Sturgis considers adopting IPMC

Sturgis Township’s contracted zoning administrator is recommending adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code.
Randy Schmeling recently told the Sturgis Township Planning Commission that the rules would give township officials more tools to address structurally compromised homes and buildings. Ultimately, he said, the measure is geared more toward making a structure safe.
Examples he referenced include structures open to animals, holes in a roof, broken windows and other problems caused by neglect that are not being repaired.
Schmeling said the township currently can take care of trash and litter issues, but more extreme situations may be difficult to address without a maintenance code.
Schmeling said the villages of White Pigeon and Colon, as well as Fabius Township, have adopted the IPMC, while Fawn River, Mendon and Nottawa townships are considering it.