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AHB

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1. Who is responsible for a violation of blight on a property?

The property owner is ultimately responsible for any violations of blight on a property

2. Who should I contact if I have a question regarding a violation?

Please contact the AHB Clerk, Sindy Foster, at (517) 768-6437.

3. How do I prepare for my hearing?

Bring any evidence supporting your position regarding the violation. For housing code violations, schedule an inspection prior to the AHB hearing. Contacy Sindy Foster at 517-768-6437.

4. What happens if I don't attend my hearing?

You will be found responsible for the violation, and a default will be entered against you.

5. How do I appoint someone to represent me?

Complete the Appointment of Agent Form found on the main page of the AHB. Have your agent bring this form to the hearing.

6. Am I required to have an attorney?

No. Legal representation is your option and may be obtained at your expense.

7. What happens if I don't pay my fine?

The City may place a lien on your property, or notify a collections agency to pursue action against the property owner, or take any other action authorized by law.

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Assessor's Office

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1. Why does my assessment change every year?

The assessed value of your property reflects an estimate of 50% of your property value. This estimate is based on sales of similar homes within the same or similar neighborhoods. Your assessed value changes to reflect the fluctuation in selling prices of similar homes. Additionally, property improvements may increase your assessed value.

2. What is taxable value?

Taxable value is the amount on which a property owner pays property taxes. Taxable value is the lesser of the assessed value or the prior year’s taxable value minus losses, increased by the lesser of 5% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), plus additions. The Consumer Price Index for 2011 taxable value is 1.7%. A transfer of ownership will change the taxable value to the assessed value in the year following the transfer of ownership. Information about the calculation of the CPI can be found at the Michigan Department of Treasury website.

Losses are the removal of property, such as removal of a garage. An addition includes finishing a basement, building a deck, and other improvements.

3. How can my taxable value go up when my assessed value goes down?

Over the years, the majority of property values in the City of Jackson have increased in value greater than the Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, many neighborhoods are now experiencing a decline in the market value. The 1994 constitutional amendment known as “Proposal A” requires that the taxable value increase by the CPI, however, it cannot exceed the assessed value.

Some property owners have a significant difference in the amount of their assessed values and taxable values. Assessed value represents 50% of the estimated property value. Taxable value is a mathematical formula that is based on the preceding year's taxable value increased by the CPI. The CPI is determined for the entire state and applied by each municipality. Taxable value may also increase for physical additions and decrease for physical losses.

The year after you purchase your home or lot, the taxable value is "uncapped" and becomes the same amount as the assessed value for that year only. Each year thereafter, the taxable value is adjusted by the IRM in the same manner as described above.

Proposal A mandates that the taxable value must be adjusted each year by the CPI. The assessed value is adjusted each year based on sales studies. Sales studies are based primarily on bona fide sales of similar homes in similar areas. The sales analysis may indicate that the market value should increase, decrease, or stay the same.

The taxable value cannot exceed the assessed value. For more information and additional details access Understanding Proposal A in a Declining Market (PDF) document (PDF).

4. How do I find out about delinquent taxes?

Delinquent taxes accrue penalties and interest above the original amount levied by the City of Jackson and are billed and collected by the Jackson County Treasurer: 120 W. Michigan Ave., 517-788-4418

Jackson County Website

5. How do I learn more about the Tax Foreclosure Auction?

For information about The Tax Foreclosure Auction please contact Jackson County Treasurer 120 W Michigan Ave 517-788-4418 Jackson County Website

6. Understanding Your Assessment Notice

Every year, you receive an assessment notice indicating changes in the assessed value and the taxable value of your property. The assessed value represents 50 percent of the estimated market value of your property. The taxable value indicates how much of that value you will pay taxes on. Click the following link for more information Understanding the Assessment Notice

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City Attorney

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1. How do I find out the status of my criminal case?

For City criminal cases, call 517-788-4023. For County criminal cases, call 517-788-4283. Court cases can also be viewed on the Court's website.

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Conditional Rescission of Principal Residence Exemption (PRE)

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1. What is a conditional rescission?

