Grand Traverse County Considers a Point-of-Sale or Point-of-Transfer Septic System Inspection Program; Placement Rules for Political Signs This Election Season; Update on Lawsuit Against NAR, Michigan REALTORS, and Local Associations for MLS Access without Association Membership
The Grand Traverse County Commission forms an Ad Hoc Committee to consider the formation of a point-of-sale or point-of-transfer septic system inspection program. Supporting candidates or issues with a yard sign this year? Make sure you know the placement rules for political signs. Update from Michigan REALTORS on a lawsuit filed in mid-August challenging the rule that brokers be members at all three association levels in order to access the Multiple Listing Service.
1. Grand Traverse County Considers a Point-of-Sale or Point-of-Transfer Septic System Inspection Program
At the Grand Traverse County Commission Meeting this past Wednesday, October 2nd County Commissioners decided to form an Ad Hoc Committee to consider the creation of a Grand Traverse County Septic System Inspection Program. At the meeting, the Grand Traverse County Health Department expressed that they would like to update their sanitary code to include a septic system inspection program. The catalyst for this potential action is the possibility of Michigan House Bills 4479 and 4480 passing and establishing a statewide septic code, which if enacted allows local governments with a septic policy 10 years to adjust to the new state standard. I (Connor) have spoken with Michigan REALTORS and it is very unlikely that Michigan House Bills 4479 and 4480 will be passed by the state legislature and enacted before the end of the year. Aspire North REALTORS has been invited to participate in this Grand Traverse County Septic System Inspection Program Ad Hoc Committee along with County Commissioners, Rob Hentschel, Brad Jewett, and TJ Andrews, as well as a representative of the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay.
If you have any questions or feedback you would like to provide regarding Grand Traverse County’s discussion of a septic inspection program. Reach out to me at connor@aspirenorthrealtors.com or 231-944-8315.
2. Placement Rules for Political Signs This Election Season
Grand Traverse County Road Commission Officials released a statement this past Tuesday, October 1st covered by the Record-Eagle reminding everyone of the rules for the placement of political signs. The rules for Grand Traverse County and other counties in northwest Michigan mirror those of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) when it comes to the placement of temporary signs. MDOT requires the following rules:
- Political candidates are responsible for obtaining approval from the adjacent property owner to place the signs.
- Signs must be removed within 10 days following an election.
- Signs must be more than 30 feet from the edge of the roadway (white line) for highways that do not have barrier-type curbs. For highways with barrier curbs, the signs must be more than three feet from the back of the curb.
- Signs are not permitted within areas used for clear vision at intersections or commercial driveways so they will not interfere with the sight distance of a driver. No signs may be placed within the limited access rights of way (freeways, including ramps).
- Any illegally placed signs will be removed. Signs removed by MDOT crews will be kept for seven days at a local MDOT office or maintenance garage, and then discarded.
These are the rules listed above are for state roads under MDOT jurisdiction (I, M, and US routes). Your local county or township website for any additional restrictions for sign placement.
Speaking of signs! Shameless plug, if you are a Traverse City resident or business owner and are interested in a Vote NO on Traverse City Proposals 1 & 2 sign email connor@aspirenorthrealtors.com and we will get one placed at your home or business.
3. Update on Lawsuit Against NAR, Michigan REALTORS, and Local Associations for MLS Access without Association Membership
At the Michigan REALTORS Convention held September 25th through 27th an update was provided on a lawsuit filed in mid-August by real estate agents in Southeastern Michigan against the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), Michigan REALTORS, Grosse Pointe Board of REALTORS, Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS, North Oakland County Board of REALTORS and Realcomp II. This lawsuit challenges the rule that brokers be members at all three association levels: NAR, the state association (Michigan REALTORS), and one of the local associations in Michigan in order to access the Multiple Listing Service. Michigan REALTORS is taking this lawsuit very seriously, working hand-in-hand with attorneys from NAR and with all local associations involved to ensure they prevail in this lawsuit.