• The Riviera of the Midwest
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Live Here - St. Joseph is carefully nestled on the southern tip of what has been termed "The Riviera of the Midwest." This deepwater port town is a growing resort community – The lakeshore is peppered with remarkable sand dune formations and lined further inland with a lush countryside that produces some of the nation's finest orchards and vineyards.

  • 2009 Report on Lake Boulevard Bluff Evaluation

    A study was conducted by Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc. in mid-July, 2009.  This evaluation consisted of the existing coastal bluff along Lake Boulevard between Park Street and Water Street.  To read the report in its entirety, please click here. 

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  • Neighborhood Watch

    Crime Prevention Information Line - Call (269) 985-0300 to hear how you can help yourself and your neighborhood avoid becoming a victim of various crimes that have occurred in our City. Seasonal crime prevention and safety tips are also given out on this line which is updated several times a month.

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  • Hydrant Flow Testing

    The St. Joseph Public Safety Department and/or the St. Joseph Water Department periodically flow fire hydrants to check the function of the hydrants, to evaluate the firefighting water available from each hydrant, to monitor the condition of the water system, and to remove rust and other sediment from the water distribution system.

    Hydrant flushing sometimes stirs up sediment in the water lines and results in temporarily brown or "rusty" water in nearby homes and businesses. You can reduce your chances of having rusty water by minimizing your water use if you know hydrant flushing is taking place in your area. You should particularly avoid washing clothes until the flushing is complete and you have made sure you have flushed any rusty water out of your home plumbing.

    If you should have a problem with rusty water, you can flush the rusty water out of your pipes by fully opening a faucet and running cold water until the water runs clear. We recommend that you run water from an outside spigot or utility sink that does not have a mesh strainer / aerator on it to clear the rusty water. You may have to open each of your faucets in turn, to remove all of the rusty water from your system. You should open the faucets one at a time, to ensure the maximum water flow to the open faucet. After flowing the faucets, you may wish to remove and check any mesh strainers / aerators on your faucets to remove any debris that may be trapped. You may also wish to run water through showers, toilets, and even run an empty washer cycle just to make sure you have cleared any rusty water from your pipes.

    If you detect a problem with rusty water, you should not wash your laundry until you have cleared the rusty water from your system. If your laundry does become discolored, you should wash it again immediately--do not dry it first! Drying it will make the rust difficult or impossible to remove! Also, do not use a chlorine bleach with rust-stained laundry; the chlorine reacts with the rust and just makes the problem worse! More information on tackling rust stains in clothing is available on the following web site:

    Please understand that rusty water is not an unusual side effect from a hydrant flushing program, and does not indicate any sort of problem with the water system. The rust results from a reaction between the chlorine in the water, and iron in the pipes. The chlorine keeps the water safe to drink (although we don't recommend drinking the rusty water!) If you have any questions regarding rusty water, please call the Water Plant at 983-1240.

     

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  • Hazardous Waste

    In addition to City-provided rubbish collection, Berrien County provides an annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection program

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Other Links

  • John and Dede Howard Ice Arena
  • Tour of St. Joseph, Michigan
  • Parks
  • Parking Tickets
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  • Senior Citizens
  • Water Bills
  • Library
  • Property Tax
  • Maps
  • Education
  • City Newsletter
  • Property Assessments
  • Census Data
  • Public Health
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Hydrant Flow Testing
  • Neighborhood Watch
  • 2009 Report on Lake Boulevard Bluff Evaluation

 

Work Here - St. Joseph has become well known for its beautiful location along Lake Michigan, its quality public school system, its health care system, its beaches, parks, and other natural amenities. The presence of many large corporations causes the city's population to triple during the average workday.

  • Licenses & Permits

    The issuance of Licenses and Permits is typically a function of the Clerk's Office, the Inspections Department, the Planning and Zoning Department or the Public Safety Department. For complete information regarding specific licenses or permits, please click on the Department links. Common request are linked below.

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  • Start a Business

    The City of St. Joseph encourages and supports the local business community. If you would like to start a business in St. Joseph, you may find our Chamber of Commerce page useful.

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  • Business and Economic Development Assistance

    Cornerstone Alliance
    Cornerstone Alliance leads business retention and expansion efforts throughout all of Berrien County, helping local businesses stay and grow here; and support issues that enhance our area's economic competitiveness. Cornerstone Alliance leads initiatives to attract new investment and new companies to Michigan's Great Southwest and works to grow entrepreneurial businesses; offering a full range of start-up and early growth services. Founded in 1987, Cornerstone Alliance is an economic development organization supported by investments from the private and public sectors, serving Berrien County and its municipalities. The dedicated business development team experts are ready to work with you on your next project.

    Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber 
    Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is a member-driven organization encouraging the growth of business through networking, advocacy, visibility and benefits for all of our members.

    Michigan Small Business Development Center
    The Michigan Small Business Development Center provides counseling, training, research and advocacy for start-ups, existing small businesses and innovative tech companies. Counselors provide support and a planning tool to help evaluate the direction of your technology, chart strategies and more. Check out their Guide to Starting and Operating a Small Business.

    City of St. Joseph Downtown Development Authority

    St. Joseph Today
    St. Joseph Today is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1979. With a mission to enhance the image and recognition of St. Joseph, Michigan, promote business and tourism development and to augment the effort of local governmental units. We are dedicated to serving visitors, residents and local businesses.

    Contact St. Joseph Today if you are interested in the Farmers Market or participating in any of the other programs put on by the agency.
    Southwest Michigan Tourist Council

    Berrien County Community Development Department

    Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
    The MEDC organization works to be “helpful in the marketing of Michigan and providing the tools and environment to drive job creation and investment. The MEDC helps create more and better jobs by accelerating business investments, increasing community vitality, matching talent supply with demand, and building the state’s exceptional Pure Michigan Brand.” Their website will help provide information for all aspects of your business.

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  • Rental Property

    All rental property registrations and inspections are managed by the Inspections Department. If you have any questions regarding Zoning or Planning in the City of St. Joseph please visit the Zoning Department's webpage. If you have still any further questions regarding rental property, please contact the Inspections Department using the contact information located on their webpage and we will be happy to address your concerns.

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Other Links

  • Business and Economic Development Assistance
  • Licenses & Permits
  • Rental Property
  • Start a Business

 

Play Here - Looking for something fun to do? St. Joseph has it all with an abundance of parks and recreational facilities that cater to a variety of enthusiasts' tastes. Set out for an afternoon of fishing, laze on one of our many beaches, take a stroll along picturesque trails, or hit the skate park. Whatever you're after, you'll find it here.

  • John & Dede Howard Skate Park | Parks

    The John and Dede Howard Skate Park is an in-line skating, skateboarding, and BMX biking facility. Complete with ramps, rails and half-pipes. Helmets are recommended.

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  • St. Joseph Municipal Band

    Welcome back! We are excited to be able to see you again at the John E. N. Howard Band Shell for the 2022 season. Our thanks to the City Manager, John Hodgson; Head of Public Works, Greg Grothous; Recreation Manager, Carrie Ogonowski; Mayor, Michael Garey; City Commissioners and Taxpayers.

    2022 St. Joseph Municipal Band

     

    Sunday, July 4               7:00 P.M.  Municipal Band Concert

    Sunday, July 10             7:00 P.M.  Municipal Band Concert 

    Sunday, July 17             7:00 P.M.  Jazz Band Concert

    Sunday, July 24             7:00 P.M.  Municipal Band Concert

    Sunday, July 31             7:00 P.M.  Municipal Band Concert

    Sunday, August  7          7:00 P.M.  Municipal Band Concert

    Sunday, August  14        7:00 P.M.  Jazz Band Concert

    Sunday, August  21        7:00 P.M.  Municipal Band Concert

    Sunday, August  28        7:00 P.M.  Municipal Band Concert

    Sunday, September  4    7:00 P.M. Municipal Band Concert

    Monday, September  5   7:00 P.M.  Municipal Band Concert   

     

    St. Joseph Municipal Band

     

    St. Joseph Municipal Jazz Band

    John E. N. Howard, was conductor of the Municipal Band beginning in 1948 through 1987; he also was the St. Joseph High School Band Director until he retired in 1963. The band has been conducted by Dr. Donald Moely, since 1987.