A conditional rescission allows an owner to receive a PRE on his or her current property and on previously exempted property simultaneously if the previous principal residence (all must apply):

• Is not occupied
• Is for sale
• Is not leased
• Is not used for any business or commercial purpose

2. How do I apply for a conditional rescission?

To apply for a conditional rescission, the owner must submit a Conditional Rescission of Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) (Form 4640) to the assessor for the city or township in which the property is located on or before May 1 of the first year of the claim. Form 4640 can be found at the Michigan Taxes resource, or obtained from your local assessor. For example, to qualify for a PRE in 2009 under a conditional rescission, the form must be submitted on or before May 1, 2009.

3. How long is a conditional rescission effective?

An owner may receive the PRE on the previous principal residence for up to 3 years if the property is not occupied, is for sale, is not leased, and is not used for any business or commercial purpose. The owner must annually submit Form 4640 on or before December 31 to verify to the assessor that the property for which the PRE is retained is not occupied, is for sale, is not leased, and is not used for any business or commercial purpose. For example, if an owner received a PRE in 2008 by submitting Form 4640, he or she would have to submit another Form 4640 by December 31, 2008, to qualify for a PRE in 2009.

4. Do the Request to Rescind Principal Residence Exemption (Form 2602) and Form 4640 both need to be filed?

No. If the conditional rescission requirements are met, Form 4640 would take the place of Form 2602.

5. Can I submit Form 4640 and receive the PRE under a conditional rescission for the 2008 tax year?

The owner may receive a PRE for the 2008 tax year if Form 4640 is submitted by May 1, 2008, and the property is not occupied, is for sale, is not leased, and is not used for any business or commercial purpose. (Also see question 2, above.) If the assessor determines the property qualifies for a PRE under a conditional rescission, the assessor would put the PRE back on the tax roll for the 2008 tax year the same as if an affidavit is filed for a new PRE.

6. If Form 2602 was filed in early 2008 and the exemption was removed effective for the 2009 tax year, can an owner submit Form 4640 and receive the PRE under a conditional rescission?

The owner may receive a PRE for the 2009 tax year if the Form 4640 is submitted by May 1, 2009, and the conditional rescission requirements are met. If the assessor determines the property qualifies for a PRE under a conditional rescission, the assessor would put the PRE back on the tax roll for the 2009 tax year the same as if an affidavit is filed for a new PRE.

7. Can the property be for sale by owner?

Yes, for sale by owner is an option.

8. Can I qualify for a conditional rescission if I was receiving a 60% PRE on my property since I rent out the other 40%?

The 60% that qualified for a PRE: Must not be occupied must be for sale, must not be leased, and must not be used for business or commercial purposes. The property would qualify only for the 60%. Public Act 96 of 2008 states that the “owner may retain an exemption for not more than 3 tax years on property previously exempt as his or her principal residence...” (emphasis added). Therefore, a taxpayer would be able to retain the 60% if all other requirements are met. In addition, if a taxpayer is receiving 100% PRE and then rents out 60%, he or she would not qualify for a conditional rescission since he or she is not retaining the 100% exemption previously exempt as his or her principal residence.

9. If an owner misses the May 1 or the December 31 deadline, can the Board of Review reinstate the PRE under a conditional rescission?

The Board of Review has no authority with regard to a conditional rescission and cannot institute a conditional rescission on behalf of an owner if a deadline is missed or for previous tax years. Specific deadlines were included in the statutory language which did not address missed deadlines in Section 19 of MCL 211.7cc. Section 19 specifically states, “An owner who owned and occupied a principal residence on May 1 for which the exemption was not on the tax roll may file an appeal...” The inherent nature of a conditional rescission does not meet the requirements of Section 19 since the property is not occupied by the owner.

10. Does a conditional rescission apply to homes in foreclosure where the bank has taken possession but where the home is vacant and for sale?

Only the owner who previously occupied the property as his or her principal residence qualifies for the conditional rescission. Companies such as a bank do no qualify for a PRE regardless of the situation.

