• The Riviera of the Midwest
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  • Play Here
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    • Apply for a Building Permit?
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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. 

    more
  • 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

    more

Other Links

  • John and Dede Howard Ice Arena
  • Tour of St. Joseph, Michigan
  • Parks
  • Parking Tickets
  • Senior Citizens
  • Waste & Recycling
  • Water Bills
  • Library
  • Property Tax
  • Maps
  • Education
  • City Newsletter
  • Census Data
  • Property Assessments
  • 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.

    more
  • 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.

    more

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.

  • St. Joseph Municipal Band

    Our thanks to the City Manager, John Hodgson, Head of Public Works, Greg Grothous, Mayor, Michael Garey, City Commissioners and Taxpayers. Because of their support we produced weekly video concert productions for YouTube for the 2020 Covid season. We hope to return to our regular live concerts in 2021 and look forward to once again seeing fine familiar faces.

    Until then if you haven't alreadysubscribed, please do so at our concert YouTube web site just in case we have a surprise greeting for you or if you want to see or sharea concert again at: sjcity.com/band.  

    2020 St. Joseph Municipal Band

    Corona Virus adjusted season

    Website for each date below will be posted when video is released.

    Pre-Season Concert Videos:

    • Sunday, May 11 Municipal Band Mother’s Day Tribute
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Monday, May 25 Municipal Band Memorial Day Tribute
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Sunday, June 21 Father’s Day Tribute
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Wednesday, July 8 Tribute to the John E. N. Howard Band Shell
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand

    Regular Concert Season Videos:

    • Saturday, July 4 Municipal Band Patriotic Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Sunday, July 5 Municipal Band Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Sunday, July 12 Jazz Combo Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Sunday, July 19   Municipal Band Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Sunday, July 26 Municipal Band Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Sunday, Aug. 2 Municipal Band Video                                       
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Sunday, Aug. 9  Jazz Combo Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand 
    • Sunday, Aug. 16 Municipal Band Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Sunday, Aug. 23 Municipal Band Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Sunday, Aug. 30 Municipal Band Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Sunday, Sept. 6 Municipal Band Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Monday, Sept. 7 Municipal Band Memorial Day Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Wednesday Nov. 11 Municipal Band Veterans Day Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StJosephMunicipalBand
    • Friday, December 1 Municipal Band Holiday Tribute Video
      https://www.youtube.com/c/StjosephMunicipalBand

    St. Joseph Municipal Band

    St. Joseph Municipal Jazz Band

    Our thanks to: the City Manager, John Hodgson, Head of Public Works, Greg Grothous, Mayor, Michael Garey, City Commissioners and Taxpayers. Because of their support we produced weekly video concert productions for YouTube for the 2020 Covid season. We hope to return to our regular live concerts in 2021 and look forward to once again seeing fine familiar faces.

    Until then if your haven’t already subscribed, please do so at our concert YouTube web site just in case we have a surprise greeting for you or if you want to see or share a concert again at: sjcity.com/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 has completed 33 years as Director of the St. joseph Municipal Band. He received his Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee, followed by his Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Music Education from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. Dr. Moely served as Director of Bands at Winona State University, IN 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 in the electronic keyboard lab. 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 recently retired as the choral director of John Adams High School in the South Bend Public Schools. Donald and Eloise Moely are the parents of a daughter Donelle, son Michael (Laura) and grandson Matthew living in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

    "Serving the St. Joseph audiences takes a different form this season with prepared concert videos each Sunday and holidays during this 2020 summer season. We encourage our fine audiences to tune into our videos during this adapted season. We look forward to seeing you again in person at the beautiful scenic setting of the City of St. Joseph John E. N. Howard Band Shell."

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  • 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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  • 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.  

    more
  • 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.

    more
  • St. Joseph Today

    The Welcome Center promotes tourism in the area.

    more

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 the numerous boards, commissions and committees that are so vital in helping shape the future of the City of St. Joseph. 

    If you have a willingness to voluntarily serve your Community in this capacity and have a particular interest or knowledge in any of the following areas, you may wish to contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an application to seek an appointment. Questionnaires are also available for those members seeking re-appointment to a City board, commission or committee.

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  • City Commission

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

    more
  • 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.

    more
  • 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.

    more

Other Links

  • Departments
  • Public Hub
  • 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.

    more
  • 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.

    more
  • 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.

    more
  • 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.

    more

Other Links

  • Contact someone for non-emergency issues?
  • Purchase
  • File
  • Report
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  • Pay My Bill

 

Latest News (8)

May 11,2021
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting 5/13 @ 8:00 AM

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting of the City of St. Joseph is scheduled for Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

Read more ...
May 10,2021
Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting, Thursday, May 13 @ 4:30 pm

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 4:30 pm.

Read more ...
May 5,2021
City of St. Joseph Seeking Finance Director/City Treasurer

The City of St. Joseph is seeking a Finance Director/City Treasurer.

Read more ...
Apr 27,2021
Draft 2021-22 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan

The draft 2021-2022 Budget and draft 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Plan are available for review at the following links.

Budget

Capital Improvement Plan

The budget will be reviewed at a public hearing during the City Commission regular meeting at 6:00 p.m., Monday, May 10, 2021.

Apr 14,2021
Job Opening: Seasonal Parks Laborer

Make the most of our gorgeous Michigan summers by working outdoors as a Seasonal Parks Laborer with the City of St. Joseph!  

Read more ...
Apr 6,2021
Job Opening: Water & Sewer Serviceperson

The City of St. Joseph is accepting applications/resumes for the position of Water & Sewer Serviceperson.  Knowledge of water and sewer systems is desirable. 

Read more ...
Mar 17,2021
Free Event

“Through a partnership with Spectrum Health Lakeland, Lake Michigan College, and the City of St. Joseph, a three-part virtual panel discussion will explore how historical laws, policies, and practices laid the foundation for today’s racial inequities.

Read more ...
Feb 18,2021
Job Opening: Seasonal Laborer

The City of St. Joseph is currently accepting applications for the position of Seasonal Laborer in the Public Works Department.

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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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
    • Census Data
    • City Commission
    • Code of Ordinances
    • Boards & Commissions
    • Budgets
    • Departments
    • 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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