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Saline, Michigan: Now This Is Living

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General

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What is there to do in Saline?

The City of Saline has an abundance of unique places, and special events. To see the latest events, click here. To see all of our parks, shops, restaurants and attractions, click here. Although the town is small, the city continues to surprise every single day.

Where can I park?

Saline has ample FREE parking throughout downtown. To download a PDF of a parking map, click here (PDF).

Are there any large events that happen in Saline?

Always. From the nationally-renowned Celtic Festival to the Summer Fest to the Harvest of the Arts, there is something for everyone. Check the events section of this website to see a complete list. .

What is there to do with children?

Saline was practically custom-built for kids. To see a list of Kid-Friendly activities, click here.

Is Saline a good place to start a business?

Absolutely. With the support of an entire tightly-knit, highly-educated community and access to major populations, Saline is a wonderful place to begin a new enterprise. To learn more about starting a business in Saline, click here.

Where can I learn more about City services and Rec Center activities?

To learn more about municipal questions, click here.

 

Assessing FAQ's

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What is the difference between the Assessed Value and the Taxable Value?

Each year the Assessing Office must calculate the Assessed Value and Taxable Value of each property. The Assessed Value of your property is based on 50% of market value as required by the State of Michigan. The Assessor considers a number of factors in determining the assessed value of a property. These include age, size, quality and type of construction, lot size, extra amenities, the neighborhood, and the selling price of similar properties in that area. All property assessments are reviewed annually; with notice of these assessments provided to all property owners in March of each year. A review of all arms length sales within each neighborhood for the required study period is used to determine individual Assessed Values. The 2009 Residential assessments will include sales activity between 10/01/07 and 9/30/08. Commercial and Industrial properties were studied using a 2 year study of 04/01/06 through 03/31/08. After the assessment rolls are reviewed and approved by the County and State, the assessed values become the State Equalized Values (SEV). SEV’s are not subject to a “cap”.

The Taxable Value is the value to which the millage rate is applied, thereby determining your taxes. Taxable Value is subject to a “cap” and can be increased only by the amount of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 5%, whichever is less (the CPI for 2009 is 4.4%) plus or minus any specific property changes. Proposal A intended to put a cap on the Taxable Value of property so that taxpayers wouldn’t be as affected by a strong economy and significant increases in valuation, the intention was to make changes to the Taxable Valuation more gradual by tying it to the rate of inflation.

Capped Value = (prior year’s Taxable Value – Losses) * (the lower of the CPI or 5%) + Additions

The Taxable Value is the lower of the SEV or Capped Value.

Sales prices in my neighborhood have been decreasing. Will my property valuation decrease as well?

If you’ve owned your property for a significant amount of time, it is likely that your Assessed Value exceeds your Taxable Value. If this is the case, a decrease in market value as determined by city sales studies, would result in a decreased assessed valuation and Assessed Value. The Taxable Value however, is required by the Michigan Constitution to increase each year by the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is lower. In the case of a long time property owner, the Assessed Value could decrease, while the Taxable Value would increase. The Taxable Value cannot be higher than the Assessed Value.

How does that impact my tax bill?

Because the taxes are based on the Taxable Value rather than the Assessed Value or SEV, even with a decrease in the Assessed Value, the taxes could still go up.

I just bought my house. Will the Assessed Value automatically be half of what I paid?

By state law, a home’s Assessed Value is not half its purchase price, but half of its market value. The study period and process identified in paragraph 1 is used to determine market values. The Assessor and the Board of Review must follow the same procedures for determining the Assessed Value (SEV) of properties that have experienced a “transfer of ownership” as are used for properties that have not experienced a “transfer of ownership”.

Does the sale of a property change its Taxable Value?

For all properties sold during a year, the Taxable Value is “uncapped” and becomes equal to the SEV of the property. There is no limit to the amount of change in Taxable Value in the year after a property transfers, however, the next year the cap goes back on the Taxable Value. A property that has sold more recently will likely have a higher Taxable Value, and therefore pay more in property taxes, than a similar property that has not transferred ownership.

