FAQs

Burial locations at Riverview Cemetery may be found here.
To purchase a cemetery plot or niche, please contact the City Clerk's office at 269-983-6325 or clerk@sjcity.com. The City Clerk or the Deputy Clerk will answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Information on submitting a request for information is available here. Please note there is a separate request process for public safety requests.
No. If you are not registered to vote on Election Day, you must register to vote at your city clerk's office; however, you may vote an absentee ballot at your city clerk's office when you register to vote, or you can take your registration receipt and vote in person at your polling place.
Registration for elections and absentee voting is available here. You may also call the City Clerk's office at 269-983-6325 to have a copy mailed to you or you may visit City Hall during normal business hours to complete an application.
To receive an absentee ballot application for every election, ask your city clerk about joining the Permanent Absentee Voter List.
Absentee ballots are available 40 days before every election. You can request to have a ballot mailed to you by the Friday before the election at 5pm. You can also request a ballot in person at your city or township clerk's office until 4pm on the Monday before the election. New voters can pick up an absentee ballot in person when they register to vote at their city or township clerk's office until 8pm on Election Day.

All ballots must be returned to the city or township clerk no later than 8pm on Election Day.
The last day to register by mail is 15 days before an election.

To register by mail, complete the Michigan Voter Application and mail to your city clerk at least 15 days before the election.
8pm on Election Day is the latest you may register to vote in person. Anyone who wishes to register to vote less than 15 days before an election, including Election Day, must register in person at their city clerk's office.
You can register by one of the following methods:
- Online
- At a Secretary of State branch office
- At the city clerk’s office or your county clerk’s office
- At any state agency that provides public assistance or services to people with disabilities
- By mailing in a completed Michigan Voter Application postmarked at least 15 days before the election
Everyone can vote by mail. No reason needed.

To request a ballot, complete the Michigan Absent Voter Ballot Application, and mail to your city clerk.
Roadways closures will be limited to the day of the installation of the fog seal. Typically the road will be closed after 8 am and will reopen in the evening.
In order to install crack seal the road will have what's called a rolling closure. This means the road will only be closed for a short duration in the immediate area of the work. The closure will travel with the crew installing the crack seal.
Although not a "frequently" asked question, periodically someone asks if the city's name is properly "St. Joseph" or "Saint Joseph." Well, whether you write "St. Joseph," "Saint Joseph," or "St. Joe," we know what you mean. Mail and packages are delivered, and checks clear the bank; as a practical matter--they all work!

There is a correct answer, though. If you're looking to pick up points in a trivia contest or just like knowing things...our city's name is "St. Joseph."

How do we know? It is the name given to the community in the legislative acts incorporating the Village of St. Joseph in 1834 and the City of St. Joseph in 1891. Think of those as the community's birth certificates.

If only we'd recognized that before putting the sign in front of City Hall in the late 1990s. (Maybe someday "things you're used to seeing around town that we wish had been a little different" will be its own FAQ.)

We're in good company, though; the US Postal Service recommends "Saint Joseph" and indicates "St Joseph" is a name to avoid in mailing addresses, along with "St Joe" and "Saint Joe." (Don't get anyone started on including punctuation in addresses.) It says "Shoreham" will work, though!
City Hall and administrative personnel follow Berrien County determinations in closing offices due to inclement weather.

Public Safety and Public Services personnel are essential to providing safety services to the public and are not subject to inclement weather closings.
Facility rental information is available here. Please note that if you have not previously created an account, you will need to create an account first. Facility availability may be viewed on the recreation calendar. After the request is submitted, you will receive an invoice email for payment. For assistance with the website, please call 269-985-0326.
Tiscornia Beach and Lions Park may be accessed from dawn until dusk.
The fountain opens on May 1st and closes on September 30th. Hours vary throughout the season and are listed below.
- May 1st to Friday before Memorial Day: 12 PM - 8 PM
- Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day: 10 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday following Labor Day - September 30th:12 PM - 8 PM
- Fountain is closed October 1st - April 30th
The fountain is closed for maintenance on the last Wednesday of the month. Normal operations resume once the maintenance is complete.
Park restrooms will open around May 1^st each spring depending on the weather. Please note that not all restrooms will open on the same day. Park restrooms will close on November 15th or the next business day. The Broad St restrooms at the stairs will remain open until the Monday following the Tree Lighting in early December.
If you need to file a police report, they are available from the Public Safety Department on the first floor of City Hall (700 Broad Street). If you have any questions or concerns about filing a police report please feel free to contact the Public Safety Department at 985-0300 from 8AM to 5PM, Monday through Sunday.
It is unlawful to park a vehicle upon a public street Sunday night through Thursday night between the hours of 2:30 AM and 6:30 AM. It is also unlawful to park a vehicle on a downtown business district or parking lot between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM for more than (2) two hours. It is also unlawful to park on the front, side yards and tree lawns.

