Handbill and Posting Regulations

Advertising Regulations

• This article is known as the "Posting Ordinance."
• The Police Department is responsible for enforcing the provisions of this article.
• It is unlawful to post any advertising material on streets, sidewalks, public places, city property, or utility poles without express legal authorization, except for billboards and signs by government authorities.
• Posting any sign, poster, advertisement, or notice on public or private property without the owner's consent is unlawful, unless done by a public officer or employee in the performance of a public duty, or a private person getting a legal notice.
• The above provision does not apply to the distribution of handbills, advertisements, or other printed matter that are not securely affixed to the premises.

Handbill Distribution Ordinance

• This article is known as the "Handbill Distribution Ordinance."
• The purpose is to regulate the distribution of handbills and circulars to protect public health, safety, and the environment.
• Specific purposes include:
  • Protecting residents from trespassing by solicitors or handbill distributors who ignore "no solicitation" notices.
  • Preventing littering of streets and public places caused by uncontrolled distribution of advertising matter.
  • Preserving the right to receive and disseminate information while distinguishing between commercial and noncommercial handbills

Definitions Related to Handbill Distribution

• COMMERCIAL HANDBILL: Any printed or written material, sample, or device that:
  • Advertises merchandise, products, commodities.
  • Directs attention to a business or commercial establishment to promote sales.
  • Predominantly an advertisement distributed for advertising purposes or private gain.

Alcohol Sales to Minors

• Selling or furnishing alcohol to a minor is illegal.
• A person who knowingly sells or furnishes alcohol to a minor, or who fails to make diligent inquiry as to whether the person is a minor,is guilty of a misdemeanor.
• Penalties for non-retail licensees or their employees include a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail for a first offense, and a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for subsequent offenses, along with possible community service.
• A sign describing the penalties for violating this section must be posted conspicuously where alcoholic liquor is sold, approved, and furnished by the Liquor Control Commission.
• Showing acceptable identification is a defense - Demanding and being shown a valid driver's license, military ID, or other bona fide proof of age is a defense against prosecution.
• Diligent Inquiry Defined: Making good-faith effort to verify a person's age, including examining an official Michigan driver's license, state ID, military ID, or other picture identification that establishes identity and age.
• Police Powers: A police officer witnessing a violation of § 5-1 can stop and detain the person, obtain identification, seize the alcohol, and issue an appearance ticket.

Animal Control – Definitions

• DOMESTIC ANIMAL: An animal traditionally dependent on humans that has been kept as a tame household per. Includes dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, mice, rabbits, various birds, and tropical fish.
• FERRET: Any animal of the species "Mustela Furo."
• FLIGHT PATH BARRIER: A barrier of dense materials to direct honey bees to a higher flight path, consistent with GAAMPs.
• GAAMPs: Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for the Care of Farm Animals, as adopted by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture & Rural Development.
• HARBORING or KEEPING: Allowing an animal to remain and be lodged within a house, store, building, enclosure, or premises.
• HOBBY BEEKEEPING: Non-commercial keeping/managing of honey bees following GAAMPs and City Code provisions.
• HONEY BEE: A European or Western honey bee. Excludes bumble bees or mason bees.
• KENNEL: An establishment where three or more dogs are kept for sale, boarding, breeding, or training, for remuneration.
• LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER or POLICE OFFICER: Includes animal control officers authorized by the city or other governmental agency.
• LEASH or LEAD: A tether no more than six feet long used to restrain an animal.
• LIVESTOCK: Animals used for human food/fiber or service, including cattle, sheep, camelids, goats, bison, cervids, ratites, swine, equine, poultry, aquaculture, and rabbits. Excludes dogs and cats.
• NEGLECT: Failure to properly care for an animal, jeopardizing its health.
• OWNER: Any person with property rights in an animal, their agent, or anyone who keeps, harbors, or controls the animal, or allows it to remain on their premises, including parents/guardians of owners under 18.
• PERSON: An individual, partnership, corporation, cooperative association, joint venture, or other legal or business entity.
• PREMISES: An area of private property, including grounds, buildings, and appurtenances.
• PROVOKE: An act or omission likely to cause an animal to bite or attack, such as threatening, teasing, or striking it or its owner.
• SANITARY CONDITIONS: Space free from health hazards, excessive waste, overcrowding, or other conditions endangering animal health.
• SHELTER: Adequate protection from the elements suitable for the animal's age, species, and condition.

Animal Waste Regulations

• It is unlawful to allow an animal to deposit fecal matter anywhere other than the premises where it is kept, unless immediately collected and removed.
• When walking an animal on public or private property, the person must have a device for collecting fecal matter and a depository for transmitting it to the premises where the animal is kept.
• Manure/offal from animals must be securely confined to the owner's property in a manner that prevents scattering or offensive conditions.
• All such deposits must be promptly removed and properly disposed of, no later than 24 hours after a complaint is received by the city.
• Failure to comply with this subsection is a misdemeanor.

Restrictions on Keeping Animals

• Animals shall not be raised, bred, or kept on any premises for commercial or food source purposes
• Nonvicious domestic animals may be kept, provided they are not kept, bred, or maintained for any commercial purposes.
• All wild animals, including birds, deemed property of the state, may not be harbored, imported, or otherwise kept on any premises, for use as a source of food or for any other purpose, unless otherwise permitted by state law.

This lesson covers local ordinances related to posting notices and distributing handbills. It outlines restrictions and permissions for advertising and public notices. The lesson includes understanding unlawful actions and exceptions under specific posting and handbill distribution.