Frequently Asked Questions

Cemeteries

Are there still lots available in the cemetery?

Yes. There are lots available for sale.

What is the cost of lots?

Please click here for the fee schedule.

How and where do I go to purchase a lot?

To purchase grave site contact city hall at 248-349-1300 or 248-449-9920.

What types of memorials are allowed?

Rural Hill Cemetery is a traditional cemetery that allows upright memorials.

Who maintains the cemetery?

Rural Hill is owned by the City of Northville and is maintained by the public works department.

What are the rules and regulations for planting and placing things at a gravesite?

Read the Rules and Regulations here.

What are the hours of the cemetery?

The cemetery is open from sunrise to sunset.

Where can I obtain burial information about previous internments at the cemetery?

To obtain information of previous burials contact City Hall at 248-349-1300 or 248-449-9920.

Does the cemetery have column burial sites for cremations?

Not at the present time. There are plans for this in the future.

How many cremations can be put in a standard grave?

Up to four cremations are permitted in a standard grave with all the names to be placed on one memorial.

City Manager's Office

How do I go about speaking to City Council?

Citizens may address City Council, without prior notification, during the "Citizen Comments" portion of the Council meetings. Topics are limited to five minutes of discussion. However, problems requiring investigation and action are best served by written notification to the City Manager at least one week prior to the City Council meeting.

I would like to speak with the City Manager. Do I need an appointment?

The City Manager has an open door policy regarding receiving citizens. No appointment is necessary. It is best, however, to call and schedule an appointment for your convenience.

City Clerk

Elections

Where do I register to vote?

You can register to vote at:

• Secretary of State Branch Office
• City, Township, or Village Hall
• County Clerk’s Office
• Armed Forces Recruiting Center
• Several State Agencies
• By Mail

May I register to vote by mail?

Yes. Print out the Voter Registration Application found at the Michigan Secretary of State website. Complete and sign the application and mail the application to your local clerk’s office. If you are unsure which community you reside in, mail the application to the clerk of the County in which you reside. At this time, faxed voter registration applications are not acceptable.

Please note: If you choose to register to vote by mail, you may not be eligible to vote by absentee ballot for your first election. Contact your local clerk for additional information.

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

Qualified persons must register to vote no less than 30 days prior to Election Day. If you are registering to vote by mail, your application must be postmarked by the registration deadline.

Do I need to register to vote using the address that appears on my Driver’s License?

Yes. Public Act 118 of 1999 amended the Michigan Vehicle Code to clarify that a person’s driver's license/personal identification card address must correspond to his or her voter registration address.

An address change submitted by an individual on a voter registration application form will automatically carry over to the driver's license or personal identification card. Similarly, an address change submitted by an individual to update his or her driver's license record will automatically carry over to the individual’s voter registration record.

I live in Michigan during the summer and go to Florida during the winter, may I register to vote in both places?

No.

Do I need to bring picture identification when I vote at the polls on Election Day?

Click here for information on the new voter picture identification requirement now in effect.

How do I request an absentee ballot?

Requests for Absentee Ballots must be made in writing. 
Absentee Ballot Application

Voters may also send a request in writing to their local clerk. Your written request must include the following information:

• Name of voter
• Election for which a ballot is requested
• Registered address
• Reason for voting by Absentee Ballot
• Address to mail ballot to (if other than registered address)
• Signature of Voter

Faxed absentee ballot applications are acceptable.

I cannot sign my own name; may someone else sign for me?

No. Michigan Election Law specifies that a person who forges a signature on an absentee ballot application is guilty of a felony. This includes those persons who have been granted Power of Attorney. Rubber-stamped signatures are not acceptable. The voter must make some sort of "mark" (i.e. an "X") in the signature line of their application. The same applies to the Absentee Ballot Return Envelope.

If I don't want my absentee ballot mailed, may I pick it up in person?

Yes.  If the absentee ballots are available, you may apply for and pick up your ballot at the City Clerk's office.  However, you may only pick up your own ballot.  State Election Law does not allow you to pick up a ballot for another person.  This includes your spouse, your child, your parent, and your neighbor. 

When can I vote by absentee ballot?

Applications are accepted 75 days prior to an election. Once the ballots are available, they are mailed on a daily basis. Per State Law, your absentee ballot will be mailed to registered address unless you are hospitalized, institutionalized, or at an address outside your community.

Additional absentee ballot hours include:

• Saturday prior to Election Day
  Ballots can be picked up/mailed until 2:00pm
• Monday immediately prior to Election Day
  Absentee voting until 4:00pm - must vote at City Hall

Contact the City Clerk's office for more information.

