Clerk: Gun-Free Zones

Houghton County Clerk
Houghton County Courthouse
2nd Floor
401 E. Houghton Ave.
Houghton, MI 49931

906-482-1150 [Phone]
906-483-0364 [FAX]

Hours

Monday - Friday:
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NOTE: Effective July 11, 2023, the County Clerk's Office will not process any money transactions after 4:00 p.m.

Staff & Contacts

Jennifer Kelly
County Clerk
countyclerk@houghtoncounty.net

Renee Cunningham
Chief Deputy County Clerk
renee@houghtoncounty.net

Teresa Poyhonen
Deputy Senior Accounts Processor
teresa.poyhonen@houghtoncounty.net


Carmen St. Peter
Deputy Senior Accounts Processor
carmen.stpeter@houghtoncounty.net

Pistol-Free Areas

Individuals licensed to carry a concealed pistol by Michigan or another state are prohibited from carrying a concealed pistol or a portable device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology on the following premises:

Please refer to MCL 28.425o for the complete statutory text.

  1. Schools or school property but may carry while in a vehicle on school property while dropping off or picking up if a parent or legal guardian.

  2. Public or private day care center, public or private child caring agency, or public or private child placing agency.

  3. Sports arena or stadium

  4. A tavern where the primary source of income is the sale of alcoholic liquor by the glass consumed on the premises

  5. Any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship, unless the presiding official or officials allow concealed weapons

  6. An entertainment facility that the individual knows or should know has a seating capacity of 2,500 or more

  7. A hospital

  8. A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university

  9. A Casino

  10. Acceptance of a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) constitutes implied consent to submit to a chemical test for violations of this law.

"Premises" does not include the parking areas of the places listed above.

A pistol is subject to immediate seizure if the CPL holder is carrying a pistol in a "pistol free" area. The pistol is only subject to seizure if the holder is carrying it concealed. The following penalties may also be imposed:

  • First offense: State Civil Infraction, $500 fine, CPL permit suspended 6 months

  • Second offense: 90-day misdemeanor, $1000 fine, CPL permit revoked

  • Third and subsequent offenses: 4-year felony, $5000 fine, CPL permit revoked

Furthermore, effective March 29, 2001, per Administrative Order 2001-1 of the Michigan Supreme Court:

"Weapons are not permitted in any courtroom, office, or other space used for official court business or by judicial employees unless the chief judge or other person designated by the chief judge has given prior approval consistent with the court's written policy."