The City of Sturgis maintains regulations on noise which annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others, within the City. At residential homes, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., musical instruments, electronically produced or reproduced and amplified sound that can be heard 100 feet away from the property line is prohibited.

For vehicles, exhaust and car stereos whose sound can be heard at a distance of 50 feet from the vehicle are prohibited at all times. Between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the distance is shortened to 25 feet. Individuals yelling and screaming to the point where it disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of any person are also in violation of City ordinance.

Additional information on the noise ordinance is available at the Code of Ordinances section of the City website (www.sturgismi.gov). Questions can also be addressed to the City'... [more]

If you are thinking about using a pool to cool down when summer heats up, remember to review the rules on placement and pool security before using it. All pools that can contain water over 24 inches deep, including hot tubs, spas, and in-ground, above-ground, and portable/inflatable pools are subject to these regulations and require a permit prior to use.

Pools are allowed in all zoning districts, but must be located in the (non-street) side yard or back yard of a property; they cannot be closer than six feet to any side or rear lot line. The location of the pool also must have clearance from electrical wires. When applying for a permit, please consult with the Community Development Department to ensure proper placement.

Pools requiring a permit must also have a barrier at least 48 inches high; above ground pools with sides 48 inches high and a removable ladder, gated ladder, or fold-up locking ladder qualify. Other barriers include fences, walls, or building walls. They mus... [more]