Detroit Property Maintenance Code Sec. 8-15-35(a) prohibits noxious weeds and any plant growth (excluding trees, shrubs, and cultivated gardens) over 8 inches. Michigan Public Act 359 of 1941 (Noxious Weed Act) supplements local authority with a commissioner-based abatement process.
Detroit regulates weeds through a dual framework. Locally, Property Maintenance Code Section 8-15-35(a) requires premises to be free from noxious weeds and from any other non-cultivated plant growth exceeding eight inches; trees, shrubs, and maintained flower or vegetable gardens are excluded. BSEED enforces through Operation Compliance, with reporting via Improve Detroit. At the state level, Michigan Public Act 359 of 1941 (MCL 247.61) designates a noxious-weed commissioner role and lists statutorily noxious weeds including Canada thistle, dodders, mustards, wild carrot, bindweed, perennial sowthistle, hoary alyssum, ragweed, poison ivy, and poison sumac. Detroit's primary day-to-day enforcement runs through the PMC; Act 359 serves as a state-law backstop.
Allowing listed noxious weeds or any non-cultivated plant growth over 8 inches violates Sec. 8-15-35(a). BSEED issues notices, may mow and bill the property, and may lien unpaid charges. Repeat or commercial-scale violations can escalate to blight enforcement.
Detroit, MI
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Detroit, MI
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Detroit, MI
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Detroit, MI
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Detroit, MI
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Detroit, MI
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