YARD & SNOW
Snow and Ice
East Lansing is a pedestrian town, so keeping the sidewalks clear is important for safety. Check your lease to see if you are responsible for shoveling.
To avoid fines or tickets, follow these rules:
snowfall that occurs before Noon must be cleared by Midnight the same day
snowfall that occurs after Noon must be cleared by Midnight the following day
Out of town and need your snow cleared?
Consider calling your landlord to ask if they know of someone to help
Text a neighbor or friend to help you out!
Consider using student-run services like Stunio to pay local students to clear your sidewalks/driveway
Lawn Care
Contribute to the East Lansing community by keeping your lawn neat and trimmed. Grass and weeds can be no higher than six inches. Please keep trees and shrubs trimmed so sidewalks and street corners are not physically or visually obstructed. If your yard is growing out of control, you may receive a violation notice and a ticket. Remember, vehicles may not be parked so they overlap the lawn.
For more information related to lawn care, please see the City of East Lansing’s Yard Waste Collection webpage. Disposal information is outlined and Fall Bulk Leaf Collection information is available.
Outdoor Furniture
The City of East Lansing restricts all non-outdoor furniture in outdoor spaces, including any open porch, balcony, patio, or lawn. This includes furniture and lawn games that are visible to neighbors.
If you are found in violation, you will receive a warning giving you two to three days to remove the furniture. If the furniture is not removed, a ticket can be issued to carrying up to a $1,000 fine.
Pools
East Lansing passed an ordinance dealing with pools in Spring 2014. Please read carefully over this law in order to avoid costly fines and penalties:
“No pool, swimming pool, hot tub, or spa of any depth, permanent or temporary, shall be placed in the front yard or any one-family, two-family, or multiple-family dwelling….No pool, swimming pool, hot tub or spa of any depth, permanent or temporary shall be placed in the side yard of any one-family, two-family or multiple-family dwelling unless the side yard is enclosed.”
