Flint, MI Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Licensing authority
- City Clerk, City of Flint
- License term
- One year, expires April 30
- Property damage insurance min.
- $25,000
- Per-person injury insurance min.
- $100,000
- Per-accident insurance min.
- $300,000
Summary
The City of Flint requires any person or company that cuts, removes, or trims trees on private property for hire to hold a City Clerk-issued license and proof of liability insurance.
No person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of cutting, removing or trimming trees on private property within the City of Flint without obtaining a license as herein provided. Any person, firm or corporation making application for the license shall furnish to the City Clerk, on a form to be prescribed by him, information concerning the name and organization of the applicant, a description of the equipment and procedures employed and the nature of operations conducted. Upon receipt of such information, and the certificates of insurance required in this article, the City Clerk shall issue a license to such applicant and such license shall be shown to any person who shall do business with the licensee and who shall request same. The issuance of a license hereunder shall not obviate the necessity of obtaining such other licenses and permits as shall be required by the ordinances of the City of Flint. (Ord. 2026, passed 1-22-1968) Cross-reference: Trees and Shrubs, see Ch. 45
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2016 Code: Local legislation current through Ordinance 3821, passed 3-1-2012).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 12, Article VI covers commercial tree work: an applicant must give the City Clerk their name, equipment, and operating procedures, then carry insurance indemnifying at least $25,000 for property damage, $100,000 per injured or killed person, and $300,000 per accident before a license issues. Licenses run one year, expiring April 30, with a fee set in Chapter 26 and no rebate for partial terms. The license only covers cutting, removing, or trimming trees for hire on private property inside city limits, it doesn't authorize work in the public right-of-way, which the Recreation and Park Board separately permits under Chapter 45.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the license, or letting required insurance lapse, violates Chapter 12 Article VI; absent a specific penalty, Flint's general penalty applies: up to $500 and 90 days, per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to trim the trees in my own yard?
Does this license cover trimming trees along the street or sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flint
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