Landscaping Rules in Detroit, MI (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Detroit, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Detroit property owners must trim branches overhanging streets or sidewalks to keep a clear 10-foot vertical clearance and remove dead or hazardous limbs, per City Code enforced by General Services.
Detroit Tree Trimming Clearance Over Streets
Some RestrictionsDetroit City Code § 16-3-9
Every owner of any tree, shrub, or plant overhanging the streets or highways within the City shall trim the branches so that they shall not obstruct the light from any street lamp or obstruct the view of any street intersection, and so that there shall be a clear space of ten feet above the surface of the street or sidewalk. Such owners shall remove all dead, diseased or dangerous trees, and br...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Detroit requires a General Services Department permit before anyone cuts, destroys, sprays, or does surgical work on a tree growing on a public street, boulevard, alley, or parkway strip: even the grass strip in front of a private home.
Detroit Public Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsDetroit City Code § 16-3-5
No person shall prune, cut, molest, break, deface, destroy, spray, repair or do surgical work upon any tree or part thereof or in any manner interfere with, disturb or injure any tree, shrub or plant upon the public highways or places of the City, or shall use any chemical for the control of insects or other diseases or for any other reason, or shall permit any chemical, either solids or fluids...
Weed Ordinances
Detroit declares weeds or grass over eight inches and brush or underbrush over one foot a public nuisance on any land, occupied or vacant. The General Services Department can order it cut and bill or lien the property if the owner doesn't act.
Detroit's 8-Inch Grass and Weed Limit
Some RestrictionsDetroit City Code § 16-3-113
Any noxious weeds, any species or variety of plants designated and declared by the Director of the Health Department... to be potentially injurious to the public health pursuant to Section 16-3-111 of this Code, any other weeds of any species or variety exceeding eight inches in height, any wild growing brush or underbrush exceeding one foot in height on any land, either public or private, eith...
Water Restrictions
Detroit's zoning code requires required landscaped areas to have working irrigation and bars designing systems that overlap water zones or spray impervious pavement.
Detroit Landscape Irrigation Rules
Some RestrictionsDetroit City Code § 50-14-328
The following landscape irrigation requirements shall apply: (1) Required landscaped areas shall be irrigated as necessary to maintain required plant materials in good and healthy condition; ... and (3) Irrigation systems shall be continuously maintained in working order and shall be designed to prevent overlap of water zones and to prevent watering of impervious areas.
Rainwater Harvesting
Detroit's zoning code lists rainwater catchment systems as a permitted accessory feature on any urban garden, alongside rain barrels, cisterns, and compost bins.
Detroit Rainwater Catchment on Urban Gardens
Few RestrictionsDetroit City Code § 50-12-522
Only the following accessory uses and structures shall be permitted on an urban garden. ... (4) Benches, bike racks, raised/accessible planting beds, compost bins, picnic tables, garden art, and rainwater catchment systems; (5) Tool sheds and shade pavilions; (6) Garages.
Native Plants
Detroit exempts cultivated flower and garden beds from its citywide 8-inch weed and plant-growth cap, so residents can plant native or naturalized landscaping instead of turf grass without a property-maintenance violation.
Detroit Native Plant Garden Exemption from Weed Code
Few RestrictionsDetroit City Code § 8-15-104
All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of eight inches (204 mm) and from all noxious weeds. For purposes of this section, weeds and plant growth shall include all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs, but does not include plant growth in exterior areas where flowers and gardens are maintained and cultivated.
Composting
Detroit's zoning code sets siting rules for compost piles on permitted urban farms and gardens: kept near the rear crop setback and at least 20 feet from any house.
Detroit Urban-Farm Compost Pile Setbacks
Some RestrictionsDetroit City Code § 50-12-409
Compost piles, as defined in Section 50-16-153 of this Code, must be located as close as is practicable to the rear crop setback (five feet from the property line) and at least 20 feet from the nearest principal residential structure.
Looking for Wayne County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Detroit city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Wayne County →