Landscaping Rules in Oakland County, MI (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Oakland County, Michigan.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Oakland County does not issue a county-wide tree-removal permit for private property. Tree-removal regulation is delegated to each of the 62 cities, villages, and townships under the Michigan Township Zoning Act and Home Rule City Act. Several Oakland County jurisdictions, notably Charter Township of Oakland (Chapter 389), Bloomfield Township (Ord. 608), Farmington Hills (Chapter 31 / Zoning Chapter 34-5.18), and West Bloomfield (Chapter 23), require a tree-removal permit for any regulated tree at or above the local DBH threshold (commonly 6 to 8 inches DBH).
Oakland County Tree Removal Permits (Municipal-Level)
Heavy RestrictionsCharter Township of Oakland Code Ch. 389 (Tree Protection, Preservation and Removal) (Ord. No. 60, 7-10-1990)
No person shall remove, cause to be removed, transplant or destroy, on any land in the Township to which this chapter applies, any tree having six inches or greater diameter breast height, or conifer greater than 20 feet in height, without first obtaining a tree removal permit.
Weed Ordinances
Noxious weed control in Oakland County is governed by Michigan's Noxious Weeds Act (Act 359 of 1941, MCL 247.61-247.72). Each city, village, and township appoints a Commissioner of Noxious Weeds with authority to inspect properties, order destruction of listed weeds, and abate at owner's cost. Listed weeds include Canada thistle, giant hogweed, poison ivy, ragweed, and others.
Noxious Weed Control in Oakland County, MI
Some RestrictionsMCL 247.62
'Noxious weeds' includes Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), dodders (any species of Cuscuta), mustards (charlock, black mustard, and Indian mustard, being Brassica kaber, Brassica nigra, and Brassica juncea), wild carrot (Daucus carota), bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), perennial sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis), hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana), giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), ragweed (Am...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Oakland County. The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's RainSmart Rebates program pays homeowners in southeast Oakland County up to $2,000 per property for rain barrels, rain gardens, and native trees. Rain barrels are reimbursed at $125 each (up to 2 per property) and must be at least 50 gallons.
Rainwater Harvesting and RainSmart Rebates in Oakland County
Few RestrictionsOakland County WRC RainSmart Rebates Program Rules
Rain Barrels: Minimum 50 gallon/barrel; up to two barrels/property. Rebate: $125 per barrel. Rain Gardens: Minimum 75 Square feet; must consist of at least 75% native species. Rebate: $6 per square foot. Trees: Minimum 5 feet tall; must be on the eligible tree list; up to two trees per property. Rebate: $250 per tree.
Native Plants
Oakland County actively promotes native Michigan plants through the RainSmart Rebates program. Qualifying rain gardens must be at least 75 square feet and consist of at least 75% native species; they are reimbursed at $6 per square foot. Invasive species are prohibited from rebated installations.
Native Plants and Rain Gardens in Oakland County
Few RestrictionsOakland County WRC RainSmart Rebates - Rain Garden Requirements
Rain Gardens: Minimum 75 Square feet; must consist of at least 75% native species. Rebate: $6 per square foot.
Landscaping Rules by City in Oakland County
1 cities in Oakland County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Oakland County ordinances
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