Whitmore Lake CDP (part), Washtenaw County, Michigan, MI

Washtenaw County itself does not regulate fireworks — that authority belongs to the State of Michigan and to local cities/townships under the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act (PA 256 of 2011, MCL 28.451 et seq.). Consumer fireworks are legal statewide, but local jurisdictions may regulate ignition, discharge, and use EXCEPT after 11 a.m. on protected holiday windows. Violation of a local discharge ordinance carries a civil fine of $1,000 per offense (MCL 28.457(3)), with $500 remitted to local law enforcement. Ann Arbor regulates discharge under Chapter 115 (Weapons and Explosives), and Ypsilanti Township maintains a local consumer fireworks ordinance.

Washtenaw County has NO county-level short-term rental ordinance. Michigan has no enacted statewide STR preemption. STR rules are set by each Washtenaw County city or township. The City of Ann Arbor adopted Chapter 97 of the City Code in September 2020, requiring an annual STR license at $500 per unit, restricting STRs in residential zones to principal-residence properties only, and expressly prohibiting ADU short-term rental. Operators countywide must collect Michigan's 6 percent state use tax on transient lodging under MCL 205.93a.

Michigan imposes a 6% state use tax on lodging under 30 days. Washtenaw County levies a 5% accommodations excise tax under Public Act 263 of 1974, but it applies only to facilities providing rooms to transient guests as a business — its application to owner-rented Airbnb/Vrbo units is enforced primarily on hotels and motels.

Washtenaw County has no countywide STR occupancy cap. Limits are set by each city or township under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Single State Construction Code (PA 230 of 1972). Ann Arbor and Pittsfield Township enforce specific STR occupancy formulas tied to bedroom count.

Washtenaw County has no countywide STR parking standard. Rules are set at the city/township level. Ann Arbor STR licensing requires one off-street space per bedroom (downtown exceptions). Most townships require 2 off-street spaces per single-family dwelling on a hard surface.

Washtenaw County, MI does not set residential quiet hours. Under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3101 et seq.), noise regulation is delegated to the cities, villages, and townships - including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, and Milan. The state criminal fallback is MCL 750.170 (disturbing the peace), a 90-day misdemeanor. Ann Arbor City Code Chapter 119 (Noise Control) prohibits sound audible past the property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., with violations carrying up to a $500 fine. Industrial sources are regulated by EGLE under Part 18 of NREPA. Call your local police non-emergency line - not the County - for residential noise complaints.

Washtenaw County, MI does not regulate residential fence heights. Under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3101 et seq.), fence height, setbacks, and materials are the exclusive authority of each city, village, and township. Ann Arbor City Code Chapter 104 (Fences) sets specific limits: fences in the front 25-40 feet must be under 30 inches and less than 50% opaque, middle-yard fences are capped at 6 feet (80% opacity max), and rear yard fences may go to 8 feet. A building permit is required for any fence over 6 feet. Pool barriers must comply with the Michigan Residential Code (48-inch minimum). Always check your municipal building/zoning department before installing.

Washtenaw County, MI enforces the Michigan Dog Law of 1919 (MCL 287.261 et seq.) for licensing and dangerous-dog rules. MCL 287.262 requires every dog over 4 months old to be licensed annually with proof of current rabies vaccination - the Washtenaw County Treasurer (734-222-6600) issues licenses for all residents except the City of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township, which issue their own. MCL 287.286a prohibits dogs from running at large outside the owner's property. Dogs must be on a leash held by a person when walking in public. Ann Arbor enforces local leash rules through AAPD Animal Control, and Washtenaw County Sheriff handles unincorporated enforcement.

Washtenaw County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program countywide (NFIP CID 26161C) along with each of its cities, villages, and townships, which carry their own CIDs — Ann Arbor City 260213, Ann Arbor Charter Township 260535, Ypsilanti City 260216, Ypsilanti Charter Township 260542, Pittsfield Charter Township 260623, Saline City 260215, Chelsea City 260599, Dexter Village 260600, and Dexter Township 260536. The Huron River, Mill Creek, and Saline River drive most of the SFHA mapping. Floodplain alteration also requires a state permit under Part 31 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.3101 et seq., PA 451 of 1994), administered by EGLE.