Ann Arbor's Parking Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles parking rules a little differently. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, there are 7 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.

Driveway Rules

Ann Arbor requires vehicles parked in driveways not to block sidewalks. Parking on unpaved surfaces may be prohibited. Driveway modifications need permits.

Key details: Sidewalk: Cannot block. Surface: Must be paved. Modifications: Permit required. Inoperable Cars: Not allowed visible.

Sidewalk blocking: parking citation $25 to $100. Unpaved parking: code compliance notice. Unpermitted driveway work: stop-work order.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Ann Arbor restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Weight and size limits apply per local ordinance and MCL §257.674.

Key details: Weight Limit: Typically 10,000 lbs. Overnight: Prohibited in residential. Deliveries: Temporary parking allowed. State Law: MCL §257.674.

Parking citations $50 to $250. Repeat violations: increased fines. Towing for oversized or illegally stored commercial vehicles.

Overnight Parking

Ann Arbor regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.

Key details: Restricted Hours: Typically 2 AM to 6 AM. Permits: May be available. Ticket: $25 to $75. Towing: Possible for repeat violations.

Parking tickets typically $25 to $75. Vehicles may be towed at owner expense ($150 to $300+ plus daily storage).

Abandoned Vehicles

Ann Arbor prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed after a notice period.

Key details: Street Limit: Typically 72 hours. Private Property: Must be enclosed or screened. Towing: At owner expense. Registration: Must be current.

Notice period typically 72 hours to 10 days. Towing and storage at owner expense ($150 to $500+). Additional fines for repeat violations.

EV Charging

Ann Arbor regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new construction.

Key details: Permit: Electrical permit required. New Construction: EV-ready spaces may be required. HOA: Cannot prohibit owner installation. ADA: Public stations must comply.

Unpermitted electrical work: fines and required removal. HOA violations of EV access laws: legal remedies available to homeowners.

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

Street Parking Limits

Ann Arbor enforces extensive downtown parking with meters and garages. U of M campus area has residential permit zones. Alternate-side parking during winter snow emergencies is enforced.

Key details: Downtown: Metered, garages. U of M Area: Permit zones. Winter: Alternate-side parking. Topic: Street Parking.

Expired meter/time limit: $20 to $50. Snow emergency: $50 to $150 + towing. Fire hydrant: $100+. Abandoned vehicle (MCL §257.942): towing + impound.

RV & Boat Parking

Ann Arbor prohibits parking recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and campers on city streets for more than 48 consecutive hours and restricts their storage in residential front yards. RVs and boats must generally be stored behind the front building line, on a paved or graveled surface, and may not be used as living quarters while parked on private property.

Key details: Street Parking Of: Street parking of RVs/boats/trailers capped at 48 hours. Rvs And Boats: RVs and boats must sit behind front building line. Storage Surface Must: Storage surface must be paved or compacted gravel. No Occupancy Or: No occupancy or sleeping in parked RVs. Trailers Over: Trailers over 8 feet wide need special-use approval.

On-street violations trigger parking tickets starting at $30 and escalating with each repeat. Storage violations on private property are civil infractions enforced by Code Compliance, with fines from $100 to $500 plus daily continuing penalties. Vehicles may be impounded after extended non-compliance. Contact Code Compliance at (734) 794-6963.

This is one of the stricter rules in Ann Arbor's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

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.