If I refinance my home, will it “uncap”?

No, if the property is still under the same ownership, but was just refinanced, the Taxable Value remains capped.

What types of home improvement will increase my taxable value?

Normal maintenance and repair items such as: replacement siding, roof, furnace, windows, remodeling of kitchens or baths, and other maintenance items, will not cause an increase in the Taxable Value of a property. New items that had not been previously assessed, however, are added to the Taxable Value. Examples of new items could be: deck or patio, addition, finished basement, air conditioning, or new bathroom.

How are property taxes determined?

Your property taxes are calculated by multiplying the millage (tax) rate per thousand dollars of Taxable Value of a property.

I believe that my property taxes are too high, what can I do?

Claiming that your property taxes are too high and continue to increase is not a valid basis for an appeal. As previously mentioned, the State of Michigan requires the assessor to increase the Taxable Value annually by the CPI or 5%, whichever is less. To actually see a reduction in taxes, the Assessed Value (SEV) or Capped Value must decrease to less than the level of you current Taxable Value.

How do I appeal my assessment?

If after reviewing your Notice of Assessment, you wish to appeal your property assessment, contact the assessor’s office at the numbers below to schedule an appointment at the March Board of Review meetings. The exact meeting dates and times are provided on the Notice of Assessment.

You will receive notification of the Board’s decision regarding your appeal several weeks after the Board adjourns. This notification also provides you with information for further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal (MTT), if you are not satisfied with the Board’s decision. Residential appeals are required to have appealed first to the local Board of Review and finalize payment on any property taxes you may owe. Residential appeals to the MTT must be filed by July 31st, and commercial and industrial appeals must be made with the MTT by May 31st of each year.

What is a Principal Residence Exemption and how do I qualify?

A Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) currently results in a reduction of 18 mills on your tax bill. Residential property that is owned and occupied as a primary residence by May 1st of each year may qualify for this exemption. New property owners may request this exemption by filing the PRE form with the assessor’s office prior to May 1st (forms are available on this website under “Tax and Assessing Forms”). Typically, property owners are entitled to only 1 exemption at a time on the home that is listed as their principal residence. Some of the things that characterize a primary residence are: where you are registered to vote, address on your driver’s license, primary address on income tax records, where children attend school, etc. Recently the State of Michigan has enacted legislation that will allow a 2nd exemption on property that did have a valid exemption but that is now vacant and listed for sale. For more information on this subject, please refer to the Conditional Rescind form.

Within 90 days of a property no longer being used as a primary residence, the owner must file a Rescind of the Principal Residence Exemption (form available on this website). For additional questions about the Principal Residence Exemption, please contact the assessor’s office at the numbers listed below.

How can I reach you?

Assessor files and sales information are available to the public at City Hall between the hours of 8:30 to 5:00, Monday through Friday. For questions, please contact us at:

Catherine Scull, Assessor ph. (734) 429-4907, ext 2208

Joyce Witt, Assistant Assessor ph. (734) 429-4907, ext 2218

 

Building And Code Enforcement

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  1. Q. Do I need a permit to have a residential garage sale?

    A. No , but you must comply with the sign ordinance to advertise the garage sale or yard sale. (Garage sale guidelines regarding signs can be found at City Hall or the Bldg. Dept.)

  2. Q. Do I need a permit to put up a temporary sign like the ones in front of Key Bank and Dairy Queen?

    A. Yes, but it must qualify as an "Institutional Sign" as defined in the Sign Ordinance.

  3. Q.I own a vacant lot in the city. Do I still have to cut the grass?

    A. Yes. All property whether it be residential , commercial, or industrial must be cut before it grows over 7 inches, and must be maintained throughout the growing season.
  4. Q. Can I keep a vehicle in my driveway or back yard if it doesn't have a current license plate on it and I'm just waiting to get rid of it or sell it?

