Ann Arbor, MI Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- Right-of-way lawn extension
- Max grass height
- 12 inches
- Other plants
- 36 inches (herbaceous)
- First-offense fine
- $100 civil infraction
- Notice required
- 72 hours before city acts
Summary
Ann Arbor's Chapter 40 tree-and-vegetation ordinance makes every owner responsible for the lawn extension between the sidewalk and curb, requiring grass at 12 inches or less and backing that up with a notice-and-abate process with escalating civil fines.
The owner of every parcel of land is responsible for grading, planting, mowing and raking the lawn extension in the city right-of-way so that it is covered at least with grass with a height not in excess of 12 inches or with other cultivated herbaceous plants with a foliage height not in excess of 36 inches above the adjacent sidewalk or ground surface except at intersections and along curves...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 3:15, owners must grade, plant, mow and rake the lawn extension in the city right-of-way so it stays at 12 inches or less (36 inches for other cultivated plants), with a stricter sightline rule at intersections. If the city has to send notice and do the work itself under § 3:17, it bills the owner the cost plus a $50 administration fee, and unpaid violations escalate under § 3:19's civil-infraction schedule.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction under § 3:19: not less than $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, $500 for each further offense within 2 years, capped at $1,000/day; unpaid fees become a special assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as the whole-yard grass rule?
What if I ignore the city's notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
How Ann Arbor compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Ann Arbor to another location·View the Michigan landscaping rules overview
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