Landscaping Rules in Grand Rapids, MI (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Grand Rapids, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Grand Rapids zoning requires landscaping on sites with an approved landscape plan to be pruned and trimmed so it never blocks utilities, pedestrian or vehicular access, or creates a traffic hazard.
Grand Rapids Tree Trimming Near Streets Rule
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code Section 5.11.07.H.2 (Chapter 61, Zoning Ordinance)
Plants shall be controlled by reasonable pruning, trimming, or other suitable and acceptable methods so that they do not interfere with public utilities, restrict pedestrian or vehicular access, or constitute a traffic hazard.3.Replacement of Plant Material.a.Unhealthy, withered, severely pruned, diseased or dead plants shall be replaced within one (1) year or the next appropriate planting peri...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Grand Rapids zoning requires a tree protection plan under the development permit process, and only allows removing a protected tree for specific reasons like poor health or a safety hazard.
Grand Rapids Protected Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code Section 5.11.10.C, .F.1 (Chapter 61, Zoning Ordinance)
A Plan illustrating tree protection and root protection zones, methods and details for protecting existing vegetation during construction shall be required as part of any site modifications under the Land Use and Development Services (LUDS) Permit. ... Tree removal may be permitted where...the City Forester or a recognized landscape professional...has determined the tree to be unhealthy; or a n...
Weed Ordinances
Grand Rapids declares grass, weeds or undergrowth taller than 12 inches a public nuisance on any property in the city, with narrow exceptions for wooded, undeveloped or lightly subdivided land far from a sidewalk or street.
Grand Rapids 12-Inch Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 9.108(2)
Any grass, weeds or undergrowth higher or longer than twelve (12) inches, except: (a) On portions of undeveloped property behind a wooded tree line. (b) On portions of unsubdivided lands more than twenty-five (25) feet from a public sidewalk or a street open to the public. (c) On portions of undeveloped lots in a subdivision less than sixty (60) percent developed lying more than twenty-five (25...
Water Restrictions
Grand Rapids' City Manager may regulate, limit, or prohibit water use, including lawn watering, whenever needed to protect the supply for essential needs and firefighting.
Grand Rapids Can Restrict Lawn Watering
Light RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 2.30 (Chapter 26, City Water System)
The City Manager, or his or her designee, may regulate, limit or prohibit the use of water for any purpose. Such regulations shall restrict less essential water uses to the extent deemed necessary to assure an adequate supply for essential needs and for fire fighting.
Composting
Grand Rapids allows residential composting only in a fully enclosed, commercially made bin no larger than 64 cubic feet, kept in the rear yard of an occupied home and never loaded with meat, bones or cooked food.
Grand Rapids Backyard Composting Standards
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 9.108(5)
(a)Residential composting is only permitted on the premises of an occupied residential dwelling.(b)The compost may not contain animal waste, meat, bones, grease, oils, fats, or cooked foods of any kind.(c)The compost must be completely contained in a fully enclosed and commercially manufactured compost receptacle.(d)The compost receptacle must be located in the rear yard of the residential dwel...
Looking for Kent County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Grand Rapids city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Kent County →