    A. NO. No motor vehicle may be stored outside unless it is in operating condition and currently licensed. Also, motor vehicles may not be parked on the lawn extension which is that area of the driveway approach or lawn between the sidewalk and the road.
  5. Q. How high do I have to keep trees on my property trimmed over the sidewalk?

    A. There must be a clear distance of 9 ft. over the sidewalk, 12 inches clear on each side, and 16 ft. of clear distance over the street If the trees are owned by the city, call the City of Saline DPW.
  6. Q. Can I use my side yard or back yard to store some used materials and other miscellaneous things that I may keep or get rid of somewhere down the road?

    A. NO. Generally speaking, the use of land for storage is strictly prohibited in all districts. (Commercial and industrial areas are allowed some exemptions within specific guidelines approved by the city). You may use a garage, shed or other similar outbuilding to store materials as long as it is enclosed.
  7. Q. What does the City of Saline require to build a deck onto the back of my house?

    A. You must apply for a building permit by filling out the application form, provide a site plan or mortgage survey with one drawing showing the location of the deck, and two sets of deck plans. Also, you must obtain a Washtenaw County soil erosion permit or waiver available at the City of Saline building department.
  8. Q. What does the City of Saline require to have a separate water meter for a residential or commercial sprinkler system?

    A. After obtaining application approval, you must obtain a plumbing permit, fill out the"water meter for exterior watering" form and pay the appropriate fees. You will then receive from the building department a temporary length of pipe (template) to be installed until the new water meter is installed by the city DPW. After this is done, you must call for an inspection by a city plumbing inspector.

Garage Sale Guidelines

  1. Please take notice that in the City of Saline, home garage sales may be advertised by the use of a temporary sign on private property without obtaining a permit subject to the following condition : No garage sale sign shall be placed on public property or on public rights-of-way. (Cannot be placed on street side of city sidewalk, utility poles, trees or boulevards)

  2. No garage sale sign shall be placed on private property other than the location of the sales unless permission is granted from the property owner.

  3. Garage Sale signs must be placed at least five (5) feet behind the sidewalk or property boundary.

  4. Garage Sale signs may not be displayed more than 72 hours preceding the sale, and must be removed within 24 hours following the event. No sign shall be displayed for more than seven (7) consecutive days.

  5. Garage Sale signs cannot exceed six (6) square feet. If two sided, each side can only be a maximum of three (3) square feet. Balloons, pennants, flags or banners are not allowed to advertise.

 