Downtown Parking

Parking in the downtown involves two hour, three hour, and all day. To assist visitors with convenient parking, we have provided a map outlining parking time limits.
Yes. The website indexes web pages as well as PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, and text documents.
No. By default, the search results will show matches for any word within the phrase. In this example, you would receive results for all web pages and documents that contained either the word alarm or the word permit or both.

In order to search on an exact phrase, enclose your search phrase in quotations. The search results for "alarm permit" will show matches for that exact phrase.
Yes. You can exclude words by using the minus sign (-). In order to find the results of all pages that have alarm in the result but not permit, you would search for alarm -permit.
City Code of Ordinances, Section 26-45, states that it is the duty of the adjoining property owner or occupant to keep the sidewalk free of all snow, ice, sand, rubbish, dirt and litter at all times.

City Code of Ordinances, Section 26-47, states that it is the duty of the adjoining property owner to keep the sidewalk in repair at all times. It also states that if the owner fails or neglects to repair the sidewalk within a timely manner the City may repair the sidewalk and collect the cost from the owner.
Under the City's current sidewalk program, sidewalks with a 1 inch difference present at any point between adjacent sidewalk squares are included in the replacement projects. Additionally, sidewalks identified with other trip hazards, cracks, surface deterioration or any other condition that creates a significant safety hazard are also replaced. Sidewalks with a difference of 1.5 inches or greater are considered "urgent repairs" and when identified will be included in the replacement project regardless of which quadrant it is located in. Sidewalks marked for repair have been identified with a white painted dot and logged by the City. Before construction starts squares to be replaced will be marked with a white “X”.
Overnight, on-street parking will be allowed on City blocks impacted by the sidewalk project. Concrete within the influence of a driveway should be allowed to cure for seven days before driving on it.
The replacement projects are usually put out to bid during the winter. Past sidewalk projects have taken 4 to 6 weeks to complete. The work could occur anytime between late spring and early fall.
The City will allow you to repair your sidewalk at your own expense. Because the sidewalk is located in the Right-of-Way (ROW) you must obtain a ROW permit from the City Engineer in accordance with Code of Ordinances Sec. 26- 41 prior to commencing any work. This is a no cost permit but construction standards, bond and insurance requirements must be met. If you decide to repair the sidewalks you must inform the City in writing, obtain a ROW permit, and complete all repairs prior to the replacement project starting. The ROW permit application is available on the City’s website HERE or by contacting Assistant City Engineer Alex Austin in the Engineering Department (269-983-5541 or aaustin@sjcity.com). If work is started within the ROW prior to obtaining a permit a fee of $100.00 will be charged.
The Right-of-Way is delineated by legally established lines or boundaries and typically includes the road, the tree lawn (i.e. land between edge of curb and sidewalk) and the sidewalk.
Please feel free to contact Alex Austin, Assistant City Engineer at aaustin@sjcity.com or at (269) 983-5541 or you can stop by City Hall during normal working hours.
When choosing a street to be part of a resurfacing project, the City looks at many variables including pavement age, utility condition under the roadway, street drainage, pavement base condition, safety, and maintenance history among other things. Roadways that are good candidates for resurfacing are ones with a pavement surface age of 12 - 20 years, a good pavement base, and newer utilities with little to no history of maintenance being required.
This depends on the length of the roadway being resurfaced, but typically the work is completed in a few days to a few weeks.
The pavement preventive maintenance program is the name for the variety treatments the City uses to maintain pavements in better condition. The general purpose of the program is to extend the life of roadway pavements by keeping the good roads in a good condition. This is done by using more frequent but lower cost treatments when compared to a "do nothing" approach in which the roadway is left until it has failed and is then reconstructed.
Typical resurfacing projects will include removing (milling) 1.5” - 2” of depth of the existing asphalt pavement and repaving the roadway with new asphalt.
Resurfacing (also known as a mill & fill) is just one tool the City uses as part of it's pavement preventive maintenance program. When a resurfacing is done on a roadway that is a good candidate for this treatment it can extend the life of the pavement another 10 - 15 years.
No. Water and sewer work is not typically done when completing a resurfacing project.
Typical resurfacing projects do not require tree removals.
The City does not collect yard waste. Yard waste is classified as the following: grass clippings, ornamental grass, leaves, sod, roots, loose vegetation, weeds, plants, hedge trimmings, flowers, fruits and vegetables, etc. Yard waste may not be placed in the street for disposal during brush pick-up.

