Nuisances Prohibited on Public and Private Property.
Grand Rapids City Code § 9.108
in effectSec. 9.108. - Nuisances Prohibited on Public and Private Property.
The following conditions are declared a public nuisance. All property within the City, whether occupied or vacant, improved or unimproved, shall be maintained by the owner free of the following nuisances:
(1) Ragweed, poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak and similar plants.
(2) Any grass, weeds or undergrowth higher or longer than twelve (12) inches, except:
(a) On portions of undeveloped property behind a wooded tree line.
(b) On portions of unsubdivided lands more than twenty-five (25) feet from a public sidewalk or a street open to the public.
(c) On portions of undeveloped lots in a subdivision less than sixty (60) percent developed lying more than twenty-five (25) feet from a public sidewalk or public street.
(3) Any bush, shrub, tree or other vegetation or portion thereof obstructing the line of vision or interfering with passage of pedestrians or motorists on a sidewalk, walkway, driveway or street.
(4) Stagnant or Unsanitary Water.
(5) Garbage or rubbish or any other unhealthy, hazardous or offensive condition, object or substance, subject to the following exceptions. Residential composting, as that term is defined in this Chapter, shall be permitted subject to the following conditions:
(a) Residential composting is only permitted on the premises of an occupied residential dwelling.
(b) The compost may not contain animal waste, meat, bones, grease, oils, fats, or cooked foods of any kind.
(c) The compost must be completely contained in a fully enclosed and commercially manufactured compost receptacle.
(d) The compost receptacle must be located in the rear yard of the residential dwelling.
(e) The compost receptacle must be kept tightly covered except when opened for deposit or removal of compost materials.
(f) The compost receptacle shall have a capacity of no greater than 64 cubic feet.
(g) The compost receptacle shall be constructed of rigid and durable materials, which shall not include any of the following: burlap, tarp, vehicle tires, wire mesh, chicken wire, flexible fencing material of any kind, or any substantially similar materials.
(6) Any dead tree or any portion thereof, or any dying tree that presents a hazard to any member of the public or to property.
(7) Any Unsecured Building. An unoccupied or vacant building, structure or part thereof shall be kept secured by the owner against unauthorized entry and water damage. Boarding shall be done in a manner and with materials as specified in Section 9.110 of this Code.
(8) Reserved.
(9) Refrigerators, Freezers, or Similar Equipment Providing Enclosed Spaces. A refrigerator, an airtight container, a tank with an open access hole and any other contrivance or property which encloses or substantially encloses a space is declared to be an unlawful and immediate hazard, a nuisance and a violation of this Code if placed anywhere outdoors in a manner which could result in injury or death. Such declared hazard, space or equipment may be abated as an emergency without notice. Upon making harmless a violation of this Section, the City shall issue a notice to abate the violation as set forth in Section 9.111 of this Chapter.
(10) Failure to Maintain Alleys, Parkways, or Property Abutting Public Right-of-Ways. Every owner shall be responsible for maintaining the following public access areas abutting their property in compliance with this Article, including the following:
(a) The sidewalk and parkway to the curb or street pavement, except for dead trees;
(b) A public or utility easement to the centerline;
(c) An alley or alleyway to the centerline, except for standing or stagnant water.
(11) Inoperable, Unlicensed or Unregistered Vehicles. No more than one (1) operable vehicle, that is unlicensed or unregistered shall be located outdoors for more than seven (7) days on a property with a residential or commercial structure. Such vehicle must be located behind a dwelling or commercial building. Inoperable, unlicensed or unregistered vehicle storage is prohibited on any vacant property, whether a structure exists on the property or not.
(12) Outdoor Furniture. Any furniture or furnishings manufactured or intended to be for indoor use and is not constructed to be used outdoors, shall not be placed within the yard or on any unenclosed porch or similar area that will allow access for vermin, weather or arson.
(Ord. No. 2006-32, § 1, 6-6-06; Ord. No. 2010-30, § 1, 6-22-10; Ord. No. 2013-44, §§ 2, 3, 9-10-13, eff. 10-1-13; Ord. No. 2023-29, § 1, 7-25-23)
Source: City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mi/grand_rapids/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIOLRE_CH151NU_ART8PRMANU_S9.108NUPRPUPRPRFetched: 11/7/2026