Sterling Heights, MI Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 6 inches or seed-bearing stage
- City notice
- published in March each year
- Cut deadline
- weeds cut by May 1
- Unpaid cost
- becomes a lien on property
Summary
Sterling Heights requires owners to destroy noxious weeds and grass over six inches before they go to seed; miss the deadline and the City cuts them and bills you, with a lien on the property if you don't pay.
The owner, agent, or occupant of (a) any subdivided land (lot) in a subdivision in which buildings have been erected on 60% of the lots, or (b) a lot or parcel adjacent to a paved street or road used or open to the public upon which noxious weeds are found growing shall destroy such noxious weeds before they reach seed bearing stage or six (6) inches in height, and prevent their regrowth, or prevent them from becoming a detriment to public health for a depth of the lot or parcel, or the depth of 10 rods (165 feet), whichever is less...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
Sterling Heights' Property Maintenance Code (Ch. 11, Art. VI) requires owners, agents, or occupants of subdivided lots or parcels along a paved street to destroy noxious weeds before they reach seed-bearing stage or six inches tall, for the depth of the lot or 165 feet, whichever is less. The City publishes a March notice warning that uncut weeds will be mowed by the City after May 1, then may enter the property, cut the weeds with its own crews or equipment, and charge the cost, plus administrative and attorney fees, back to the owner as a lien on the property, enforceable like a tax lien.
Violations & Fines
If weeds aren't cut by the City's May 1 deadline, the City abates them itself and bills the owner for the cost plus administrative and attorney fees; unpaid charges become a lien on the property, enforced like a tax lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds or grass get before it's a violation in Sterling Heights?
What happens if I don't cut noxious weeds on my lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
How Sterling Heights compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Sterling Heights to another location·View the Michigan landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Macomb County handle weed ordinances.