May I send in one absentee ballot application for the entire year?

It depends. State law requires that you apply for an absentee ballot prior to each election unless:

1) You are applying for an absentee ballot for a primary election.  Voters may apply for their primary and general ballot using the same absentee ballot application. 

2)  You are requesting an absentee voter ballot because you are a uniformed services voter who is outside of the United States or a civilian voter who is outside of the United States.  If you fall into one of these circumstances, your absentee ballot application will be honored for every election conducted in your city of residence (if any) through the balance of the calendar year – including all school district elections. 

I am in the Armed Forces or a Merchant Marine. How do I request a ballot?

Members of the Armed Forces and members of the Merchant Marine and their spouses and dependents may request an absentee ballot by using the Federal Post Card Application Form (FPCA). The FPCA is postage-free absent voter ballot application produced and distributed by the federal government.

The FPCA must be completed in its entirety.  Each person must complete his or her own FPCA.  Faxed FPCA’s are acceptable.  As a reminder, if you change your address, including the address that you wish to have your ballot mailed, please submit a new FPCA.

Your absentee ballot application will be honored for every election conducted in your city of residence (if any) through the balance of the calendar year – including all school district elections. 

Federal Post Card Application
Federal Post Card Application Instructions

I am a private citizen traveling outside the United States. How do I request a ballot?

It is recommended that you use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) as it is a postage-free absent voter ballot application produced specifically for this purpose.  State law does not require that the oath on the FPCA be executed.

If you do not wish to use the FPCA, you may apply using an Absent Voter Ballot Application.  Be sure to print clearly, especially the address to which you want your ballot to be mailed, and sign your application.  The “Affidavit For Persons Temporarily Outside the United States” is no longer required.

Your absentee ballot application will be honored for every election conducted in your city of residence (if any) through the balance of the calendar year – including all school district elections. 

For an Absent Voter Ballot Application click here.

When must I return my absentee ballot?

Your local clerk must receive your absentee ballot no later than 8:00pm on Election Day. Ballots that are "postmarked", but not received by the clerk on Election Day, will not be counted.

I received my absentee ballot; however, I want to vote at the polls. Is this possible?

Yes. You may still vote at the polls on Election Day; however, you must surrender your absentee ballot to the election inspector at your polling place.

I lost my absentee ballot. May I still vote on Election Day?

Yes. You will be required to sign an affidavit stating that you lost, never received, and never returned your voted absentee ballot to your local clerk. You may not vote until you complete this affidavit. The election inspectors at your polling place will be able to assist you.

I made a mistake on my absentee ballot. What should I do?

Contact your local clerk for instructions. Do not throw away your ballot! You must submit your spoiled ballot prior to receiving a new ballot.

What type of voting system is used in the City of Northville?

The City uses the ES&S M-100 Optical Scan Voting System. This is a "mark sense" system, in which you cast a vote by completing the oval next to the candidate of your choice. This system is used for both poll and absentee voting.  Click here for a demonstration of the ES&S M-100 Optical Scan Voting System.

DPW

What day is my trash day?

Residents north of Eight Mile Road have their trash collected on Monday.
Residents south of Eight Mile Road have their trash collected on Tuesday.

Is my trash day delayed due to holidays?

If a major holiday falls on a Monday, residents north of Eight Mile Road will have their trash collected on Tuesday and residents south of Eight Mile Road will have their trash collected on Wednesday.

If a major holiday falls on a Tuesday, residents north of Eight Mile Road will have their trash collected on Monday (typical Monday collection); however, residents south of Eight Mile Road will have their trash collected on Wednesday.

Major Holidays include: January 1st, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

How do I schedule a final reading?

When moving from a house or apartment, water customers are asked to contact the Department of Public Works by calling 248-449-9930 to schedule a final water meter reading.

Do I live in the City of Northville?

See below under Residency.

What happened to the Well ?

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment recommended shutting down the well because the monitoring wells around it were indicating an increase in contamination. Although at the time of shutdown, the well water had not yet been contaminated, it was only a matter of time before the contamination reached the well's source.

The cleanup is being supervised by the US Environmental Protection Agency, who is working with a cleanup conglomerate, which includes Ford Motor and General Oil, among others. The conglomerate has agreed to contribute $1000 toward the installation of a drinking fountain where the well used to be. The Rotary Club and the City of Northville will more than likely fund the difference. It is our plan to have the drinking fountain in place summer 2011.

Does the City have a recycling center?

Yes. The City owns and operates a recycling center at its City Yards facility at 650 Doheny Drive. Read about recycling at the City Yards Facility here.

Does the City offer wood chips and leaf mulch to its residents?

