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As student residents, you have the opportunity to explore a new city while immersing yourself in college life. We would like to make that easier, so we created a guide to your home away from home.
The City of Mt. Pleasant is proud to be home to the students of Central Michigan University and Mid Michigan College. Along with bringing diversity and a unique perspective to our community, college students are a key part of the growth and economic development of Mt. Pleasant. You are not just students—you are residents as well.
Check out this guide to find useful information regarding parking rules, parties, things to do, trash and recycling, and more. We are happy to have you meet here.
Party Smart
Hosting a party is a big responsibility. If you do decide to host a party in Mt. Pleasant, here are a few things you should know to avoid conflicts with neighbors and police.
Things to Avoid
- Open intoxicants are not permitted on public streets, sidewalks, alleys, vehicles on public roads or vehicles in parking lots, regardless of your age.
- You can be cited or arrested for attending or hosting a nuisance party.
- It is illegal to possess, sell or furnish alcohol if you are under the age of 21.
- It is illegal to furnish alcohol to an individual under the age of 21.
- Use or possession of any drugs.
- Public urination or defecation.
- Fighting or assaultive behavior is not tolerated.
- Knowingly crossing a police line or police zone after being requested to leave is a misdemeanor.
- Loud music and/or noise, which can be heard 50 feet from the property line, or from inside a neighboring building.
- Pedestrian or vehicle traffic which obstructs free flow of traffic including emergency vehicles.
- Violation of the fire code for over occupancy or overcrowding.
- Do not drink and drive. (Uber, Lyft and cab services are available.)
- Designate a sober contact person to oversee the party and assist police if they come to the door.
- Notify neighbors beforehand with an accurate number of people attending as well as a contact name and number.
- Contact police and advise them of contact person’s name and number.
- Keep people inside of the house or apartment.
- Tent(s) with a square footage in excess of 200 square feet (10' x 20') requires a permit from the City at least (5) days prior to the event.
- The host is responsible for guests both during the party and may be held liable when they leave.
- Pick up all trash immediately following the party.
Refuse (Trash) and Recycling
Refuse and recycling must be placed in the designated pick-up area no earlier than 5 p.m. the day before collection day, and removed by midnight on collection day. Call Public Works at (989) 779-5401 to find out your collection day and designated area.
Refuse (trash)
- Single-family dwellings, duplexes and triplexes are required to use the City’s bag/tag program for refuse collection. Qualifying multi-family properties may choose to use City refuse carts.
- Residents of rooming houses, multi-unit apartment complexes, or qualifying multi-family properties must make collection arrangements with, and use refuse carts or dumpsters from a licensed waste hauler who is authorized to operate within the City limits.
- City bags and tags may be purchased at City Hall, GreenTree Grocery, Meijer and Ric's Grocery Store.
- Place one tag on each generic trash bag, or on the handle of a 34-gallon or less trash can.
- Trash cans cannot weigh more than 50 pounds and trash may not exceed from the top rim of the can.
- There is no limit on the number of City refuse bags or tagged trash cans you may use at one time.
- If you live in a single family home within the city limits, you are eligible for curbside recycling collection. A blue City recycling bin is required. These bins can be purchased from the Utility Billing Department located at City Hall (320 W. Broadway St.)
- Residents of rooming houses and multi-family dwellings may also participate. To find out if you qualify for this service, please contact the Public Works office at (989) 779-5401.
- If your recyclable materials will not fit inside the blue City bin, you may use additional bins or a laundry basket. Do not use cardboard boxes.
- On windy days, place a brick or rock in the bin to prevent it from blowing away.
- Items not accepted for recycling: Dog and cat food bags, pizza boxes, or any cardboard which food has had contact, foil-backed, wax or plastic-coated, cardboard/boxboard (milk and juice cartons), laundry soap boxes, tape, staples, cellophane envelope windows, disposable, plastic gloves, plastic shopping bags, non-transparent glass, gel-packs.
Learn more about refuse and recycling in the City here or download the City's Refuse & Recycling Guide. Contact the Division of Public Works with questions at (989) 779-5401.
Property Appearance
When renting in the City of Mt. Pleasant, the tenant is responsible for the maintenance of the house and yard, including trash disposal, and letting the Fire Department and owner know in writing of any unsafe, unhealthy or illegal conditions. Follow these tips and check with your landlord or rental company to help make your Mt. Pleasant renting experience a positive one.
Inoperable Vehicles
- Inoperative vehicles may be stored in enclosed buildings such as garages. However, outside storage on private property exceeding ten days of any vehicle that doesn’t have a running engine, a functioning battery and accessories, and/or is not licensed or insured is prohibited by City ordinance. Covering the vehicle with a tarp is also an unacceptable form of storage.
- Grass and weeds must be kept shorter than 12” during the growing season. Lawns taller than 12” may be cut without notice by the City contractor.
- Check with your landlord or rental company for further guidance on sidewalk maintenance.