11. If a property is available for lease but is not for sale, does it qualify for a conditional rescission?

No. The property must be for sale. It may also be available for lease, but once the property is leased, it does not qualify. If a property is receiving a PRE under a conditional rescission, the local tax collecting unit shall deny the conditional rescission effective on December 31 of the year immediately preceding the year in which the property is leased. For example, if a person is receiving a PRE in 2008 under a conditional rescission and then leases the property in September 2008, the conditional rescission shall be denied effective December 31, 2007, resulting in the PRE being removed for the 2008 tax year.

12. Since my prior principal residence, which I still own, is for sale, can I get my PRE put back on my property for 2006 and 2007 by submitting Form 4640?

No. A conditional rescission is not retroactive. The first year of eligibility is 2008 if the form is submitted on or before May 1, 2008.

13. If I leased my home for a period of time after it was no longer my principal residence, can I qualify for a PRE under the conditional rescission requirements?

No. Once the property is leased, the opportunity to receive a conditional rescission is no longer available.

14. If I move to an apartment that I rent and my previous principal residence, which I own, would I qualify for a PRE under the conditional rescission requirements?

No. The owner of the property must be eligible for and claim an exemption for his or her current principal residence. A person renting an apartment is not eligible for a PRE.

15. If I move to another state, can I qualify for a PRE under a conditional rescission?

No. If a person moves to another state, he or she would not qualify for a PRE since an exemption, as defined in MCL 211.7cc, cannot be claimed.

16. Can the estate of an owner qualify for a PRE under a conditional rescission?

No. In order to qualify, the owner of the property must be eligible for, and claim, an exemption for his or her current principal residence and have occupied the previously exempted property as his or her principal residence. A deceased person cannot be eligible for and claim an exemption on a current principal residence. In addition, if the beneficiaries did not occupy the previously exempted property as their principal residence, they would not qualify for a PRE under a conditional rescission.

17. Does an unoccupied parcel that was contiguous to the previous principal residence and thus was receiving a PRE, qualify for a PRE under a conditional rescission?

Yes. As the statute states, the “...owner may retain an exemption...on property previously exempt as his or her principal residence...” (emphasis added). However, the contiguous parcel must not be occupied, must be for sale, must not be leased, and must not be used for any business or commercial purpose.

18. As an assessor, what do I do with the completed Form 4640 after I have reviewed it for accuracy and have done due diligence to ensure the property qualifies for a conditional rescission?

Form 4640 must be submitted to the Michigan Department of Treasury on a quarterly basis, or the same time as when other PRE related forms are sent in. It is recommended that the assessor keep a copy of each Form 4640 for comparison during the annual renewal of the conditional rescission.

19. What responsibility does an assessor have to ensure the accuracy of a submitted Form 4640?

The owner(s) is certifying the information on the form upon signing the form. However, an assessor has the responsibility to do due diligence to verify the conditional rescission requirements are met as when any other PRE related form is submitted

20. If I was issued a denial notice by the local assessor, county Treasurer, or the Department of Treasury, am I eligible to receive a conditional rescission?

A property owner who had the PRE on the prior principal residence denied or removed by an Assessor, County Treasurer, the Department of Treasury, Board of Review, or Michigan Tax Tribunal (MTT), is not eligible for a conditional rescission and the Board of Review does not have authority to hear an appeal. However, a property owner who voluntarily rescinded the exemption of the prior principal residence within 90 days of changing residences, as required by statute, may be eligible for a conditional rescission.

21. I rescinded my PRE on my prior residence within 90 days of changing residences, as required by statute, am I eligible to receive a conditional rescission?

A property owner who voluntarily rescinded the exemption of the prior principal residence within 90 days of changing residences, as required by statute, may be eligible for a conditional rescission.

22. The assessor denied my conditional rescission request, what are my appeal rights?

A denial is issued in accordance with Section 6 of MCL 211.7cc. Therefore, an owner has appeal rights to the Michigan Tax Tribunal as detailed in Section 6.