Department of Public Works

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SOLID WASTE
Where can I safely dispose of unused or unwanted chemicals, paints, or other household hazardous wastes?
There are many household products used around your home. Many products can be extremely poisonous for small children and pets. You can safely dispose of your household hazardous wastes at Washtenaw County’s permanent drop-off site. The Washtenaw County Home Toxics Reduction Center is located at the Western County Service Center, at 705 N. Zeeb Road (just north of exit 169 on I-94).
If you have questions about the program, visit the website: 
http://recycle.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/planning_environment/dpw/hhw_html
or call the Home Toxics information line at (734) 222-3950.
How do I dispose of old appliances?
You may contact Waste Management 1-800-796-9696 to request a special pick up. There is a charge of $10 for each freon free appliance and a $35 fee for each appliance with freon.
I am doing a small remodeling job at my home. How do I dispose of the demolition material?
Small quantities (one cubic yard maximum) of demolition material can be collected as a special pickup by calling Waste Management at 1-800-796-9696 to arrange for payment and collection schedule.
*Appliances and furniture in good condition can often be donated to area shelters, churches and community groups.
Go to http://recycle.ewashtenaw.org, click on ‘Residential Recycling,’ then ‘Turning Trash into Treasure’ for more information on where various items can be recycled or reused.
How do I get rid of brush and yard waste?
Michigan law prohibits yard waste from being placed into landfills.   Yard waste will be collected in separate vehicles and taken to a compost center for processing. Yard waste will be collected from the first week of April through the last week of November, on the same day as your refuse collection. Grass clippings, leaves and garden waste can be placed together in one of the containers listed below. Please place yard waste 4 feet from trash and recyclables.
  • Limit of six (6) bags, cans, or bundles of yard waste per week (except during fall leaf collection).
  • 30-gallon size or smaller refuse containers identified with a special “Yard Waste” sticker. Stickers are available from City Hall or DPW. Please have sticker face the street.
  • Bundled brush, limbs not over 4 inches in diameter, not over 4 feet in length or 60 pounds in weight.
  • Loose material will not be collected.
How can I dispose of leaves that drop in the fall?
The City of Saline's loose leaf (non-bagged) curbside collection program has tentatively been scheduled for the month of November.  Leaves are scheduled to be collected as workloads and weather permits, at the curb for residents living north of Michigan Avenue on Mondays and Tuesdays, and residents living south of Michigan Avenue on Thursdays and Fridays.  Wednesday is used as a catch up day or early collection day depending on the amount of leaves ready for collection.  In preparing loose leaves for collection, rake fallen leaves into the street, providing it does not impede traffic, leaving a one foot space between the curb and leaves for storm water to run into the gutter, before 7:30 A.M. on Mondays or Thursdays according to your scheduled days of collection.  Subdivisions with smaller trees may not be collected weekly. Waste Management will collect bagged leaves weekly through the end of November.  Do not rake leaves over catch basin grates and we ask that you keep nearby catch basin grates free of leaves to help reduce street flooding during rainstorms and help protect the environment.  Do not park your car over piles of leaves in order to avoid potential fires.
If there are leaves to be collected, please plan to move your vehicle from the street on your scheduled leaf collection days.  The street leaves are loaded into trucks and delivered to nearby fields for composting.
Leaves are also picked up with your normal weekly curbside yard waste collection program.  Leaves and yard waste cannot be mixed with refuse and/or recyclables.  Leaves must be bagged in brown craft paper bags (plastic bags are not accepted) or placed in reusable containers identified with yard waste stickers (stickers must face the street) and placed 5' from your refuse and recyclables.  The weekly curbside yard waste collection program will continue through the last day in November and will resume on the first day in April.
If you use decorative plastic pumpkin bags, you must empty the leaves into the street or place the leaves out, properly prepared, with your weekly curbside yard waste collection program.  The bag can be saved for next year's use or discarded with your weekly refuse.
RAKE NO MORE
Mulching lawn mowers are designed to handle fallen leaves and avoid raking entirely.  Mulching mowers will mince leaves and sift the pieces back into the the lawn where they will quickly decompose and nourish the soil.  Mulching leaves may require more frequent mowing and a thick layer of leaves may require mowing twice but still save time over raking and bagging materials for collection.
SIDEWALKS
Do I have to remove snow from my sidewalk?
Yes. In order to reduce the likelihood of injuries to pedestrians, the City of Saline revised adopted sidewalk snow removal regulations in 2002.
The ordinance requires people in charge or control of any building(s) or lot(s) which fronts a paved sidewalk to remove any ice or snow from the sidewalk to form an open path of at least 42” in width.
In business districts, the snow or ice must be removed within four hours of when the snow or accumulation stops or by the beginning of business hours on the next day, whichever period is shorter.
In all other zoning districts, snow or ice must be removed within twenty-four hours (24) hours after the snow or accumulations ends. Subsequent drifting of snow on sidewalks must also be removed.
The ordinance also provides that if the snow or ice cannot be removed without the possibility of causing damage to the sidewalk, sand or other abrasives must be used until the weather permits removal without the likelihood of damage to sidewalk.
People who fail to comply with the ordinance will be issued a Civil Infraction Violation. Civil Infraction Violation fines are $25 for the first offense, $50 for a second repeat offense within one year, and $100 for a third and each subsequent repeat offense within one year. In addition, the City may clear sidewalks, and the property owner will be charged for the work performed. We encourage all property owners to maintain their sidewalks, as the minimum fee for the City to remove the snow is $75 per visit and $30 per visit to treat ice. Costs to clear your sidewalk are in addition to the civil infraction violation fine. Property owners may not be notified in advance of the City clearing their sidewalks.
Vacations, business trips, and other obligations that require you to be away from your home does not exempt you from sidewalk snow removal. To avoid civil fines and removal costs, property owners should make arrangements to have their sidewalks cleared when away from the home for more than a day.
Senior Citizens: If you need assistance with snow removal and/or need a contractor to remove snow, contact the Saline Area Senior Center at 429-9247 for a list of possible volunteers or contractors who will remove sidewalk snow for a fee.
DRIVEWAY SNOW
Why does the City plow snow into my driveway?
City snowplows plow the snow from the roadway to the side of the road. Our snowplows generally make at least two passes through each street. The first pass is typically during the storm or soon after the storm has passed. The second and/or subsequent passes is done to move the snow from the roadway or as close to the curb as possible to improve travel, provide for parking, and allow roadway runoff from snow melting and rain to reach the catch basins to prevent street flooding. The second and subsequent passes are typically completed several hours after the first pass of snowplows.   This means that your drive approach will have at least two occasions where City plows will leave snow from the roadway in your drive approach. Immediately after the City snowplows deposit the snow in your drive approach is the best time and easiest time to remove it. Do not plow, shovel, or blow the snow back into the street. 
As you clear your driveway and approach, pile the snow on the grassed area of your yard. This will keep snow from obstructing the roadway, and will also minimize the amount of snow pushed back into your driveway by snowplows. Residents should also make certain that their trash and recycling containers are placed off the edge of the road but close enough for the garbage collector to pick up the containers from the street without having to walk or climb through snow banks.
We would like to remind property owners and private snow removal contractors that State Law (Act 82 of 1978, vehicle code 257.677A) prohibits the plowing or shoveling or blowing of snow, ice or slush onto or across roadways or highways, as it can present a serious traffic hazard and fines and costs for court conviction could be up to $500. In addition, snow must not be piled in such a way as to obstruct motorists’ vision.
 
