Landscaping Rules in Novi, MI (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Novi, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In the City of Novi, Code § 21-210 requires property owners and occupants to trim any tree, bush, vine or plant so its limbs, branches or leaves never overhang or obstruct a street, sidewalk or pathway, keeping at least 8 feet of clearance above the surface. Untrimmed growth is a public nuisance the city can abate and bill to the owner.
Novi Tree Branch Sidewalk Clearance Duty
Some RestrictionsNovi City Code § 21-210
No person owning, leasing, occupying, or having charge or control of any parcel, lot, premises, or land within the city on which any tree, bush, shrub, vine, or plant is located shall allow the limbs, branches, twigs, or leaves of such tree, shrub, vine, or plant to overhang, protrude, or extend into any portion of any street, sidewalk, or pathway in a manner that obstructs or interferes with, ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In the City of Novi, removing, damaging or destroying any tree or woody vegetation within a regulated woodland, or any historic or specimen tree anywhere in the city, requires a woodland use permit under City Code § 37-26. Land clearing and grubbing need the same approval, and only the limited exceptions in § 37-27 avoid it.
Novi Woodland Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsNovi City Code § 37-26
(a)Except for those activities expressly permitted by section 37-27, it shall be unlawful for any person to conduct any activity within a regulated woodland site without first having obtained a use permit upon proper application including the following activities:(1)Removing, damaging or destroying any tree or similar woody vegetation of any d.b.h. ... (2)Removing, damaging or destroying any hi...
Weed Ordinances
On subdivided, condominium or structure-occupied land in Novi, weeds, grass, brush or other unhealthy growth may not exceed eight inches under Section 21-19, and the growth is declared a public nuisance. Section 21-18 requires cutting at least twice a year, in the second half of May and again in the second half of July, and Section 21-19 exempts properly maintained landscaping beds.
Novi Weed and Grass Height Limit Rules
Some RestrictionsNovi City Code § 21-19
It shall be unlawful for the owner, occupant, or any person having control or management of occupied or nonoccupied subdivided land ... or any other nonsubdivided parcel of land which is occupied by a structure, within the city to permit or allow on such premises ... the presence of weeds, grass ... brush, or deleterious, unhealthy growths of any species or variety exceeding a height of eight (...
Water Restrictions
City of Novi Code § 34-24 limits lawn and landscape watering to alternate days tied to your street address, even-numbered addresses on even days, and confines automatic irrigation systems to the 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. off-peak window. During a declared water supply emergency, the city can restrict outdoor watering further or ban it outright.
Novi Alternate-Day Lawn Watering Rule
Some RestrictionsNovi City Code § 34-24
Sec. 34-24. - Alternate day lawn watering; water supply emergencies.(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to utilize water from the city water supply system for the watering of lawns or landscaping except on an alternate day basis designated from the property address. An alternate day basis of watering permits the watering of lawns and landscaping on even-numbered days for property with an eve...
Composting
In the City of Novi backyard compost piles are allowed if they skip meat, dairy, cooking oil and plastics, stay out of drainage easements, and in platted subdivisions sit at least six feet from any property line and no larger than four feet by eight feet, or six feet across, and four feet tall.
Novi Backyard Compost Pile Standards
Some RestrictionsNovi City Code § 21-169
(a)The restrictions of sections 21-79, 21-84, and 21-85 shall not be deemed to prohibit the maintenance of compost piles on private property, provided there is compliance with the provisions of subsection (b) below.(b)(1)Compost piles may include a combination of yard and garden waste (such as weeds, branches, bark, grass clippings, stalks and stems, brush or vines), wood ashes, horse manure, c...
Looking for Oakland County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Novi city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Oakland County →