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Disabled Veterans Exemption

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1. How is a determination made that the disabled veteran is permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans’ benefits at the 100% rate?

The Veterans’ Administration defines a service connected disability as a disability related to an injury or disease that developed during, or was aggravated while on active duty or active duty for training (Summary of VA Benefits for Disabled Veterans). The Veterans Administration Schedule for Rating Disabilities is used to assess the medical conditions and illnesses incurred or aggravated during the veteran's military service and percentage rating from 0% to 100% is assigned based on the severity of the disability.

Individuals filing the affidavit for the exemption under criteria must provide a copy of the letter from the Veterans’ Administration indicating they have a 100% service connected disability and are entitled to receive benefits.

Note: The act does not require the disabled veteran to have already received the benefit, it only requires that they have been determined to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans’ benefits at the 100% rate.

2. What is assistance for specially adapted housing?

The Veterans’ Administration provides veterans with certain permanent and total service - connected disabilities financial assistance to purchase or construct an adapted home or modify an existing home to accommodate a disability. There are two grant programs:

• Specially Adapted Housing Grant (SAH)
• Special Housing Adaptation Grant (SHA)

This information is per the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans.

The State Tax Commission has determined that receipt of either grant would qualify an individual for the exemption under criteria b). Individuals filing the affidavit for the exemption under criteria b) must provide a copy of the certificate from the Veterans' Administration indicating they are receiving or have received pecuniary assistance due to disability for specially adapted housing.

3. What does individually unemployable mean?

Individual unemployability is part of the Veterans’ Administration disability compensation program. Under this program, veterans may receive compensation at the 100% rate even though their service connected disability is not rated at 100%. [Veteran’s Affairs Individual Unemployability Fact Sheet ] In order to be eligible, a veteran must prove they are unable to maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of their service connected disability. In addition they must have one service connected disability rated at 60% or more or 2 or more service connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more with a combined rating of 70% or more. Individuals filing the affidavit for the exemption under criteria c) must provide a copy of the letter from the Veterans’ Administration indicating they are individually unemployable.

4. Is there an asset test and/or means test to determine eligibility?

No, there is no asset test and/or means test to determine eligibility. In order to be eligible, the disabled veteran must meet the requirements of
Public Act 161 of 2013 regardless of their income or the value of their home.

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Engineering Division

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1. Can I get a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal installed at a particular intersection?

Call the Engineering Division at 517-788-4160 and tell the engineering assistant the specific intersection and why you believe traffic control is needed. The request will be investigated and you will receive a response. Some intersections are on Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) streets. If this is the case, your request will be forwarded to MDOT. Any change in intersection traffic control needs to be approved by City Council.

2. When is an Oversized Vehicle Permit required and where can I obtain the permit?

Check out the Oversized Vehicle Permit page for more information about obtaining a permit.

3. Who is responsible for sewer problems at a residence?

The property owner is responsible for all sewer problems up to the connection to the city sewer main.

4. Does the city water grass seed planted after construction projects?

The city places topsoil and seed to replace grass removed during construction. Watering is the responsibility of the property owner.

5. Can people park in their driveway during street construction?

Yes, most of the time. Access is provided for local traffic to get to their homes or businesses and get into their driveways. When a curb is reconstructed, access to drives is not possible for several days while the concrete hardens.

6. How do I get parking regulations changed on my street?

Learn how to submit a written request on the Requesting Parking Regulation Changes page.

7. Why are flags sometimes attached to signs?

Orange flags are used to call your attention to some kind of change such as speed limit raised or lowered, a new traffic signal installed, or angle parking changed to parallel parking.

8. Sometimes I pull up to a traffic signal and the light does not change to green. Why is this?

More and more intersections with traffic signals are being installed with vehicle detection loops. When you pull up to a traffic signal that has a vehicle detection loop, you must actuate the loop by stopping on the stop bar. To learn more, visit the Vehicle Detection Loops page.

9. Who do I contact to have my street reconstructed, paved, or to have a curb or gutter added?

Contact the Engineering Division at 517-788-4160 to see if the street is scheduled for construction within the next few years. If it is not scheduled for reconstruction, the resident can obtain a petition from the City Clerk's Office.

