Genesee County, MI Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- County grass limit
- None countywide
- State law
- Act 359 of 1941 (MCL 247.61+)
- Enforcer
- Local weed commissioner
- Remedy
- Cut-and-lien
- Typical local cap
- 8-12 inches (varies)
Summary
Genesee County has no countywide grass-height limit. Tall grass and noxious weeds are controlled by your city, village or township under Michigan's Noxious Weed Act (Act 359 of 1941, MCL 247.61 et seq.), which lets local governments destroy weeds and lien the owner for the cost.
The governing body of any city, village or township may appoint a competent person to be the commissioner of noxious weeds who shall take the oath required of township, city or village officers.
Full Breakdown
Under Michigan's Noxious Weed Act, the governing body of any city, village or township may appoint a commissioner of noxious weeds. The landowner must destroy noxious weeds before they seed; if the owner refuses, the commissioner enters the land, destroys the weeds, and the municipality obtains a lien for the expense. Typical grass-height caps (often 8 to 12 inches) are set in each community's own ordinance, not the county code. Genesee County itself does not set a residential lawn-height standard. Report overgrown grass to the code enforcement office of the specific municipality where the property is located.
Violations & Fines
The local weed commissioner may cut non-compliant weeds/grass and assess the cost as a lien against the land under MCL 247.61 et seq.; fines are set by municipal ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass be in Genesee County?
What happens if I don't cut noxious weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Genesee County
How Genesee County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Genesee County to another location·View the Michigan landscaping rules overview
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