- For residential properties, snow should be removed, at the owners expense, as soon as practical after inclement weather.
- All commercial properties are required to keep sidewalks clear.
- Check with your landlord or rental company for further guidance on sidewalk maintenance.
- Indoor furniture should not be placed anywhere outdoors. Only outdoor furniture is allowed.
- A maximum of three dogs or cats over the age of four months are allowed in any City residence.
- Dogs older than six months must be licensed annually in the City of Mt. Pleasant, even if they are already licensed in a different city.
- It is the responsibility of the pet owner to keep their yard and house area free of animal waste.
- It is the responsibility of the pet owner to immediately clean up any animal waste on public property.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times unless in a fenced yard.
The safety of our residents is important to us. Here are some important tips to remember to help keep yourself, those around you and the property in which you live safe.
Personal Safety
While on Foot
- Move confidently and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Try not to travel alone.
- Plan your route and avoid vacant lots, alleys and deserted areas.
- Switch streets, direction or head to a lighted area if you believe someone is following you.
- Keep your purse and personal belongings close to your body.
- Have your car or house key in your hand before you reach the door.
- Carry only what you need.
- Get to know your neighborhood before walking at night or alone.
- Always lock your car and take your keys with you.
- Check inside and outside of your car prior to getting in the vehicle.
- Keep your gas tank at least ¼ full.
- Keep your doors locked while driving.
- After dark, park in a well-lit area.
- Avoid isolated areas.
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- Remain aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your intuition.
- Get to know your neighbors, they can play an essential role in keeping you and your home safe.
- Keep your doors and windows locked at all times, even when you are there.
- Do not answer the door for strangers and confirm legitimacy of police and repair personnel before letting them into your home.
- Make sure your house number is visible from the street to assist fire and police personnel in emergencies.
- No occupant shall access, nor permit access by others, to the rooftop of any structure. Exception: access by property maintenance personnel shall be permitted for necessary repairs.
- Leave a light on when you are away to help prevent burglary.
- Test your fire and carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers in your home.
- If you feel unsafe or to report suspicious behavior, call Central Dispatch at 989-773-1000.
- Call 911 in case of emergency.
It’s important to take preventative measures to ensure your safety in case of a fire. Get information from this list of fire safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration or contact the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department at (989) 779-5105.
Avoid these common housing violations to increase your safety and reduce the risk of fire:
- Loft beds must be installed with 30 inches between the top of the sleeping surface and the ceiling.
- If you have a loft or bunk bed, a smoke alarm must also be present in the room.
- Rooms with no second way out, like those in basements, will be discontinued in use in accordance with the housing code.
- It is not permitted to have combustible material, like trash, accumulate in or outside of building.
- Extension cords may not be affixed to structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors and may not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
- You will be asked to adjust or remove all improperly installed holiday lights.
- Avoid use of hasp locks as doors must be readily operable without the need for keys.
- The interior must be kept in a sanitary and structurally sound condition.
- Flags, posters and tapestries hung on ceilings is prohibited by the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.
Smart911 is a free emergency notification system that not only informs citizens of emergencies, but allows individuals to create a Safety Profile for their household. Profiles include information for 9-1-1 representatives and response teams to know in the event of an emergency. Visit www.smart911.com or download the Smart911 App.
Parking
Overnight street parking is allowed throughout the City year-round, except for the Downtown area. Downtown street parking is prohibited from 4-6 a.m. year-round. When a snow emergency is declared, all cars must be removed from the streets.
Additional resources: pay a ticket or appeal a ticket.
Register to Vote
Voting is an essential part of being a community member. To find out if you are registered to vote and where to vote visit: www.mi.gov/vote .
Utility Set Up and Billing
Set up a new rental account, make changes to an existing account and pay your City utility bills online.
- Click here to learn how to establish a new rental account or make changes to an existing account. Make sure to talk to your landlord or rental company before setting up your account.
- Did you know you can pay your City utility bills online? Click here to make a payment.
All of the important links mentioned on this page, and more, are listed here for your reference
- Pay your utility bills
- Code Enforcement
- Refuse & recycling information
- City Charters and Ordinances
- Human rights complaints
- Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau
- Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce
As you step away from campus, the City of Mt. Pleasant offers so much for you to do all year!
- The City takes great pride in providing fantastic outdoor spaces and top notch recreation programs to area residents. Visit the Mt. Pleasant Parks page to explore our parks and your options for fitness programs or the next soccer, softball or kickball league.
- Downtown Mt. Pleasant offers shopping, dinner, art and more! Follow Downtown Mt. Pleasant on Facebook to learn about the things you can do and deals you can grab.
- Check out the calendar of events to stay up-to-date on City hosted and sponsored events and meetings.
Help advance the programs and services offered in Mt. Pleasant by donating your time, knowledge and talents at one of our community events or programs. Find a regularly-updated list of volunteer opportunities here.
Ways to Stay Informed
Click here to learn how to stay informed on things happening in and around the City of Mt. Pleasant.
