Macomb County has no countywide vacant-lot ordinance. In Michigan, mowing, fencing, and dumping-prevention duties for vacant land are enforced by each city or township, while illegal dumping is also a state offense.
The county does not regulate the maintenance of vacant or undeveloped lots. Requirements to mow, secure, and keep vacant land free of debris are set and enforced by the local city, village, or township under its property-maintenance and weed ordinances. Michigan's littering law (Part 87 of NREPA) separately makes dumping trash on any public or private lot a state civil infraction or crime, enforceable regardless of the local code. The county Health Department may act only where a vacant lot creates a documented health nuisance, such as standing water or hazardous waste. Contact your municipality for mowing and upkeep standards.
The city or township cites mowing and upkeep violations, then may mow the lot and lien the cost to the parcel. Dumping on the lot adds a state littering fine up to $800 for under one cubic foot.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
St. Clair Shores, MI
St. Clair Shores Code of Ordinances Section 22-26 (Noise) prohibits sounds that disturb the peace and comfort of neighboring properties. Subsection (5) speci...
Macomb County, MI
Animal hoarding is treated as cruelty and neglect under Michigan law and is investigated by Macomb County Animal Control. Failing to provide adequate care je...
Macomb County, MI
Macomb County's Best Practices bar confining or keeping wild animals without municipality approval, and permitted exceptions are limited to accredited zoos a...
Macomb County, MI
Macomb County government does not regulate backyard composting. Michigan law encourages composting as an alternative to landfilling yard waste, and nuisance ...
Macomb County, MI
Macomb County government does not regulate artificial turf on residential property. Whether synthetic lawn is allowed, and any setback, drainage, or coverage...
Macomb County, MI
Macomb County government does not restrict planting native species, and Michigan's noxious-weed law expressly protects milkweed. The County and MSU Extension...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Macomb County.
See how St. Clair Shores's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.