According to City Ordinance, petitions signed by at least 50% of property owners can initiate public improvements such as street construction. If ordered for construction, property owners would be assessed for their share of the construction cost.

10. Can I get the alley paved next to my property?

If the alley belongs to the city, there is the possibility that it can be paved. The resident must obtain a petition from the City Clerk's Office.

According to City Ordinance, public improvements such as street construction can be initiated by petitions signed by at least 50% of property owners. If ordered for construction, property owners would be assessed for their share of the construction cost.

11. Our organization would like to hang a banner over the street to announce an upcoming event. What is the process for banner approvals?

The City of Jackson is no longer placing banners across Michigan Avenue. If you have any questions, please contact the Engineering Division at 517-788-4160.

12. I'd like to put a fence, bench, planter and/or garden in the space between the sidewalk and the street. Can this be done?

Construction in the right-of-way that could present a hazard to traffic or interfere with maintenance or construction activities is not permitted. A revocable license may be issued for pre-existing or unusual conditions. View the Right-of-Way Permit page for more information.

13. What does the Engineering Division do with old signs when they are taken down?

Metal signs are sold for scrap. Most removed signs are available to city residents at no charge. Stop and yield signs are not available. Call the Public Works Department at 517-788-4170 to request a sign. If an city employee is seen taking down or putting up signs, feel free to ask them about signs.

14. Whom do I contact if I wish to dispute a parking ticket?

Go to the City's online parking ticket payment system, search for your citation and choose the option to Appeal. You can only appeal a citation within 7 days of receipt. Appealing a ticket will pause the escalation of any fees until a decision has been rendered by the Parking Manager.

15. How much will it cost to get a permit to work in the city right-of-way and where do I obtain one?

The city right-of-way is generally the area from the home side of the sidewalk to the street. A permit is required to have any work performed in this area. Permits are free and can be obtained from the Engineering Division. It only takes a few minutes to fill out the form. An engineering technician will review the permit and complete the form as necessary. View the Right-of-Way Permit page for more information.

16. Can I park in the parking decks?

You must obtain a permit to park in the park deck between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. After 5 p.m., visitor parking is allowed. At this time, only a few permits are still available. Please see the Parking Permits and Rates page for more information.

17. What should I do if I have business to care of in the downtown area that will take longer than the time limit in the city lots?

• Use the "Pay to Park" lot #3 between W. Washington Avenue and W. Wesley Street. Put $2 in the slot of the pay station that corresponds to the number of the parking space you are in. Park all day if you wish.
• Park in a visitor area of any city lot. Visit the City Clerk’s Office on the 1st floor of City Hall or go online to the City's online parking payment system and obtain a daily permit. There is a $10 fee per day for this. Enjoy your day.

18. I have noticed that there are time limits posted to park downtown. Why are these in place?

If there was unlimited parking, downtown workers may repeatedly take the best spots and it would be less convenient for you to do your business downtown.

19. Whom do I call if a traffic signal is not working properly?

Call the Engineering Division at 517-788-4160 and the signal technician will investigate.

20. I've received a ticket and am ready to pay the fine. Where do I go to do this?

If you wish to pay your fine while still in the downtown area during business hours, you can go to the City Clerk's Office. Tickets may be paid online using the City's online parking ticket payment system, mailed to the address noted on the ticket, or there is a drop box located near the entrance to City Hall at: 161 W. Michigan Avenue Jackson, MI 49201.

21. I'd like to have a handicapped parking sign installed. Who do I call?

Handicapped parking is not put on the roadways because of the extra width required for the handicapped parking space. Handicapped parking in parking lots is the responsibility of the parking lot owner. If you need further information, call the Engineering Division at 517-788-4160 and the engineering assistant will help you.

22. What is the proper way to drive the roundabout at West Street and 4th Street?

Visit the Roundabout page for instructions on traffic flow and merging.

