FAQs

What types of fires are allowed?

You can burn in:

• A fire pit
• A fire ring
• A burn barrel

What materials can I burn?

You may burn:

• Charcoal
• Sticks
• Firewood

What materials are NOT allowed to be burned?

Burning the following is strictly prohibited:

• Household garbage (e.g., plastics, cans, boxes)
• Leaves, grass, or brush
• Construction or demolition materials (e.g., old 2x4s, plywood)
• Tires

How far should my fire be from other properties?

Fire pits must be at least 25 feet away from neighboring properties.

Do I need to supervise the fire?

Yes! Fires must be attended at all times.

When should I avoid burning?

Use common sense and do not burn on:

• Windy days
• Dry days
• Days with official burn bans

What safety precautions should I take?

Keep fire-extinguishing tools nearby, such as:

• Buckets of water
• Sand
• Garden hose
• NEVER use gasoline to start or accelerate a fire

Are backyard fires safe for kids?

They can be but always keep an eye on children around fires. Safety is the top priority.

Why are these rules important?

Backyard fires are a great way to relax and socialize, but safety comes first to protect people, property, and the environment.

Here is the link to the code as it relates to motor vehicles.

Unlicensed Vehicles
A motor vehicle is deemed unlicensed if it does not display a current and valid registration issued by the State of Michigan or any other U.S. state.

Inoperable Vehicles
A vehicle is considered inoperable if it cannot be safely and legally driven on a public roadway due to mechanical failure, missing parts, or other conditions that render it non-functional.

Disassembled or Dismantled Vehicles
Vehicles that are elevated on jacks, blocks, stumps, or similar supports, or that are missing essential components such as the engine, tires, transmission, hood, trunk, or doors, are classified as being in a state of disassembly, disrepair, or dismantlement.

Visibility and Ordinance Violation
Any vehicle meeting the criteria above that is visible from a public right-of-way—including roads, sidewalks, alleys, public trails, or parking lots—or is observed by a public official lawfully present on the premises (e.g., during a service call), shall be considered in violation of the ordinance.

Noise that disturbs the peace is not allowed at any time. However, quiet hours are especially important between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and in public areas. For details, please refer to the Village noise ordinance.

Fireworks are only allowed on the day before, the day of, and the day after a national holiday. They may be used only on private property, not in public areas like parks or parking lots. Check the Village ordinance for full details.

If a dog is creating a nuisance by barking, it may be a violation of Village ordinance.. Please contact the Shelby Police Department at 231-861-4400 ext. 5. It’s best to call while the barking is occurring. Please note that our staff may be patrolling the village so a message may have to be left.

Yes, you may keep up to four small animals or fowl on a residential property, but some restrictions apply. Please check the Village ordinance for more information.

Yes. Homeowners and businesses must keep sidewalks clear of snow, ice, and other obstructions to help keep our community safe.

More information can be found in our Village of Shelby law and code book.

From November 15 through April 1, you may not park on any Village street, alley, or in Municipal Lot A between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. This allows DPW crews to clear snow effectively.

More information can be found in our Village of Shelby law and code book.

The Village picks up bagged leaves under 30 pounds each Monday (except holidays), through the fall. Leaves should be placed at the curb in compostable bags.

There is also a leaf drop-off site available off Ferry Street for Village residents. More details are available on our leaf and brush services page.

Yes. All dogs in the Village of Shelby must be licensed according to Michigan law and Oceana County ordinances (PDF). You can find licensing instructions and links on Oceana County’s website.

This can happen during heavy snow events. While it’s frustrating, it’s not intentional. The DPW does its best, but clearing roads quickly means snow may get pushed back near driveways. We appreciate your understanding.

You can report it directly through the Consumers Energy website.

Their online system is quick and easy, and most lights are fixed within a few days. Visit: Streetlight Outage | Consumers Energy

There are multiple options for payment:

• In person at Village Hall during business hours
• After hours by leaving a check in the drop box located in the office foyer
• Online through our secure payment system.
• By mail to:

Village of Shelby
Water Payment
218 N. Michigan Ave.
Shelby, MI 49455

Visit our Water and Sewer Payments page for more details on payment.

You can fill out our New Water Customer Form (PDF) and then turn it in to the village office. Renters need to include the deposit payment.

Visit our Water and Sewer Payments page for more details.

Water bills are due on the last day of the month.

A 10% late fee is added for any payments received after the due date.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• RTS – Ready to Serve – Covers the cost of the replacement and maintenance of pipes, pumps, wells, the water tower, and all of the other components of the village owned water and sewer infrastructure.
• SC – Sewer RTS Charge – The cost of the sewer portion of the RTS charge.
• WS – Water RTS Charge  – The cost of the water portion of the RTS charge.
• WH – Water Use Charge – Covers the cost of running water through the pipes (e.g., the cost of the electricity to run the pumps).
• SW – Sewer Charge – Covers the cost of processing the sewage at the lagoon (e.g., the cost of the electricity to run the components at the lagoon).
• EW – Sewer & Water Environmental Fee – Covers the cost of permitting and testing the water.
• AP – Auto Pay Discount – Discount provided when you have your bill automatically deducted from your checking account.
• ED – Email Billing Discount – Discount provided when you have your bill emailed instead of mailed.
• PB – Previous Balance – Amount that you previously owed before your new charges are posted.

No. If your account is past due or you’ve received a shut-off notice, please do not pay online. Instead, visit the Village Hall or call us directly so we can apply your payment correctly and restore service.

The Ready to Serve fee is $48.20/month, plus $7.89 for each 748-gallon “unit” of water used.

No. If your water is shut off, you’ll need to pay the $50 shut-off fee in person or over the phone. Online payments do not properly process shut-off fees.

Yes. Our water is regularly tested to ensure quality and safety.

You have a few easy options for submitting your tax payment before or on the due date:

• In person at Village Hall during business hours
• After hours by leaving a check in the drop box located in the office foyer
• Pay online using our secure system.

Visit our Property Tax Payments page for more information.

If your payment is after the due date, you’ll need to bring your notice and payment directly to:

Oceana County Treasurer
100 S. State Street
Hart, MI 49420

You can also visit the Oceana County Treasurer’s website for additional information on late property tax payments.

You may need a zoning permit if you are changing the size or layout of your property. This includes adding to your home, building a shed or garage, putting up a fence or deck, tearing down a structure, or installing a sign.

If you’re just painting, putting on a new roof, or replacing siding, a permit is not usually required.
Not sure? Contact the Village Office to check before starting work.

You can pick up an application at the Village Office or download it online (visit our Zoning and Ordinances page). Make sure to complete the form with accurate measurements and details. Staff are happy to help if you have questions during the process.

If you plan to dig or break ground on village-owned property (like sidewalks, streets, or right-of-way areas), you’ll need a Right of Way permit. This applies to both individuals and businesses, including utility work. Permits help us protect public property and keep everyone safe.

Any time you plan to dig, call 811 before you start. Miss Dig is a free service that contacts utility companies to mark buried service lines on your property.

Be sure to call at least three days in advance to give them time to complete the markings.