 
 
 
WATER & SEWER
Why do we experience rusty water and what can be done to alleviate the problem?
Discolored water is often caused by a disruption in the water system which can occur from flushing hydrants, fires, repairs to the system, and changes in the direction of water flow through the underground pipes, to name a few.

If you detect red or orange colored water, you will need to flush your water lines.  This can be accomplished by running your cold water until the water becomes clear.  Avoid using hot water until the cold water is clear, or the discolored water will enter your hot water tank.
Who is responsible for water leaks in the water line to my house?
The property owner is responsible for the repair maintenance and replacement of building water services, shutoffs and their connection to the City's water main with the exception of the water meter. The water meter and about 3 1/2" on each side of the meter is the City's responsibility.  It is recommended that you exercise your water valves on occasion to keep them in working order in case you need to turn off the water in an emergency.
What do I do if I see water bubbling up out of the ground?
Call the Department of Public Works at (734) 429-5624 or the Saline Police Department at (734) 429-7911 during non-business hours.   Make sure you talk with someone and not leave a message.
What do I do if water is in my basement or basement drain and is not draining?
Call the DPW at 429-5624 during normal business hours or the Saline Police Department at 429-7911. Make sure you talk with someone. The DPW will inspect the sewer to determine if it's a problem with the main sewer line or a problem with the property owner's sewer line. The DPW will advise if you need to contact a plumbing company to clear or clean your sewer line.
Who is responsible for the sewer line to my house?
The cost of all repairs maintaining and replacements of existing building sewers and their connection to the public sewers is the responsibility of the property owners.

