Grand Rapids, MI Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches
- Applies to
- All city property, vacant or occupied
- Exceptions
- Wooded, unsubdivided land 25+ ft back
- Penalty
- Civil infraction, § 9.115
Summary
Grand Rapids declares grass, weeds or undergrowth taller than 12 inches a public nuisance on any property in the city, with narrow exceptions for wooded, undeveloped or lightly subdivided land far from a sidewalk or street.
Any grass, weeds or undergrowth higher or longer than twelve (12) inches, except: (a) On portions of undeveloped property behind a wooded tree line. (b) On portions of unsubdivided lands more than twenty-five (25) feet from a public sidewalk or a street open to the public. (c) On portions of undeveloped lots in a subdivision less than sixty (60) percent developed lying more than twenty-five (25) feet from a public sidewalk or public street.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).
Full Breakdown
Section 9.108(2) of the Nuisances chapter lists grass, weeds or undergrowth over twelve inches tall as a nuisance that every owner, whether the property is occupied, vacant, improved or unimproved, must keep clear. The rule exempts land behind a wooded tree line, portions of unsubdivided land more than 25 feet from a public sidewalk or street, and undeveloped lots in a subdivision that's less than 60 percent built out and more than 25 feet from a sidewalk or street. Ragweed, poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak are separately banned outright under § 9.108(1), regardless of height.
Violations & Fines
A civil infraction under § 9.115; the City can send a Notice to Abate under § 9.111 and mow or clear the lot itself, billing the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass legally get in Grand Rapids?
Are there exceptions to the 12-inch rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Rapids
How Grand Rapids compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Grand Rapids to another location·View the Michigan landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kent County handle weed ordinances.