23. I'd like to know how much traffic flows on a particular street. Who do I call for the traffic count?

Call 517-788-4160 and ask for our engineering assistant who will be able to provide the most recent traffic count information.

24. There are political signs in the parkway. Is that allowed?

Signs are not allowed in the city right-of-way.

25. I'm renovating my building or house and need to put a dumpster in the right-of-way for the trash. Is this possible?

A permit will be required. Call 517-788-4160 and ask for an engineering technician.

26. I'd like to have a driveway added at my property. How do I go about doing this?

A technician will look at your property to determine if adequate space is available. A permit will be required. Criteria for drive locations are regulated by City Ordinance. If a curb cut is necessary, the technician will advise as to how to get this done.

27. What is a block party and where do I obtain permission to close a street for such a party?

A block party is an event for all of the residents of a street or neighborhood. Call 517-788-4160 for further information or visit the Block Party page.

28. How do I find visitor parking?

You may park for free on downtown Jackson streets. Most parking spots have a 2-hour time limit. Other time limits are clearly marked with signs.

All non-permit parking in Jackson parking lots is clearly marked with time limit signs. The permit parking spots in parking lots are marked with signs.

All downtown parking options are mapped out on this Interactive Downtown Parking Map. 

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Neighborhood Watch

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1. Why utilize the neighborhood watch program?

• It works. Throughout the country, dramatic decreases in burglary and related offenses are reported by law enforcement professionals in communities with active watch programs.
• Today’s transient society produces communities that are less personal. Many families have 2 working parents and children involved in many activities that keep them away from home. An empty house in a neighborhood where none of the neighbors know the owner is a primary target for burglary.
• Neighborhood Watch also helps build pride and serves as a springboard for efforts that address other community concerns such as recreation for youth, childcare, and affordable housing.

2. How does a neighborhood watch start?

A motivated individual, a few concerned residents, a community organization, or a law enforcement agency can spearhead the effort to establish a watch. Together they can:

• Organize a small planning committee of neighbors to discuss needs, the level of interest, and the possible community problems
• Contact the Jackson Police Department for help in training members in home security and reporting skills and for information on local crime patterns
• Hold an initial meeting to gauge neighbors’ interest, establish the purpose of the program, and begin to identify issues that need to be addressed
• Select a coordinator
• Ask for block captain volunteers who are responsible for relaying information to the members
• Recruit members, keep up-to-date information on new residences, and make special efforts to involve the elderly, working parents, and young people
• Work with the City of Jackson to put out Neighborhood Watch signs, usually after at least 50% of all households are enrolled

3. Who can be involved?

Any community resident can join – young and old, single and married, renter and homeowner. Even the busiest of people can belong to a Neighborhood Watch; they too can keep an eye out for neighbors as they come and go.

4. I live in an apartment building. Can I start a neighborhood watch?

Yes. Watch groups can be formed around any geographical unit:

• Apartment building
• A block
• Business area
• Office building
• Park
• Public housing complex

5. What does a neighborhood watch do?

A Neighborhood Watch is neighbors helping neighbors. They are extra eyes and ears for reporting crime and helping neighbors. Members meet their neighbors, learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and the neighborhood, and report activity that raises their suspicions to the Jackson Police Department.

6. What are the major components of a watch program?

• Community Meetings - These should be set up on a regular basis such as bimonthly, monthly, or 6 times a year.
• Communications - These can be as simple as a weekly flier posted on community announcement boards to a newsletter that updates neighbors on the progress of the program to a neighborhood electronic bulletin board.
• Special Events - These are crucial to keep the program going and growing. Host talks or seminars that focus on current issues such as hate or bias motivated violence, crime and schools, teenage alcohol and other drug abuse, or domestic violence. Adopt a park or school playground and paint over graffiti. Sponsor a block party, holiday dinner, or volleyball or softball game that will provide neighbors a chance to get to know each other.
• Other Aspects of Community Safety - For instance, start a block parent program to help children in emergency situations.

7. What are my responsibilities as a watch member?

• Be alert!
• Know your neighbors and watch out for each other.
• Report suspicious activities and crimes to the Jackson Police Department.
• Learn how you can make yourself and your community safer.