Who do I call when we are moving and need to change the name on the account and billing address?
Call the Department of Public Works at (734) 429-5624. Our hours of operation are 7:30 am - 11:30 am and 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm Monday - Friday.  If you don't reach a person, please leave a detailed message on the voice mail.
Who do I call if I have questions regarding my bill?
Call Karen Leshkevich at City Hall (734) 429-4907 x 2204.
STREETLIGHTS

Who do I call to get a street light repaired?
You can contact the Department of Public Works at (734) 429-5624 to report a street light that needs to be repaired. In order to expedite the reporting, it is important to know the exact location, pole number and whether it is wood or steel.
We rely on the Saline Police Department, citizens, motorists, and employees to report any street light failures.
MISCELLANEOUS
There are paint marks and small colored flags on my property. What are those for?
When someone plans on digging, planting trees, house additions, utility repairs, installing signs or plan on any type of excavation, they call Miss Dig at 811 to identify underground utilities.  Miss Dig contacts local utility companies (water, sewer, cable TV, gas, etc.) so they locate and mark their utilities.  This allows the person doing the work to dig safely and hopefully avoid accidents, injuries, interruptions of service, and project delays.

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Police Department

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Where is the police station located?

The police department is located at 100 N. Harris within the Cities Municipal Building. Our police desk is staffed 24 hours per day 7 days per week to assist you. Our administrative offices are available M-F 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Can I pay traffic fines at the police department?

Parking tickets can be paid at the police desk 24 hours per day 7 days per week. Moving violations, (speeding, and other driving infractions), must be paid at the 14th district court located at the Washtenaw County Service Center at the corner of Washtenaw and Hogback Roads in Ann Arbor.

How to I get my car back when it has been impounded?

You must come to the police department to obtain a release for your vehicle. The vehicle can then be picked up at the impound yard located at Michigan near Austin Road.

I have an abandoned vehicle on my property, can I call the police department to have it towed?

No, the police will not tow cars from private property. Property owners can however contact America One towing service and have them remove the vehicle.

Will the Police Department assist with keys locked inside a vehicle?

Yes, our officers will attempt to unlock your vehicle for you. Any damage to the vehicle will not be covered by the police department. Some vehicles can not be opened in this manner and our officers will be happy to contact a wrecker service for you.

Can I call the police department to find out if the schools are open or closed?

Unless there is a specific emergency situation, the police department will NOT know if the schools are open or closed. Television and radio are the best methods of finding this information.

How do I obtain a permit to purchase a handgun?

You must come to the police desk and apply in person. You must be a resident of the City of Saline and there is a fee for the service.

Will I be charged for a false alarm to my residence or business?

There is no charge for false alarms at your residence but there is a charge for business.

Where do I get a Bicycle License?

You apply at the police department. You will need the make, color and serial number of the bicycle. There is no charge for this service.

Where can I view the Michigan Sex Offender List?

You can come to the Police Desk and view the list of registered sex offenders in the City of Saline, or you can go online to www.michigan.gov/msp

Does Saline have a leash law for dogs?

Yes, Saline requires a dog to be on a leash unless he is on his owner’s property and then he must be under the control of the owner. All waste from the dog must be picked up by the owner and disposed of properly. Saline does have a dog park located at Mill Pond Park where dogs can run in a fenced area without a leash. The dog park is closed much of the winter months due to muddy conditions. There is also a free dog park located at the corner of Saline Ann Arbor Road and Pleasant Lake Road.

Who do I call if there is a wild animal on my property?

If the animal appears to be sick or injured and could put citizens in jeopardy, call the police department at (734) 429-7911

Pollution Control

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How should I dispose of used cooking grease?

You should never pour used cooking grease down your drain. Grease is one of the leading causes of sewer blockages. Grease should be collected in tin cans or glass jars and after it cools, disposed of in your trash.

I have seen some blue/greenish staining in my bathroom sink, what is it and how do I get rid of it?

The blue/green stain that some people experience is caused by corrosion of your copper pipes and seems to be more common in sinks that are not used very often. This form of staining can be removed by most tub and sink cleaners.

I am a city resident, where can I dispose of my RV sanitary waste?

You can drive your RV to the Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 247 Monroe Street between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no charge for this service.

 



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