Where can I ride my bike or skateboard?
Bicycles may not be ridden on sidewalks in the 100- and 200-blocks downtown. Walk bikes on the board walk. Bicycles may be ridden on the roadway outside of the 200-blocks of downtown provided the rider obeys all the traffic signs/signals and rides with the flow of traffic. If you have children, please teach them to always walk against the flow of traffic, and to bike with the flow.
Skateboards, skates & rollerblades are not allowed on downtown sidewalks but can be used on sidewalks in the rest of the city. State law prohibits their use on any street or highway.
Can I have a campfire in my yard?
You may have a campfire in your yard under the following conditions:
- The campfire is in an approved container, and the approved container is made of non-combustible materials, rocks, cement, or metal and is no more than four feet in diameter (48 inches)
- Only wood products can be burned
- A competent adult must be at the site at all times until fire is completely extinguished
- Extinguishing equipment must be readily available at the site
- The fire must be 50 feet from any building or overhead wires
- Authorization of property owner by presence or in writing is required
Can I park on the street overnight?
Parking a motor vehicle or trailer within the right-of-way of any public street in the city is prohibited between the hours of 2:00am to 5:00am of any day during the entire months of November, December, January, February, and March. This enables us to sweep streets and plow snow, identify abandoned vehicles and provide emergency response to your home or business. You may park on the street overnight beginning April 1st until November 1st.
If you must park in the street while you repair a driveway, have overnight guests, etc, contact Public Safety at 269-685-9858.
Overnight parking in downtown lots is by permit in designated areas only.
Why is the siren being used?
The Severe weather siren is tested on the fourth Friday of every month at 11:00am.
If you hear the siren at any other time, take cover and tune to your local media or National Weather Service for any additional updates or the “all clear”.
Can I put a sign in my yard?
Private signs are not allowed in public rights-of-ways. This includes signs fastened to power poles.
Place signs only on private property.
Never put a nail or other fastener into a City tree.
What companies supply gas, electric, cable & water to my new home?
Water & Sewer – Plainwell City: 269-685-6821
Gas – Michigan Gas:1-800-401-6402
Electric – Consumers Power:1-800-477-5050
Cable Services:
AT&T:
Charter Communications: 1-800-822-2554
Lara Public Service Commission (regarding Video/Cable Providers)
Garbage collection is performed by private contractors which can be found in the yellow pages.
Is there anything I should do if I intend to be absent from my home longer than two weeks?
If you are taking an extended vacation, the city offers two services to help protect your home in your absence.
- Security Check triggers officers to watch your house while driving by on patrol and to sometimes walk around to check closer. If we think there might be a problem at the house, we’ll call your listed contact person. Contact the Department of Public Safety to fill out a form requesting this service.
- Water Turn Off/On allows you to drain your plumbing before you leave. There is a fee but you do not pay monthly ready to serve charges while gone. Otherwise, if a leak occurs, a lot of damage could occur inside the house before your caretaker discovers the problem. Sign up at city hall.
How does the Water/ Sewer billing work?
The City bills monthly for these utilities, however, actual water meter reads are taken in March, June, September and December. Bills are estimated for the months in between. If you prefer to read your own meter on the ‘in-between’ months for an ‘actual read’ billing, contact City Hall at 269-685-6821.
Water/Sewer Rates
Who should I call if my sewer isn’t working properly?
If your drains are sluggish or plugged, call public works before calling a plumbing professional. We’ll check the sewer main. If it’s blocked, we’ll clear it at no cost to you (unless you are a business and the block is caused by improper grease disposal). If the problem is in your plumbing, we’ll let you know and then you can call someone to clear your line. If possible, please call between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm.
After 3:30 pm or on weekends or holidays, call Public Safety at 269-685-9858, and they will let Public Works know that you have a problem.