8. What kind of activity should I be on the lookout for as a watch member?

• Someone screaming or shouting for help
• Someone looking in windows of houses and parked cars
• Property being taken out of houses where no one is at home or from closed businesses
• Cars, vans, or trucks moving slowly with no apparent destination or without lights
• A stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk to a child

Report these incidents to the Jackson Police Department. Talk about concerns and problems with your neighbors.

9. How should I report these incidents?

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Give your name and address.
• Explain what happened.
• Briefly describe the suspect: sex and race, age, height, weight, hair color, clothing, distinctive characteristics such as a beard, mustache, scars, or accent.
• Describe the vehicle if one was involved: color, make, model, year, license plate, and special features such as stickers.

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Police Department

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1. How do I find out information about an inmate?

For jail information contact the Jackson County Jail at 517-768-7911.

2. How do I obtain a police report, make a complaint, or report a private property crash?

Procedures for all of these are listed on the downloadable forms page under general information.

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Traffic Signals

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1. Sometimes I pull up to a traffic signal and the light does not change to green. Why is this?

More and more intersections with traffic signals are being installed with vehicle detection loops. When you pull up to a traffic signal that has a vehicle detection loop, you must actuate the loop by stopping on the stop bar. To learn more, visit the Vehicle Detection Loops page.

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Wastewater Treatment Plant

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1. Do you give tours of the wastewater treatment plant?

Yes. To schedule a tour, please call the WWTP at 517-788-4075, and ask for the plant chemist.

2. Do you accept septic tank waste?

Typically, no. However, under unusual and controlled conditions we may accept it. Please call the Wastewater Treatment Plant at 517-788-4075, and ask for the IPP chemist or the plant superintendent for clarification.

3. What do I do if I have had a chemical spill and it went into the sanitary sewer?

Please call the Wastewater Treatment Plant at 517-788-4075, and ask for the IPP chemist or the plant operator.

4. What should I do if I have a backup in my sewer?

Please call the City of Jackson's Department of Public Works at 517-788-4170.

5. Do you accept wastewater from recreational vehicles at the Wastewater Treatment Plant?

No. We do not accept wastewater from recreational vehicles.

6. Can I dump some unknown materials down the sewer?

We need to know what it is, what the volume is, etc. Please call the Wastewater Treatment Plant at 517-788-4075 and ask for IPP chemist.

7. What are the wastewater treatment plant's funding sources?

The Wastewater Treatment Plant's funding sources include:

• Individual sewer bills from the City of Jackson sewer users and township sewer users.


• Bulk sewer bills from the prison and the townships that use our services.


• Miscellaneous sources including pretreatment reimbursements, landfill leachate treatment, etc.

8. What services does the wastewater treatment plant provide?

We treat wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial users in our service area. The service area serves the City of Jackson, State Prison of Southern Michigan, parts of Blackman, Summit, Spring Arbor / Sandstone, and Napoleon townships. Approximately 80,000 people are served by the wastewater treatment plant.

The wastewater treatment plant receives about 12 million gallons per day or 15 million gallons per month. Presently the wastewater treatment plant can treat 18.8 million gallons per day.

The activated sludge treatment process removes pollutants from the wastewater that is received. As part of the treatment process, the plant produces biosolids. The biosolids are treated and recycled onto area farm fields as a soil enhancement and fertilizer or it is disposed of at the county landfill. Approximately 3 million gallons are placed on area farm fields annually and about 2,000 cubic yards per year are disposed of at a county designated landfill.

The city’s on-site and contract laboratory personnel perform multiple chemical tests on the influent (the incoming wastewater), on the treatment processes throughout the plant, and on the effluent (the plant discharge water). Our laboratory personnel also monitor and sample the influent flow from our township customers.

9. Where is the Wastewater Treatment Plant located?

The City of Jackson Wastewater Treatment Plant started operation in 1935 at 2995 Lansing Avenue (view map). A park is located adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant for residents to enjoy.