Washtenaw County has no countywide lawn-height rule; cities and townships set their own. In Ann Arbor, no turf grass on private property may exceed 12 inches. Ypsilanti and townships enforce comparable caps.
Michigan land-use runs under the Zoning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3101), so grass and weed maintenance is a city or township matter, not a Washtenaw County one. Ann Arbor Chapter 40 (Trees and Other Vegetation), section 3:16, caps turf grass on private property at 12 inches. The abutting lawn extension/right-of-way must be kept to an average turf height of 12 inches (or 36 inches for other ground cover). If an owner does not comply, the city administrator may have the grass cut and bill the owner the actual cost plus a $50 administration fee, becoming a special assessment if unpaid within 45 days.
Civil infraction: fine not less than $100 first offense, $250 second, $500 each later offense within two years, capped at $1,000; each day is a separate violation.
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See how Washtenaw County's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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