Grand Rapids, MI Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Open or vacant private lots
- Cleanup notice
- 30 days to comply
- Non-compliance
- Special assessment lien on lot
- Code section
- § 9.103, Chapter 151
Summary
Grand Rapids prohibits dumping litter on any open or vacant private lot in the city, whether or not you own it, and the City Manager can order an owner to clear a lot that threatens public health.
No person shall throw or deposit litter upon any open or vacant private property within the City whether owned by such person or not.
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 9.103 of the Nuisances chapter makes it unlawful to throw or deposit litter on any open or vacant private property in Grand Rapids, regardless of ownership. If litter on a vacant lot becomes dangerous to public health or safety, Section 9.104 lets the City Manager notify the owner to clean it up; after 30 days of non-compliance the City reports the lot to the City Commission, which may levy a special assessment against the property to cover cleanup costs.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction under § 9.115; unresolved litter after a 30-day notice can trigger a special assessment lien against the property under § 9.104.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited for litter on a vacant lot I don't own?
What happens if the owner ignores a litter cleanup notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Rapids
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Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kent County handle vacant lot maintenance.