To contract for a 96-gallon yard waste bin, please contact Best Way at 269-463-3232. The bin will be emptied weekly on your waste collection day from April through November. Personal containers or yard waste paper bags will need a Best Way sticker for pick-up. Stickers are available for purchase at City Hall.
Information for reporting street light outages is available here.
The City operates the traffic signal at Langley and Napier Ave. An outage may be reported to the Public Works department at 269-983-6341 or after hours to non-emergency dispatch at 269-926-2538.

Other lights within the city limits are managed by MDOT . Please contact dispatch to report outages at 269-926-2538.
The City of St Joseph provides curbside leaf removal for its residents in the Spring and Fall. Residents may place leaves in the street gutter avoiding placement on or near the drains. Please do not place bags of leaves, branches, twigs, grass clippings, rocks or other debris in the leaf piles.

If you prefer to bag your leaves in yard waste bags, you may purchase Best Way stickers at City Hall. Stickers are placed on bags and set out on your trash pick-up day during the annual yard waste dates of April - November.

Please note that residents who live on Niles Ave, Main St or Lakeshore Dr should bag their leaves in bio-degradable craft paper yard waste bags. Please contact Public Works for leaf pick-up at 269-983-6341.

The Public Works staff will make multiple passes through the city for leaf removal.
Brush and branches up to 8 feet long and 6 inches in diameter are collected by the City's Department of Public Works from the curbside during the first full week of each month from April through November. Brush pick-up is completed city wide. There is not a defined route nor is it associated with a homeowner's trash day. Brush should be at the curb or tree lawn for the first day of the collection week for the month. Brush collections dates for 2022 follow:
- April 4 - 8
- May 2 - 6
- June 6 - 10
- July 5 - 8
- August 8 - 12
- September 6-9
- October 3 - 7
- November 7 - 11
The Public Works Department is responsible for keeping city streets free of snow and ice and open to traffic. When intersections become slippery Public Safety notifies the Department and specialized trucks are dispatched to begin salting or sanding the roadways when this is appropriate. During major snow events, the entire Department of Public Works & Service crew is called into action.

Snow removal is a priority-based system that addresses major streets first and then progresses to the local streets. Streets which are dead-end or cul-de-sacs, as well as alleys, are typically completed last. The priority system is based upon the amount of traffic serviced by the street and the need to keep vital facilities such as hospitals and schools open to the public. With the current crew and equipment, it typically takes up to 12 hours to have all of the City streets, alleys and parking lots plowed and treated after a significant snow event.

