Genesee County, MI Ordinances (2026)

Genesee County sets no countywide building-height cap. Maximum height and number of stories are defined by your city or township zoning ordinance and district.

Genesee County sets no countywide building setbacks. Front, side, and rear yard minimums are defined by your city or township zoning ordinance and vary by zoning district.

Under the Michigan Cottage Food Law you can make and sell certain non-hazardous foods from your home kitchen without a license or inspection, subject to a state sales cap and labeling…

Sign rules for a home business are set by your city or township, not Genesee County. Michigan's Zoning Enabling Act expressly lets local governments regulate advertising tied to a home…

Home-based business zoning is set by your city or township, not Genesee County. Michigan's Zoning Enabling Act lets local governments define and limit home occupations, and requires…

A home daycare in Genesee County must be licensed by the State of Michigan (child care licensing, formerly LARA, now MiLEAP) under the Child Care Organization Act. Local zoning cannot…

Dumping litter or waste on public or private property in Genesee County without permission is illegal under Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.8901…

Genesee County does not collect residential trash. Collection is arranged community-by-community through private haulers, but every hauler operating in the county must hold a…

Genesee County has no countywide blight ordinance. Property blight, dilapidated structures and junk accumulation are regulated by your city, village or township under the Michigan…

Michigan state law, not a county ordinance, defines abandoned vehicles. Under MCL 257.252a, a vehicle left on public property for at least 48 hours is deemed abandoned and may be taken…

Street parking is regulated by the city, village, or township whose road it is, not by Genesee County. County roads are maintained by the Genesee County Road Commission, which requires…

Genesee County has no countywide curb-painting rule. Curb markings that designate no-parking or loading areas are applied and controlled by the city, village, or township, not…

Genesee County levies a 5% accommodations excise tax on the total charge for short-term lodging, including cleaning fees, for reservations of 29 nights or fewer. Airbnb collects and…

Genesee County itself issues no short-term rental permit. In Michigan, cities, villages, and townships zone land under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, so any Airbnb/VRBO permit comes…

Genesee County Animal Control enforces Michigan's state leash law: dogs may not run at large. Under MCL 287.262, dogs 6 months or older must be licensed, and unlicensed dogs may not…

Genesee County sets no countywide cap on how many pets you may own. Pet-number limits are set by individual cities and townships through their local animal or zoning ordinances, so…

Genesee County has no breed-specific ban. Michigan regulates dangerous dogs by behavior, not breed, under MCL 287.321. Any breed-specific rule would come from a city or township…

Vehicle noise on Michigan roads is set by state law statewide, not by Genesee County. MCL 257.707c caps a passenger car at 76 dBA where the speed limit is 35 mph or under, and 82 dBA…

Genesee County has no countywide grass-height limit. Tall grass and noxious weeds are controlled by your city, village or township under Michigan's Noxious Weed Act (Act 359 of 1941…

The Genesee County Drain Commissioner's Water & Waste Services (GCDC WWS) serves most Genesee communities and issues summer water-conservation notices that prohibit lawn watering…

Consumer fireworks are legal statewide under Michigan's Fireworks Safety Act. Your city or township may restrict discharge to certain days and hours, but cannot ban use on the…

Recreational campfires are allowed but governed by your city or township, not the county. In Charter Township of Genesee, they must be clean wood only, no bigger than the permitted…

Michigan bans burning household trash containing plastics, and burn permits are issued locally by your fire department. In Charter Township of Genesee, brush fires need a $10 annual…

Fence standards, finished-side orientation, corner-lot visibility, and pool barriers, are set by your city or township, not Genesee County. Grand Blanc Township requires a permit and a…

Backyard grilling is generally allowed. The main restriction is the state fire code limit on using or storing LP-gas or charcoal grills on combustible balconies of multifamily…

Public pools in Genesee County are inspected annually by the Health Department for water quality, safety equipment, and operation. Residential pool gates must be self-closing and…

Genesee County Parks are open, unless otherwise posted, from 8:00 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. It is unlawful to remain in a park when it is not posted open to public use, so…

Genesee County has no countywide dark-sky or outdoor-lighting ordinance. Any shielding, glare, or fixture-height requirements come from your city, village, or township zoning ordinance…

Genesee County does not zone accessory dwelling units. Under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, your city, village, or township sets whether an ADU is allowed and its size, setbacks…