Housing
The Housing Department is responsible for carrying out the City’s various housing programs. The Housing Department works closely with the Sturgis Neighborhood Program to administer many of these efforts.
Sturgis Neighborhood Program (SNP)
SNP’s mission is to improve living conditions within the Sturgis community by providing quality housing and home ownership opportunities through the construction or renovation of single-family homes, and neighborhood improvement projects.
SNP promotes responsible home ownership through its various programs which include credit counseling, home buyer education, and the coordination of social and economic support services and referrals for area individuals and families. For details, please contact the Sturgis Neighborhood Program at 269-651-4780.
Neighbor2Neighbor Paint Program
The Neighbor 2 Neighbor Paint Program was implemented as a community effort to focus on exterior maintenance of properties within the City. At the program’s inception in 2019, the City of Sturgis has partnered with the SNP and Habitat for Humanity to administer and facilitate the program. Several local businesses have played an important role in this program whether it be through supplying painting supplies or equipment rentals.
The basis for the program allows homeowners to apply for assistance.
The Neighbor 2 Neighbor program has also brought together numerous volunteer groups from local worship groups, business and citizens that work with Habitat for Humanity to assist with the program. The program is always accepting new groups to volunteer for the program. For details please contact the Sturgis Neighborhood Program at 269-651-4780.
Property Maintenance
Property Maintenance Code
All properties within the City of Sturgis must be maintained to the standard implemented by the City of Sturgis Property Maintenance Code. The City of Sturgis Property Maintenance Code is adapted from the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code, with amendments, and is enforced by the Community Development Department.
Common violations of the City of Sturgis Property Maintenance Code include: weeds, garbage, rubbish, exterior finishes, roofs and egress paths. Property owners are asked to comply with the City of Sturgis Property Maintenance Code; those that do not would be in violation of this code and citations may apply.
Property Maintenance Policy
The City’s Property Maintenance Policy requires non-owner occupied dwellings to be registered and inspected by a City Inspector. This policy includes enforcement of dwellings such as single-family homes, multiple family units and hotels. Registration of non-owner occupied properties is the responsibility of the property owner and must be completed annually.
The Community Development Department is responsible for the registration, inspection and monitoring of all residential rental units with the City of Sturgis. Failure to register rental properties may result in significant enforcement citations.
Housing and Economic Development
The City of Sturgis recently completed a Strategic Planning Analysis of Economic and Residential Outlook for St. Joseph County and the City of Sturgis. The full text of the document can be found here.