     

    Dr. Donald K. Moely Director St. Joseph Municipal Band

    Dr. Moely is starting his 34 year as Director of the St. Joseph Municipal Band. He received his Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee. He then received his Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Music Education from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. Following this, Dr. Moely served as Director of Bands at Winona State University,  Winona, Minnesota. During his term there he developed the Symphonic Band. This was followed by the position of Chairman of the Music Department, and Director of Bands at Lake Michigan College, where he directed the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Show Choir, taught brass lessons and piano classes. Dr. Moely received several outstanding commendation awards for his leadership in the college's music program. During his work there Donald and Eloise Moely received the Bernard Radde Award given annually by the College Board of Trustees to outstanding contributors to the development of Lake Michigan College. He directed a European music tour featuring the college's Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Show Choir. Dr. Moely continued his post Doctorate studies in trumpet and music education administration at North Texas State University and received a Sabbatical leave from the college to study trumpet and orchestral conducting at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria.  He was also the Director of Choirs at John Adams High School in South Bend, IN. Donald and Eloise Moely are the parents of a daughter Donelle (deceased), son Michael (Laura) and grandson Matthew living in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

    “We are excited to be back serving the city of St. Joseph, MI audiences at the John E.N. Howard band shell with our weekly Sunday concerts at 7:00 p.m. Plan to join us at this beautiful scenic setting along the Lake Michigan shore line.”
     

     

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  • Recreational Programs

    Recreational programs including the Summer Recreational Program and the Summer Tennis program are managed by the Parks Department. Please click here for more information.  

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  • Plan My St. Joseph Wedding?

    St. Joseph, known for its abundant natural resources and great picturesque landscapes, makes a wonderful place to get married. St. Joseph has been nationally acclaimed as "Michigan's Most Romantic City" by the Detroit Free Press and the "Riviera of the Midwest" by the Fine Living Channel.

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  • St. Joseph Today

    The Welcome Center promotes tourism in the area.

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Other Links

  • Tour of St. Joseph, Michigan
  • St. Joseph Today
  • St. Joseph Municipal Band
  • Recreational Programs
  • Plan My St. Joseph Wedding?
  • Parks
  • John and Dede Howard Ice Arena
  • John & Dede Howard Skate Park | Parks

 

Government - St. Joseph's prosperity depends on each of its citizens taking an active role in making our town a special place on the lake. Find out more about what's going on with the City Commission, take a look at City Commission agendas, catch up on the latest City notices, announcements or ordinances, and view local election information.

  • Boards & Commissions

    Each year, the St. Joseph City Commission appoints citizens who express an interest in serving on one of the seventeen boards, commissions or committees that are so vital in helping to shape the future of the City of St. Joseph.  A majority of the volunteers live within the City of St. Joseph, however, a few boards allow business or property owners to be members.

    If you have a willingness to voluntarily serve your community in this capacity and have a particular interest or knowledge, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.  To learn more about a specific board or commission, the agenda packets and meeting minutes can be found on the website.  In some instances, there is a webpage that provides information also.
     
    Resolution Establishing Recruitment and Selection Procedures for City Boards, Commissions and Committees – August 19, 2013
     
    Application for Appointment to a Board, Commission or Committee
     
    Re-Appointment Questionnaire for Members of City Boards, Commissions and Committees
     

    Current Boards & Commissions Roster

     

     

     

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  • City Commission

    The City Commission typically meets on alternating weeks on the second floor of City Hall.

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  • Elections & Voting

    Any United States citizen who is at least 18 years of age by the date of the next election and who is a resident of the State of Michigan and the City of St. Joseph may register to vote in the City of St. Joseph by completing a Voter Registration Application.

    You can register to vote at any Secretary of State Branch office, the County Clerk's Office, or the St. Joseph City Clerk's Office. If you are unable to go to any of these offices to register, please contact your local Clerk at (269) 983-6325.

    Elections

    Michigan Election Law provides that elections must be held on only four (4) predetermined dates throughout the year:

    • The 2nd Tuesday in March
    • The first Tuesday after the first Monday in May
    • The first Tuesday after the first Monday in August
    • The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November

    Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm on Election Day.

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  • Code of Ordinances

    This provides a link to all legislation received by Municipal Code since the last update (printed or electronic) to the Code of Ordinances. This legislation has been enacted, but has not yet been codified. Each piece of legislation, where applicable, is also linked to the portion of the Code that it affects.

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Other Links

  • Departments
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  • Code of Ordinances
  • Elections & Voting
  • City Commission
  • Boards & Commissions
  • Library
  • City Manager
  • St. Joseph City Charter
  • Lead Service Replacement Program

 

How Do I?  – Browse a collection of questions people most frequently ask, from applying for a building permit to planning a wedding. If you don't find the answers your looking for, please let us know and we'll help point in in the right direction.

  • Contact someone for non-emergency issues?

    Please call the Berrien County Dispatch at 269-926-2538 for a non-emergency issues or if you see suspicious activity.

