Most Wayne County municipalities cap grass and weed height at 8 to 10 inches under local blight ordinances. Detroit's limit is 8 inches, with active enforcement on vacant lots through BSEED.
Wayne County, Michigan cities and townships enforce grass and weed height limits through local blight and property maintenance ordinances. Detroit caps grass and weeds at 8 inches, with violations cited by BSEED and the Department of Neighborhoods. Livonia, Dearborn, Westland, Taylor, Canton Township, and most other Wayne County suburbs set similar limits, typically 8 to 10 inches. Violations usually begin with a warning or notice to abate, followed by fines ranging from 100 to 500 dollars and potential city-contracted mowing with costs assessed to the property tax bill. Vacant lots in Detroit are a particular enforcement focus due to the city's inventory of roughly 20,000 vacant residential properties, many owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority. Homeowners are responsible for mowing the strip between the sidewalk and street (tree lawn or parkway) in most Wayne County cities. Native plant gardens, rain gardens, and meadow landscapes can qualify for exemptions if registered with the city, though programs vary by municipality.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Wayne County's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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