Farmington Hills, MI Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Vacant-lot maintenance in Farmington Hills runs primarily through the Noxious Vegetation provisions in Code Sections 17-26 through 17-31, administered by the Zoning and Code Enforcement Division (248-871-2540). The Notice to Cut Grass and Weeds is issued annually by the City Clerk (the most recent published notice is the February 2024 Notice to Cut Grass and Weeds), and is a direct ordinance-enforcement notice — not a courtesy reminder. Under Sec. 17-26 through 17-31: (1) it is unlawful for any property owner to permit noxious weeds or other rank vegetation to grow on the property; (2) the Code Enforcement Officer may direct the owner to cut the growth within a stated time; (3) if the owner refuses or fails to comply, the City may enter the property, cut the growth, and assess the cost back to the owner; (4) a civil fine of up to $500 may be imposed on owners who refuse or fail to cut noxious vegetation. The rule applies uniformly to vacant lots, undeveloped subdivision parcels, foreclosure properties, and occupied residential lots within the City. The Chapter 7 Sec. 7-350 rental-inspection standard separately cites 'weeds and grass in excess of 8 inches' as a citable condition on inspected single-family rental dwellings. State law supports the City's authority: the Michigan Noxious Weed Act (Act 359 of 1941, MCL 247.61 et seq.) provides general authority for local noxious-weed enforcement. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) lists specific noxious species. Vacant commercial / industrial parcels are also subject to general property maintenance under the 2015 IPMC adopted through Chapter 7 Article VIII for inspected categories, and Chapter 17 nuisance provisions for general blight conditions.