Vegetation

Vegetation Rules for Property Owners

Ann Arbor is committed to maintaining people-friendly streets and sidewalks while supporting pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Trees, shrubs, grass and other vegetation must be maintained so sidewalks, streets, intersections, bus stops and crosswalks remain safe and visible for everyone.

Here’s what Ann Arbor residents should know about height limits and clearance requirements for vegetation on private property and in rights-of-way, including lawn extensions.

This page summarizes vegetation rules for property owners under Chapter 40: Trees and Other Vegetation of the Ann Arbor City Code.

Plant height limits within sight triangle at residential intersections

To protect pedestrians, drivers and cyclists, vegetation near residential intersections must be kept below 30 inches in height within a triangular area formed by measuring 40 feet along each curb line from the corner and connecting those two points (the “sight triangle”).

Branch clearance over streets and sidewalks

Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation on private property must be maintained to allow 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet of clearance over streets.

Plant height limits in lawn extensions and city rights-of-way

The owner of every parcel of land is responsible for grading, planting, mowing and raking the lawn extension in the city right-of-way. It must be covered with grass with a height not in excess of 12 inches or with other plants with a foliage height not in excess of 36 inches above the adjacent sidewalk or ground surface (except at intersections and along curves, where vegetation must also not present a view hazard). Flower tops of plants may extend as high as 42 inches, provided view lines are not obstructed.

Plant height limits at mid-block crosswalks, bus stops and pedestrian islands

Vegetation planted at mid-block crosswalks, bus stops or on pedestrian islands must not exceed a maximum height of 24 inches when blooming. The vegetation must be maintained to ensure an unaccompanied minor, a person in a wheelchair and a person walking a bike can be adequately visible to a driver.

Plants cannot intrude into the street or sidewalk

Trees, shrubs and other vegetation on private property shall be maintained so that no part is obstructing or blocking the sidewalk or the street.

Trees, shrubs and vegetation on private property shall not intrude into the right-of-way in such a manner as to create a hazard for pedestrians and others using the sidewalk.

Quick reference guide to plant height limits

The table below outlines plant height limits and clearance requirements based on a plant's type and location.

Location/Type of Vegetation	Height/Clearance Rule	Chapter 40 Section(s)
Trees, shrubs, vegetation over sidewalks	8 feet of clearance	3:14 & 3:16
Trees, shrubs, vegetation over streets	14 feet of clearance	3:14 & 3:16
Grass on private property	No height limit	3:16
Grass on lawn extension	No taller than 12 inches	3:15
Vegetation at mid-block crosswalks, bus stops, islands	No taller than 24 inches	3:15
Height of vegetation within residential intersection sight triangle	No taller than 30 inches	3:14
Height of foliage in lawn extensions above adjacent sidewalk	No taller than 36 inches	3:15
Height of flower tops on lawn extensions	No taller than 42 inches	3:15

Code violation notices

If your property is found to be in violation of any of the rules in Chapter 40, the city may issue a Notice of Code Violation. The notice will identify the applicable section of Chapter 40 and describe the issue to be corrected. A follow-up inspection will be conducted 72 hours after the time listed on the notice.

Questions

For questions about a vegetation notice or enforcement, contact the City of Ann Arbor Police Department Community Standards Unit at 734.794.6942.

To file a community standards complaint, please call 734.794.6942, or please use the Report a Problem page or the A2 Fix It App.