Pontiac, MI Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Chapter 122, Article III of the Pontiac City Code, adopted by Ordinance No. 2282 in 2013, prohibits any owner or agent from permitting weeds, grass, or other rank vegetation to grow past eight inches average height on a parcel, on the abutting sidewalk, or on the street or alley strip between the property line and the curb (§ 122-71(a)). Section 122-71(b) restates the limit for private property specifically: no turf grass may exceed eight inches. The same section separately bans poison ivy, ragweed, and other poisonous or unhealthful growth regardless of height.

Beginning April 1 each year, the Director of Community Development or a designee may notify any owner, occupant, or agent to cut and remove the vegetation and keep it cut through October 31 (§ 122-72). The owner is responsible for abatement, including the right-of-way strip fronting the property, unless a written agreement assigns that duty elsewhere (§ 122-73). Enforcement runs through the Department of Building and Safety, which must mail a ten-business-day notice to abate before the City acts (§ 122-73(c), § 122-74(b)), except where an immediate hazard to public safety excuses prior notice.

If the owner still fails to abate, the City may cut the lot itself and bill the cost to the property, plus an administrative fee set by City Council resolution, with unpaid costs becoming a lien collected like a special assessment (§ 122-77). Violations are punishable under § 122-78 by a civil fine of not less than $100.00 for a first offense and $500.00 for each additional offense within a two-year period, with each day of violation a separate offense.