The Michigan Department of Transportation is responsible for snow removal on state highways. In the City, those roads include state highway M-63 and Business Loop - 94. This includes all of Niles Avenue, all of Lakeshore Drive, all of Main Street (extending north across the bridge to the Harry Gast Parkway to Klock Road), portions of Port and Ship streets east of Main Street, and Wayne Street from Ship Street east to the city limits of Benton Harbor. The Berrien County Road Department is responsible for snow removal on county roads, including portions of Hilltop Road and Cleveland Avenue along the city boundary.
The City of St Joseph contract with Best Way for large item pick-up. More information is available here.
The Right-of-Way is delineated by legally established lines or boundaries and typically includes the road, the tree lawn (i.e. land between edge of curb and sidewalk) and the sidewalk.
No unauthorized treatment, trimming or removal of a City right-of-way tree by residents or contractors is permitted without written approval by the City of St. Joseph. Tree trimming and removal requests may be directed to the Department of Public Works at 269-983-6341, or by submitting the online request form found here.
Tree planting requests may be directed to the Department of Public Works at 269-983-6341, or by submitting the online request form found here.
Though this timeline may adjust year to year, the City makes an effort to do the bulk of its tree removals and plantings in the Fall months, and then again in the Spring on an as-needed basis.
It does not. Business Loop 94 (Lake Shore Dr.) and Michigan 63 (Niles Ave., Main St.) are considered State highway trunk lines. Questions or concerns about street trees along these roads may be directed to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The local MDOT headquarters in Coloma may be reached at (269) 849-1165.
The City cannot lawfully perform any tree work within 10 feet of overhead power lines. Requests regarding power line trimming may be direct to American Electric Power (AEP) at (800) 311-4634.
As in the case of all property damage, it is always best to notify your insurance provider first to begin a claim. Your provider will direct you to contact a local tree service for the clean up of the tree, as the City of St. Joseph cannot perform any work once damage to property is involved. Any questions from insurance providers may be directed to City Hall at (269) 983-5541.
The City does not remove healthy trees due to conflict with the sidewalk. We realize this is a common problem, however, removing the tree will not fix the issue. Per city ordinances, it is the duty of the adjoining property owner to keep the sidewalk in repair at all times. It is recommended that the owner contract a concrete service who will cut away roots from beneath the sidewalk prior to replacing or repouring the slabs to a level condition.
The City does not remove healthy trees due to its dropping of natural debris (leaves, fruit, nuts, cones, needles, sap, pollen, etc.). Though at times it can be inconvenient, like leaves in the Fall it is the nature of trees to drop fruit, seed pods and other natural material, however, the benefits of trees in the community outweighs these minor nuisances. Per city ordinances, it is the duty of the adjoining property owner or occupant to keep the sidewalk free from debris at all times, so like snow, we ask that this debris be cleared as needed.
The City does not remove healthy trees due to conflict with underground service lines. It is a common misconception that tree roots break sewer/water lines when in fact the line is already damaged. Tree roots will only invade lines that have already cracked because of aging/drying joints or earth settling. Tree roots naturally seek out water, and when an old sewer/water line breaks or leaks the tree will actively thrive toward the newly found water and nutrients. Removing the tree will not solve the problem, as it is actually a plumbing issue. It is recommended that the owner contact a plumbing service to repair or replace the service line, at which time any impeding roots will be cleared away.
No unauthorized treatment, trimming or removal of a City right-of-way tree by residents or contractors is permitted. On rare occasion, the City has allowed a removal at the property owner's expense, but only with expressed written approval by the City of St. Joseph. In such cases, the City requires the work to be performed by an insured, reputable tree service, and that the stump be ground down below grade and the area restored with topsoil and seed. The City also asks that the removed tree be replaced with a new planting from the city's approved tree list.
Absolutely. However, it must come from the City of St. Joseph Approved Street Tree List which can be viewed in the supporting documents found here. If no request is made the City will simply choose an approved tree based upon availability.
The City will only plant new trees that fall within the city right-of-way, and where there is sufficient space. Approval of a new street tree is based upon criteria that includes the width of the tree lawn, as well as the proximity to underground utilities, overhead utilities, street signs, traffic lights, power poles, driveways, fire hydrants, walkways, etc.
Upon installation of a new street tree, residents are asked to assist in the continued survival and vitality of the tree. Various proper tree health care practices may be viewed in the supporting documents found here.
If you are moving into a property, you must complete the application found on the website along with providing a photo ID. The application with supplemental information can be dropped off at City Hall, 700 Broad St. or via email to water@sjcity.com. Questions can be directed to the Finance Department - Water Billing at (269) 983-6324
For more information on the City's voluntary testing program please call the City of St. Joseph Water Plant at (269) 983-1240 Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM or email leadservice@sjcity.com.
Your water bill may be paid at City Hall, 700 Broad St during normal business hours, by dropping off your payment in one of the drop boxes at City Hall or online. Please note that there is a processing fee for the online payment.
Sewer backups may be caused by a problem in the public or private line. If you believe the problem may be the public sewer, please call Public Works at 269-983-6341 or after-hours emergencies 269-926-2538.

Sewer breaks on the main public sewer in the street are the City's responsibility. Sewer breaks on the individual service line, even if the connection is under the street, are the responsibility of the property owner.
Water leaks may be reported to the Department of Public Works at 269-983-6341. After hour emergencies may be reported to 269-926-2538.

Water leaks on the main public water line or between the main line and individual service connection shutoff valve are the City's responsibility and will be fixed by the City. Leaks located on individual service lines located between the shutoff and the home or building are the responsibility of the property owner.
If you have a question about a high or low bill, need a payment plan or have other billing questions, please call 269-983-6324 or email water@sjcity.com.
If your property will be vacant and you would like your water service shut off temporarily, call 269-983-6324. There is a fee for this service and a minimum quarterly fee that will show on your bill. Turning the water off at the shutoff will protect your home from damage that may occur from an undetected leak or frozen pipes while you are away.
Flags are placed in the easement or yard if a Miss Dig was submitted. Flags mark the service lines to avoid if or when work may occur in that area. Flags must be left until the work is completed. Additional information on Miss Dig is available here.