Bay County, MI Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

The county's Nuisance Code (Part 42, Article III) applies countywide, including in the townships and cities where Bay County itself holds no zoning authority. 219 defines a nuisance as any premises that, because of acts, omissions, defects or conditions, results in an accumulation of refuse, garbage or rubbish and is unsafe or unfit for human habitation, endangers public health or safety, or creates an unwholesome, obnoxious or offensive smell or condition. 311 makes it unlawful to occupy, permit to be occupied, or offer for rent, lease or occupancy any premises where such a condition exists.

312 extends the duty to owners, lessees, renters and occupants who control or manage the property: they may not create, maintain, or allow a nuisance to exist. 315, when the Health Officer or an authorized representative of the Bay County Health Department finds a premises dangerous to public health or life, the officer may declare it a public nuisance and order it remedied, removed, abated, altered or otherwise improved. 316 places joint and several responsibility for abatement on the owner, the person in possession and anyone else with control or management of the premises, and it is unlawful to willfully refuse or neglect a duly served abatement order.

318 lets the Health Department seek an injunction in court in addition to any other remedy. Enforcement runs through the Environmental Health Division of the Bay County Health Department rather than a building inspector.