Community Services

Hotel/Motel Ordinance 2020

More than 18 months ago, members of the city commission requested that a workshop be conducted to study concerns related to some problem hotels and motels within the City since the quality, safety and aesthetic condition of hotels and motels in Battle Creek are a reflection of community values. First impressions are a reflection of the community as a whole.


In 2000, the state legislature repealed the bulk of the statutory regulation of hotels and motels, which included eliminating hotel requirements, a statewide hotel inspector, and the state commission which was to oversee the safety and minimum requirements for hotels and motels. As a result, there are very few state statutes that regulate the operation of hotel and motel businesses.


A number of Michigan municipalities have adopted their own ordinances to regulate these business establishments in an attempt to provide some oversight on a local level since having safe, well maintained hotel and motel properties positively shape resident perceptions. In addition, safe and well maintained hotels and motels provide desirable places for potential employment recruits to stay when visiting and interviewing at local businesses, corporations and branches of military.


Ordinance adoption is scheduled on the Oct. 6, 2020 City Commission agenda.


Hotel/Motel Ordinance documents

  1. Hotel/Motel FAQ
  2. Chapter 818 - Hotel/Motel Ordinance - October 2020
  3. City Commission meeting presentation - Oct. 6, 2020
  4. City Commission workshop presentation - March 19, 2019
  5. Hotel/Motel Ordinance proposed implementation plan
  6. Ordinance discussion summary

Redevelopment Ready Community in 2018

RRC

RRC is a certification program supporting community revitalization and the attraction and retention of businesses, entrepreneurs, and talent throughout Michigan.

Learn more about RRC from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

Read RRC documents:

  1. Battle Creek Redevelopment Ready Community report
  2. RRC Services

The Community Services Department is the local level of government responsible for uplifting, supporting, protecting and enforcing the community's health of people and place. To have a greater community impact, it is necessary to develop dynamic working relationships with other city departments, community agencies, local businesses and residents.

The Community Development Division administers the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership formula grant programs. Every five years, staff coordinate a community-wide planning and needs assessment process.This helps direct the way the funds are spent and supports local services, as well as collect and disseminate invaluable community feedback.

The Planning and Zoning Division addresses the needs of current and future generations through the planning and administration of land and use. A citywide comprehensive/master plan -- for which an update is in progress in 2015 -- establishes a strong foundation for development to occur. This work is the blueprint for future community growth and change and considers aesthetic, environmental, economic and social health issues.

The Code Compliance and Inspections divisions improve and protect the public health, safety and welfare of citizens. These efforts protect against hazardous and deteriorating conditions that contribute to the degradation of neighborhoods.

A further, vital, element to this department is resident engagement. This is strengthened by staff providing support to organized resident groups called Neighborhood Planning Councils. These NPCs are appointed by the City Commission and provide an open, inclusive and diverse forum for discussion of neighborhood and community issues.

Contact Us

  1. Marcie Gillette

    Community Services Director
    Email

  2. Community Services

    Physical Address
    10 N Division Street
    Battle Creek, MI 49014


    Directions

    Phone: 269-966-3406

    Directory