Dearborn's property maintenance ordinance requires grass and weeds on residential and vacant lots to be kept under 8 inches, with the city authorized to cut overgrown lawns and bill the owner.
Dearborn City Code enforces a maximum grass and weed height typical of Michigan urban communities, generally 8 inches. Property owners receive notice of violation with a deadline to cut, typically 7 to 10 days. If the owner fails to comply, city crews or contracted services cut the lawn and charge the property owner for the cost plus an administrative fee. Unpaid charges become a lien on the property tax roll. The ordinance applies to occupied homes, vacant lots, and rental properties. Native plant landscaping and intentional naturalized gardens can be exempt if documented and maintained in an orderly manner without ragweed, poison ivy, or noxious weeds. Complaints can be filed through the city's Property Maintenance Division or the nonemergency line. Enforcement is more active during growing season from April through October.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Dearborn, MI
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how other cities in Wayne County handle grass height limits.
See how Dearborn's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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