Ann Arbor's Parking Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles parking rules a little differently. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Abandoned Vehicles

Ann Arbor lets the City Administrator tag a vehicle that appears abandoned on public or private property; if it's not moved within 48 hours it's deemed abandoned and can be taken into custody.

Key details: Notice trigger: appears abandoned, any property. Removal window: 48 hours after notice affixed. Outcome: deemed abandoned, taken into custody. Authority: City Administrator. Legal basis: State Motor Vehicle Code § 252a/252b.

Leaving a tagged vehicle past the 48-hour window violates § 10:136(4); the city may impound it under § 10:139, billing the owner for towing and storage.

Snow Removal Parking Rules

Ann Arbor's City Administrator can declare an on-street snow parking ban on some or all streets ahead of snow or freezing rain, giving at least 12 hours' public notice before it takes effect.

Key details: Who declares: City Administrator. Notice lead time: at least 12 hours. Notice channels: radio, CTN, social media, website. Exemptions: disability plates, no-driveway blocks. Ends: only by Administrator's announcement.

Parking on a street during an active ban is a civil infraction under the parking fine schedule referenced in § 10:77 (citing § 10:143(1)).

Preferential Parking Districts

Ann Arbor's City Administrator can designate residential parking districts where excessive non-resident parking is a problem, exempting permitted resident vehicles from the posted time limits.

Key details: Trigger: excessive non-resident parking. Who authorizes: City Administrator, after Council notice. Mechanism: traffic control order + signage. Benefit: permit holders exempt from time limit. Fees: set by City Council resolution.

Parking without a valid district permit past the posted time limit is a standard civil infraction under the parking fine schedule set out in § 10:77.

Loading Zones

Ann Arbor lets personal mobility vehicles like e-scooters park curbside anywhere motor vehicles may park, but the city can impound one that blocks traffic flow.

Key details: Parking allowed: anywhere cars may park. Abandonment threshold: 72 hours. Consequence: seizure and impoundment. Covers: e-scooters, similar devices.

Impoundment, not a fine, is the primary consequence; owners must present proof of ownership and pay a city-set fee to recover an impounded device under § 10:147(9).

Commercial & Oversized Vehicles

Ann Arbor caps parking of trucks and buses over 5,500 pounds or 22 feet on residential streets at 3 hours between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., unless the vehicle is actively providing a service in the area.

Key details: Weight threshold: >5,500 lbs empty weight. Length threshold: >22 feet. Time limit: 3 hours max. Curfew window: 8 p.m.–8 a.m.. Exemption: vehicles actively servicing area.

Civil infraction under the parking fine schedule adopted by City Council resolution (§ 10:77); each additional 3-hour period over the limit is a separate offense.

Street Parking Limits

Ann Arbor bars parking on sidewalks, in front of driveways, within 15 feet of hydrants, and in a dozen other spots, even where no sign is posted.

Key details: Driveway buffer: 4 feet from curb cut. Hydrant buffer: 15 feet. Crosswalk buffer: 20 feet. Signs required?: No.

Violations are civil parking infractions ticketed by Ann Arbor Police or Community Standards Officers; blocking a driveway or hydrant is enforceable even absent posted signage.

The Bottom Line

Ann Arbor's parking 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.

These rules come from Ann Arbor's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.