Landscaping Rules in Flint, MI (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Flint, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Grass height in the City of Flint is regulated under Chapter 39, Article IV (Weeds, Grass and the Like) of the Code of Ordinances. Section 39-43 declares the accumulation or growth of weeds, grass, brush, or other rank, noxious, poisonous, or otherwise harmful vegetation to a height greater than 8 inches a nuisance on developed parcels (subdivisions 60% built out along improved streets) and on any land within 200 feet of a structure designed for human occupancy or use. Section 39-44 establishes the May-through-September abatement season with the City Clerk publishing notice twice in April.
Flint MI Grass Height and 8-Inch Nuisance Threshold
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Tree trimming in the City of Flint is regulated under Chapter 45 (Trees and Shrubs) of the Flint Code of Ordinances. Trees on public property, in parks, or in the public right-of-way fall under the authority of the Recreation and Park Board and the City Forester (Section 45-5). Trimming a wholly private tree generally does not require a City permit. Section 45-11.1 authorizes the Forestry Division to remove trees, limbs, and shrubs that constitute an immediate hazard, with the Forestry Supervisor exercising discretion on hazard determinations.
Flint MI Tree Trimming and City Forester Authority
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Tree removal in the City of Flint is governed by Chapter 45 (Trees and Shrubs) of the Flint Code of Ordinances. Removal of any tree on a street, in a park, or in the public right-of-way requires a permit from the Forestry Division within the Department of Parks and Recreation - the City Forester (per Section 45-5) and the Recreation and Park Board hold permitting authority. Section 45-11.1 separately authorizes the Forestry Supervisor to direct immediate-hazard removals. Routine removal of a wholly private dead, diseased, or hazardous tree generally does not require a City permit.
Flint MI Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Weed control in the City of Flint combines local Chapter 39 Article IV enforcement (8-inch height threshold for weeds, grass, brush, and rank, noxious, poisonous, or harmful vegetation) with Michigan's statewide Noxious Weeds Act (Act 359 of 1941, MCL 247.61-247.72). The City Clerk publishes seasonal abatement notice twice in April per Section 39-44, and the City may abate and lien recovery costs to the parcel. Pesticide application is governed by the Michigan Pesticide Control Act (Part 83 of NREPA, MCL 324.8301+).
Flint MI Weed and Noxious Plant Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
The City of Flint does not impose day-to-day outdoor watering schedules or even/odd address restrictions. Flint's water utility - operated through the Department of Public Works and the Flint Water Service Center - draws from Lake Huron via the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) since the 2017 transition off the Flint River, and EPA lifted the 2016 Safe Drinking Water Act emergency order on May 19, 2025 after 97% of legacy lead service lines were replaced. Michigan does not have a statewide drought-emergency watering statute analogous to states like California; EGLE coordinates voluntary conservation guidance.
Flint MI Water Restrictions and Post-Crisis Utility Context
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
The City of Flint does not mandate native-plant landscaping on residential property. The Genesee County Land Bank Authority's Cleaner, Greener, Safer initiative is planting 1,600 native trees on vacant lots citywide. Michigan's Right to Farm Act (MCL 286.471-286.474, Act 93 of 1981) provides nuisance protection for qualifying agricultural operations and may preempt some local ordinances. Section 39-43's 8-inch nuisance rule still applies to neglected lots, but a maintained, intentional native-pollinator garden is distinguishable from rank growth.
Flint MI Native Plants and Urban Greening Programs
Few RestrictionsComposting
Backyard composting in the City of Flint is permitted and encouraged. The City contracts with Priority Waste for curbside compost/yard waste collection on regular trash days, with the program running April 1 through the last week of November. Up to 20 bags or cans per pickup, container size 40 gallons or smaller, weight under 50 pounds. Michigan's Public Act 264 of 1990 (codified within Part 115 of NREPA, MCL 324.11521) banned yard clippings from landfills and incinerators in 1995. Open burning of leaves is regulated under Michigan Air Pollution Control rules (Part 55 of NREPA, MCL 324.5501+).
Flint MI Curbside Compost Collection and Backyard Composting
Few RestrictionsLooking for Genesee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Flint city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Genesee County →