Yes. From tree trimming operations and the Fall leaf collection program the City has a substantial amount of wood chips and leaf mulch to offer residents and non-residents alike. Both the wood chips and the leaf mulch are free, but be prepared to load and fill your own containers. This material is located across from the recycling center at the "City Yards" facility located at 650 Doheny Drive. City Yards is open between the hours of 7:00am and 3:30pm weekdays.

Who is responsible for City sidewalk repairs?

Normally the City is responsible for repair of imperfections in the City sidewalk. If residents see and wish to report dangerous sidewalks due to tree roots, concrete settlement, or concrete cracking, please contact the Department of Public Works at 248-449-9930.

The City can spend only a limited amount of money on sidewalk repairs/replacements and approved the annual budgets. To temporarily patch the damaged walk, asphalt will be placed to minimize the hazard. When funding is secured the sidewalk will be replaced as part of an annual sidewalk replacement program.

If residents driving over sidewalk with construction equipment damage the sidewalk, the resident will be expected to pay the replacement cost.

Who is responsible for City trees?

The trees found in the grassy area between the street and City sidewalk are City owned trees. The Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining, trimming, and if necessary, removing these trees.

What is the Fall Leaf Collection Program all about?

Every year the Department of Public Works mobilizes to collect leaves from City streets. Each year a schedule is prepared and sent to residents advising them as to when this special collection will occur in their neighborhood. For the leaf collection schedule, click here.

How do we dispose of refrigerators and other Freon bearing appliances?

Freon bearing appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers are collected by the City on your regularly scheduled trash collection day. However, to pay for the removal of Freon, which is required by law, residents must first purchase a sticker from City Hall and place it on the discarded appliance. These stickers will cost $28.

For the safety of our children, residents are asked to remove the doors of refrigerators and freezers before they are placed at the curb.

How do we dispose of other large items?

Read about disposing of large items here.

How do we dispose of building materials?

With so many hazardous materials found in building materials, the City will not accept building materials at the curb. Residents are asked to make sure their contractors properly dispose of all building materials and construction debris as part of their project.

How do I dispose of carpeting?

Read about disposing of carpeting here.

When does the City collect compost?

Read about the Residential Compost Collection Program here.

The downtown area has benches, trees, and tree guards dedicated to people and organizations in Northville. How can I get a tree or bench dedicated?

To help fund downtown improvements under the City’s "Mainstreet 78" project the City dedicated certain amenities such as trees, benches, and tree guards for a financial contribution. Currently all trees, tree guards, and benches have been dedicated in the downtown area.

I received a letter from the Post Office telling me they cannot reach my mailbox. Will the Department of Public Works clear in front of my mailbox.

The Department of Public Works does not offer this type of personal service. As a part of snow plowing, City crews push snow to the side of the road; therefore, snow is deposited in front of mailboxes and driveways. This is a reality of snow plowing. Our crews drive large plow trucks and are instructed not to give special attention to driveways and mailbox areas.

When clearing the snow out of your driveway and from in front of your mailbox, please do not throw the snow back into the street. This is a violation of City ordinances and may create an unsafe hazard to the motoring public. Thank you for your cooperation.

I have signed up for ACH (Automated Clearing House) and have received a final utility bill.  Will my payment be automatically deducted from my bank account?

No.  All final bills must be remitted to the City by the bill due date.  ACH payments do not apply to final bills.

Fire Department

Are you hiring?

We are accepting applications for paid on call firefighters.

Is this a full time department?

This is strictly a paid on-call department.

What qualifications do you need?

Applicants must have passed Firefighter I and gone through the Western Wayne written and agility tests.

Do you have station tours?

Yes. We do station tours when a pre-arranged time and date have been set up. Please call 248-449-9920 for more information.

Do you provide CPR and first aid training?

Yes. The department does have CPR and First Aid Instructors.

What is the department's ISO rating?

ISO rating is a 6.

What is the Explorer Program?

Read about the Explorer Program here.

Do you have tot finder stickers?

Yes. The stickers may be picked up at the station.

Will your department send staff to groups to do fire safety classes?

Yes. We will send staff to your location to do fire safety classes. To make arrangements call 248-449-9920.

When is the next fire department open house?

The open house for our department is held annually during "Fire Prevention Week" in October. 

To obtain information about the Fire Department and the services it offers contact Chief Allen at 248-449-9920.

Tax and Assessing

How do I find my tax/assessing information on this site?

You can click on services at the top of this screen, click on tax and assessing to the left, and lastly click on tax and assessing data lookup at the top of the screen.  Or you may click on this link. 

Front Office

What are the City Hall business hours?

