Landscaping Rules in Royal Oak, MI (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Royal Oak, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In the City of Royal Oak, owners of trees, shrubs or plants overhanging a street or highway must trim branches so they never block a streetlight or the view of an intersection, and must keep at least eight feet of clear space above the roadway surface. Owners must also remove dead, diseased or dangerous limbs that threaten the public.
Royal Oak Overhanging Tree Trimming Duty
Some RestrictionsRoyal Oak City Code §§ 710-8, 710-19
§ 710-8. Overhanging branches and damaged limbs to be trimmed by owner. Every owner of any tree, shrub or plant overhanging the streets or highways within the City of Royal Oak shall turn the branches so that such branches 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 eight feet above the surface of ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
No one may cut down, damage or destroy a tree, shrub or plant on a public highway, park or other public place in the City of Royal Oak without written permission from the Department of Public Works. Removing a city tree for a private project also requires a deposit equal to the tree's replacement value before work begins.
Royal Oak Public Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsRoyal Oak City Code §§ 710-3, 710-17
§ 710-3. Permit required to remove trees and plants from public areas; exception. No person, firm or corporation shall cut down, deface, destroy or damage or injure any tree, shrub or plant upon the public highways or parks or other public places of the City of Royal Oak without first obtaining permission from the Department of Public Works; provided that this section shall not be construed to ...
Weed Ordinances
In the City of Royal Oak, the property maintenance code caps plant growth on any lot at eight inches, excluding trees, shrubs, cultivated flowers, gardens and approved planned natural landscaping. Separately, the City's Commissioner of Noxious Weeds can order noxious weeds such as Canada thistle, ragweed and poison ivy destroyed within 10 days of written notice, and the City can enter the land and bill the owner if the deadline passes.
Royal Oak Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsRoyal Oak City Code §§ 556-4R, 757-3
Section 302.4 of the International Property Code is repealed in its entirety and amended to read as follows: ... 302.4 All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from plant growth in excess of eight inches; excluding trees, shrubs, cultivated flowers, gardens and planned natural landscaping. ... ... § 757-3. Destruction of noxious weeds; notice to comply. A. It shall be the dut...
Rainwater Harvesting
In the City of Royal Oak, rain barrel systems are explicitly listed as an allowed accessory feature of a community garden. City Code § 770-56D(7) permits rain barrel systems alongside raised beds, compost bins, and garden art at any Planning Commission-approved community garden special land use site.
Rain Barrels in Royal Oak Community Gardens
Few RestrictionsRoyal Oak City Code § 770-56D(7)
(7) Additional uses and structures. Community gardens may also include any of the following accessory uses and/or structures: raised or accessible planting beds; compost bins; picnic tables; fences; garden art; rain barrel systems; rest room facilities or portable toilets; and children's play areas.
Native Plants
In the City of Royal Oak, the Property Maintenance Code caps plant growth at eight inches everywhere except trees, shrubs, cultivated flowers, gardens, and "planned natural landscaping." Section 302.4.2 defines protected native plants by Michigan State University's native-species list for southern lower Michigan, and Section 302.4.3 allows homeowners to cultivate them as an intentional natural landscape instead of mowed turf.
Royal Oak Allows Planned Natural Landscaping, Native Plants
Light RestrictionsRoyal Oak City Code § 556-4R (IPMC §§ 302.4, 302.4.2-302.4.5)
302.4 All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from plant growth in excess of eight inches; excluding trees, shrubs, cultivated flowers, gardens and planned natural landscaping. ... 302.4. ... 2 "Native plants" are those plants identified as native plant species in southern lower Michigan by Michigan State University Native Plants and Ecosystem Services, a copy of which shall...
Composting
The City of Royal Oak allows backyard composting under Royal Oak City Code § 633-13, but only in an approved bin set at least 15 feet from a neighboring dwelling and five feet from the property line. Meat, dairy, animal fats, bones, pet waste and non-biodegradable material are barred from the pile, and commercial composting at a house is prohibited outright.
Royal Oak Residential Composting Rules
Some RestrictionsRoyal Oak City Code § 633-13
Composting is permitted subject to the following conditions: A. All compost shall be adequately and properly contained within a compost bin such as a manufactured composter or approved homemade structure. ... ... C. Compost bins shall be located in a rear yard, at least 15 feet from any dwelling on adjacent property and at least five feet from the property line. D. Compost shall not include mea...
Looking for Oakland County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Royal Oak city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Oakland County →