Landscaping Rules in Ann Arbor, MI

If you live in Ann Arbor or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Ann Arbor has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Trimming

Ann Arbor requires private property owners to trim trees, shrubs, and other vegetation to keep 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets under Chapter 40 of the City Code.

Key details: Sidewalk clearance: 8 feet minimum. Street clearance: 14 feet minimum. Intersection vegetation: capped at 30 inches. Responsible party: property owner of record.

Noncompliance is a civil infraction under §3:19 with fines starting at $100 for a first offense and rising to $500+ for repeat violations within two years, capped at $1,000.

Weed Ordinances

Ann Arbor's Chapter 40 tree-and-vegetation ordinance makes every owner responsible for the lawn extension between the sidewalk and curb, requiring grass at 12 inches or less and backing that up with a notice-and-abate process with escalating civil fines.

Key details: Governs: Right-of-way lawn extension. Max grass height: 12 inches. Other plants: 36 inches (herbaceous). First-offense fine: $100 civil infraction. Notice required: 72 hours before city acts.

Civil infraction under § 3:19: not less than $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, $500 for each further offense within 2 years, capped at $1,000/day; unpaid fees become a special assessment.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Ann Arbor gives its City Administrator sole authority over trees and shrubs in street rights-of-way, lawn extensions, and other city land, and bars anyone from planting, removing, or injuring them without written permission.

Key details: Authority: City Administrator, sole control. Covers: ROW, lawn extension, city land. Requires: written permission before any work. Max fine: $1,000 per violation.

Unpermitted right-of-way tree work is a civil infraction under §3:19: fines start at $100 for a first offense and rise to $500+ for repeats, capped at $1,000.

Compared to other cities, Ann Arbor takes a harder line on tree removal & heritage trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Rainwater Harvesting

Ann Arbor doesn't mandate rainwater harvesting, but the city's stormwater utility pays quarterly bill credits for rain barrels, rain gardens, cisterns, and dry wells installed on a property in Washtenaw County.

Key details: Rain barrel credit: $4.15 per quarter. Rain garden/cistern/dry well credit: $8.59 per quarter. Governing section: City Code § 2:211, Chapter 33. Administered by: Public Services Area Administrator.

No mandate and no penalty: rainwater harvesting is voluntary. Skipping it just forfeits the credit; letting an approved feature fail cancels the credit until it's repaired and reinspected, with a 12-month wait to reapply.

Ann Arbor is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rainwater harvesting. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Ann Arbor's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Ann Arbor is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Ann Arbor's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.