City Hall is open daily Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00am and 4:30pm. The Passport Application Acceptance Office at the Clerk's office at City Hall is open daily, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00am and 11:30am.

Please see the calendar for holiday closings.

A 24-hour drop box is available in the lobby of the Municipal Building. Click here for more information on drop boxes.

How do I get to City Hall?

Direction to City Hall are in the Reference Desk section of our website. Click here to go to the "Directions to City Hall" page in that section.

How do I apply for a passport?

Our Services/Clerk section of our website has more information on applying for a passport.

How do I register to vote?

Please visit the Services/Clerk section of our website for more information on Voter Registration.

My trash/recycling/yard waste wasn’t picked up. How can I get that done?

You must contact the Department of Public Works at 248-449-9930 by 10:00am after the day of your regularly scheduled pick up in order to report that your trash, recycling, or yard waste was not picked up.

How do I pay for a parking ticket?

Click here to go to the Parking Violations page in the Services/Police section of our website for more information on parking violations.  If you would like to plead "not responsible", contact the 35th District Court at 734-459-4740 to arrange for information about a hearing before a Judge or Magistrate.

How do I license my dog?

Visit the Services/Clerk section of our website for more information on Dog Licenses.

What do I need to do to get a building permit?

You may obtain a building permit for construction in the City from the Building Department. Call 248-449-9902 for more information.  Or you can click on the link below.
Building Permit Application

How do I contact City Councilmembers? Commission members?

To contact the Mayor and/or Councilmembers, you can submit a Contact Form from our website.

The Government section of our website has a comprehensive list of Board and Commission members.

Who are my government representatives?

The Government section of our website lists your State, County and Federal officials.

How do I get information about the Northville Community Center?

Check out complete information on Senior Services at the Parks and Recreation website.

How do I get information about Parks and Recreation?

Parks and Recreation information, including Youth and Adult Athletics, Senior Services, Employment Opportunities, Instructional Classes, etc. is available in the Services/Parks and Recreation section of our website.

How do I get information about the Northville Public Schools?

Visit the Northville Public Schools website for more information.

What is the phone number for the post office?  What is the phone number for the Secretary of State branch office?

You can reach the Post Office at 248-349-0300.  The Secretary of State branch office can be reached at 734-462-0115.  Be sure to check out our list of Frequently Used Phone Numbers in the Reference Desk section of our website.

Where can I find a schedule of community events?

Visit the Calendar page in our website, or visit the Chamber of Commerce website.

Housing/Allen Terrace

Please visit the Allen Terrace website for more information.

Residency

Do I live in the City of Northville?

Many residents living in Northville Township, within the Northville School District, or with a Northville mailing address believe they live in the City of Northville. If you are unsure as to which community you live in simply check your tax bill, or contact City Hall at 248-349-1300 and we will assist you in determining which governmental entity you live in.

Click here to look up the City of Northville properties/residency by Street Name.

Northville Youth Assistance

What is Northville Youth Assistance?

Northville Youth Assistance is a volunteer supported organization, which provides social services to youths and their families. The program offers professional counseling, as well as the opportunity for a youth to establish a supportive relationship with a trained volunteer mentor. The purpose of the program is to mentor youths so that they may become mature, responsible adults. In doing this we are strengthening the community and family life.

How do I become a mentor?

All volunteers are carefully screened and interviewed before acceptance into the program. Each volunteer receives 10 hours of training before being assigned to a youth. To schedule an interview, interested persons should call the NYA office at 248-344-1618.

Do I need any special qualifications to become a mentor?

The most important qualification is a sincere desire to help a youth in the community. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old. Northville Youth Assistance screens all volunteers through an interview and reference process and checks for criminal convictions.

How much time would I spend with a youth?

Mentors spend one to two hours per week with their assigned youths for a period of at least one year.

What sorts of activities do mentors and youths participate in?

Youths and mentors enjoy attending sporting events, libraries, museums, parks and school functions. Other activities can take place in the home, such as cooking, crafts, and just talking.

How do I refer a youth?

Youths can be referred by schools, law enforcement agencies or by any concerned adult by calling the NYA office at 248-344-1618.

What are some of the other programs offered by Northville Youth Assistance?

Northville Youth Assistance offers the following services to youths who reside in the City of Northville, the Charter Township of Northville, and the Northville Public School District at no charge:

• One-on-one mentoring
• Professional counseling with a licensed social worker
• Summer camp scholarships for needy students
• Diversion from the court system for first-time youth offenders
• PILLAR Program for incoming freshmen at Northville High School
• CAMP Program for incoming sixth graders at Hillside and Meads Mill
• Anger management, decision making and drug and alcohol education for children and teens