessed. Please review Sections 158.155, 158.156, and 158.157 of the Ordinance.

Q.  What happens if I refuse to register my building and/or pay the monthly fee?
A. Failure to register a vacant or abandoned structure or pay the registration fee and monthly administrative fees shall be cause for penalties to be assessed and are a criminal violation of the Ordinance. If all or part of the fees required by this Ordinance. are not paid or are overdue, the City may recover such sums by filing suit against the owner for entry of civil money judgment or any other means available by law.

Q.  What does it cost to register my building and what are the monthly fees?
A.  The Fees can be found on the Fee Schedule. 

The form to register your building with the City, as required by the Ordinance, can be downloaded from the link below or a copy can be obtained from City Hall at 260 S. Parker Street, Marine City, MI 48039. 

All vacant or abandoned buildings, as defined by the Ordinance, must be registered by December 1, 2022. 

Contact Deputy Clerk Michele Goodrich with questions or for further information.