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  • File

    The File section is a list of FAQs under the How Do I? heading that would start with the phrase "How do I file...?". Listed below you will find links of these FAQs that will redirect you to the area of the website with the answer to your question. If you have any further concerns or questions about this particular section or the questions it contains please feel free to contact the City (269-983-5541) and we will be happy to assist you.

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  • Purchase

    The Purchase section is a list of FAQs under the How Do I? heading that would start with the phrase "How do I purchase...?". Listed below you will find links of these FAQs that will redirect you to the area of the website with the answer to your question. If you have any further concerns or questions about this particular section or the questions it contains, please feel free to contact the City online or call the Clerk's Office at (269)-983-6325.

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  • Report

    The Report section is a list of FAQs under the How Do I? heading that would start with the phrase "How do I report...?". Listed below you will find links of these FAQs that will redirect you to the area of the website with the answer to your question. If you have any further concerns or questions about this particular section or the questions it contains please feel free to contact the City (269-983-5541) and we will be happy to assist you.

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Other Links

  • Contact someone for non-emergency issues?
  • File
  • Purchase
  • Report
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  • Reserve/Rent
  • Contact
  • Apply for
  • Pay My Bill

 

Latest News (5)

Oct 19,2021
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Events, October 29-31, 2021

Halloween trick or treat hours in the City of St. Joseph will be 6pm - 7:30pm on Halloween, Sunday, October 31, 2021.

In addition, there are two other opportunities for youngsters to trick or treat, leading up to Halloween!

St. Joseph Today and local businesses are sponsoring 2021 Halloween Downtown Trick or Treat from 4:30pm - 6pm on Friday, October 29, 2021, in downtown St. Joseph and in the Benton Harbor Arts District. 

Join us for a little Halloween fun with our "Truck or Treat" event from 4pm - 6pm on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at the John & Dede Howard Ice Arena, 2414 Willa Dr.  Fire trucks, police cars and excavators! Come see the trucks that get the jobs done. Local businesses will let you explore the vehicles while you trick or treat from truck to truck.

 

Oct 14,2021
Job Opening: Ice Arena Operations — Seasonal Employment

The City of St. Joseph is now accepting applications for seasonal employment at the John & Dede Howard Ice Arena for the upcoming Fall/Winter season.

Read more ...
May 5,2021
City of St. Joseph General Contact Information, October 2021

To view the City of St. Joseph General Contact Information, please click here.

Aug 7,2020
New website lets tourists visit St. Joseph from the comfort of their couches

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. (July 29, 2020) – The City of St. Joseph, in concert with The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and St. Joseph Today, recently announced the launch of a site that allows visitors to virtually stroll through downtown St. Joseph, facilitate shopping and check out what’s new along the bluff.

Read more ...
Mar 12,2020
Coronavirus

For the most up to date information regarding the coronavirus, residents are encouraged to visit the Berrien County Health Department website at: http://berriencounty.org/1643/Coronavirus-Disease-COVID-19

Read more ...

bullet To read all the latest news, click here.

Departments

Please click on a department below for more details.

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  • Planning & Zoning Department
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Office Hours at City Hall

Monday – Friday:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

City Facts

  • Population - 8,365
  • City Employees - 81
  • City Budget - $22.8 million
  • City S.E.V. - $531,397,117 Avg.
  • Residential True Cash Value - $199,000
  • Square Miles - 4.4
  • City Charter - Approved 1928
  • Commercial S.E.V. - 96 million
  • Industrial S.E.V. - 35 million
  • Residential S.E.V. - 395 million
  • Tax Millage - 16.5344
  • Live Here
    • Ice Arena
    • Parks
    • Property Assessments
    • Parking
    • Library
    • Marina
    • Education
    • Cemeteries
    • Water Bills
  • Work Here
    • Licenses & Permits
    • Downtown Development Authority
    • Start a Business
  • Play Here
    • Marina
    • Ice Arena
    • St. Joseph Today
    • Weddings in St. Joseph
    • Public Art Project
    • Parks
    • Recreational Programs
    • Tour St. Joseph
  • Government
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    • Elections
  • How Do I?
    • Contact Us
    • Plan My St. Joseph Wedding?
    • Report
    • Request
    • Register
    • Look up
    • File
    • Apply for
    • Reserve/Rent

Contact Information

700 Broad St. | St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: 269.983.5541

Office Hours at City Hall
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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