Public Conduct in Ann Arbor, MI

If you live in Ann Arbor or are thinking about moving there, public conduct are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Ann Arbor has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of public conduct, and some of them might surprise you.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Ann Arbor bans smoking within 20 feet of city building entrances, within 10 feet of AAATA bus stops, near the Blake Transit Center, and in posted areas of city parks, enforced once a smoker refuses a police order to stop.

Key details: City building buffer: 20 feet from entrances/vents. Bus stop buffer: 10 feet. Park smoking: Banned only where signs posted. Max fine: $25.00 plus costs.

A civil infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $25.00 plus costs, though a court may order community service in lieu of the fine.

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.

Loitering Rules

Ann Arbor bans loitering on public streets, sidewalks, or public building premises when circumstances would alarm a reasonable person for nearby safety, health, or property.

Key details: Citation: § 9:65. Chapter: 108 - Disorderly Conduct. Trigger: Circumstances warranting alarm. Before arrest: Officer must offer chance to leave. Enforced by: Ann Arbor Police.

Loitering under § 9:65 becomes an arrestable offense only after police give the required warning; officers must first ask the person to identify themselves, explain their presence, or leave.

Loud Party Ordinance

When Ann Arbor police can't identify who's responsible for a noisy gathering, the property's owner, lessee, or occupant is deemed liable for the noise violation under the city's ordinance.

Key details: Liable party: owner, lessee, or occupant. Applies when: responsible individual can't be identified. Underlying offense: unreasonably loud noise, § 9:362. First-offense fine: $50 to $500 plus costs. Governing section: City Code § 9:369.

A civil infraction under § 9:369 carries $50-$500 for a first offense, $100-$500 for a second within two years, and $200-$500 plus up to 240 hours community service for a third or later offense.

Public Urination

Ann Arbor's disorderly conduct code bans urinating or defecating on any public street, sidewalk, or building floor open to the public: a misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Key details: Citation: § 9:62(11). Classification: Misdemeanor. Max jail: 90 days. Max fine: $500. Enforced by: Ann Arbor Police.

Violating § 9:62(11) is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500.00 fine, enforced by the Ann Arbor Police Department.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Ann Arbor actively enforces its public urination requirements.

Public Alcohol Use

Ann Arbor prohibits drinking alcoholic liquor on public streets, in public parking lots or structures, and inside unlicensed business areas open to the public under City Code § 9:75.

Key details: Citation: § 9:75. Chapter: 109 - Liquor. Classification: Misdemeanor. Penalty: Up to $500 fine, 90 days jail.

Under § 9:82(2), violating § 9:75 is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and costs up to $500.00 and/or imprisonment up to 90 days, or both.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Ann Arbor actively enforces its public alcohol use requirements.

The Bottom Line

Ann Arbor is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Ann Arbor, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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.