Detroit's Property Maintenance Code Section 8-15-35(a) requires every premises and exterior property to be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of eight inches and from all noxious weeds. Enforcement is led by BSEED through Operation Compliance.
Detroit's grass-and-weed standard sits in the Property Maintenance Code adopted into the Detroit City Code. Section 8-15-35(a) requires premises and exterior property to be kept free from weeds or plant growth in excess of eight inches and from all noxious weeds. Weeds and plant growth include all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation other than trees or shrubs, but exclude cultivated flowers and gardens. Enforcement is led by the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) through Operation Compliance, with reports submitted via Improve Detroit. After notice, the city may abate, bill the owner, and place a lien if unpaid. Vacant-lot owners face the same eight-inch limit.
Letting grass or weeds exceed 8 inches violates the Property Maintenance Code, enforced by BSEED. The city issues a notice, then abates the property and bills the owner for mowing plus an administrative fee. Unpaid charges become a lien.
Detroit, MI
Detroit's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict the number, size, or style of residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Re...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no specific ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays (giant snowmen, pumpkins, Santas). Restrictions, if any, come from priva...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no citywide ordinance restricting the time of year, brightness, or duration of residential holiday lights. Restrictions arise mainly from Local H...
Detroit, MI
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Detroit requires separate trade permits from BSEED for any gas line, electrical, or plumbing work, plus a building permit if it...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no ordinance specifically regulating residential offset smokers or pellet grills. The City's nuisance and air-quality provisions (Detroit Code Ch...
Detroit, MI
Detroit follows the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by Michigan. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame and charcoal cooking on combustible balcon...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how other cities in Wayne County handle grass height limits.
See how Detroit's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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