Dearborn, MI Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Named species
- Canada thistle, wild mustard, ragweed
- Legal status
- Declared a public nuisance
- Applies to
- Any lot or parcel citywide
- First-offense fine
- $100 civil infraction
Summary
Dearborn bans growing noxious weeds -- Canada thistle, wild carrot, ox-eye daisy, wild mustard, and ragweed goldenrod -- on any lot in the city; City Code § 13-206 declares their presence a public nuisance.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant or any person having charge of any lot or parcel of land within the city to permit or allow to grow thereon vegetation of any kind scattered among which are noxious weeds such as Canada thistles, wild carrot, ox-eyed daisies, wild mustard, ragweed goldenrod, or any other varieties which are recognized as inducing hay fever, rose fever, or other diseases or being in any other way deleterious to the health or comfort of the community. The presence of such weeds upon any lot or parcel of land within the limits of the city is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. (Ord. No. 81-92, § 1, 11-4-81)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-07: Code: Updated through: July 22, 2026 | Zoning: Updated through: July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 13-206 makes it unlawful for any owner, occupant, or person in charge of a lot or parcel in Dearborn to permit noxious weeds to grow, specifically naming Canada thistle, wild carrot, ox-eyed daisy, wild mustard, and ragweed goldenrod, along with any other variety recognized as causing hay fever, rose fever, or other disease, or otherwise deleterious to community health or comfort. The section declares the mere presence of such weeds on any city lot a public nuisance. Article VI's companion sections (§§ 13-207 through 13-210) give the city authority to cut the growth, bill the owner, and issue civil-infraction or misdemeanor penalties for noncompliance.
Violations & Fines
Violation is a declared public nuisance under § 13-206, enforced through Article VI's penalty scheme: a $100 civil infraction for a first offense, escalating to a misdemeanor with a mandatory $500 minimum fine for repeat violations in the same calendar year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an ecological invasive-species list?
Does the ban apply only to vacant lots?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dearborn
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Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle prohibited species.