Petoskey City Council has proposed significant changes to the inspection fees for vacant residential and commercial properties, aiming to enhance safety and encourage property maintenance. During the meeting on August 18, 2025, council members discussed a new fee structure that would separate residential and commercial inspections, with residential fees set at $150 for the initial inspection and $300 for subsequent renewals every six months. For commercial properties, the initial inspection fee would be $2.50, with a proposed renewal fee of $500.

The council emphasized the importance of these fees in managing vacant structures that have been in disrepair for over 60 consecutive days. Council member Moore raised concerns about the adequacy of the proposed commercial inspection fees, suggesting they may be too low to effectively cover the costs of inspections and incentivize property owners to address issues promptly.

In response to these concerns, council member Shields proposed increasing the renewal fees to better reflect the ongoing costs associated with inspections and to motivate property owners to maintain their properties. The discussion highlighted the need for a balance between reasonable fees and effective enforcement of property maintenance standards.

The council also confirmed that all fees would be lienable against the property, ensuring that unpaid fees could be recovered through property taxes. This measure aims to strengthen compliance and encourage timely maintenance of vacant properties.

As the council moves forward with these proposals, the changes are expected to enhance community safety and property values in Petoskey, while also streamlining the inspection process for city staff. The council will continue to refine the fee structure before final approval, with the goal of implementing a system that is fair and effective for all stakeholders involved.