How Lincoln Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide
Lincoln maintains 208 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lincoln falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal in Lincoln and Nebraska with no state permit required for rain barrels used for irrigation. The City of Lincoln actively encourages rain barrel use for stormwater management. Indoor non-potable use requires compliance with the State Plumbing Code.
Key details: Legality: Fully legal, no state permit required. Outdoor Use: No restrictions for irrigation. Indoor Use: Must meet State Plumbing Code. City Position: Actively encouraged. Rebates: None currently available.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Lincoln gives residents more flexibility on rainwater harvesting.
Artificial Turf
Lincoln does not have a specific ordinance regulating artificial turf installation on private residential property. Standard building setback and drainage requirements apply. HOA restrictions may exist independently of city code.
Key details: City Restriction: None specific to artificial turf. Permit: Not required for standard residential installation. Drainage: Must not adversely affect neighbors. HOAs: May have independent restrictions.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Lincoln is more permissive than most cities when it comes to artificial turf. That said, there are still limits.
Weed Ordinances
Lincoln enforces weed abatement under LMC Chapter 8.46, requiring vegetation be kept below six inches. Lancaster County Weed Authority also enforces Nebraska Noxious Weed Control Act for designated noxious species. Failure to comply results in city abatement at the owner's expense.
Key details: Height Limit: 6 inches (LMC 8.46). State Law: NRS 2-955 Noxious Weed Control Act. Noxious Weeds: Musk thistle, Canada thistle, leafy spurge, others. Non-Compliance: City abates and liens property. Report: (402) 441-7511 or online.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Native Plants
Lincoln does not restrict native plant landscaping on private property. The city encourages native plantings through its Watershed Management program. The weed abatement ordinance (LMC 8.46) applies to vegetation over six inches, but intentional native gardens are generally distinguishable from neglected lots.
Key details: Restrictions: None specific to native plants. Weed Ordinance: 6-inch limit may apply (LMC 8.46). City Position: Encourages native plantings. Resources: UNL Extension, Watershed Management.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around native plants in Lincoln lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Water Restrictions
Lincoln Water System enforces a tiered Water Management Plan with odd/even address watering schedules. Voluntary conservation runs May through September. Mandatory restrictions can be activated during drought. No watering on Mondays is encouraged to replenish supply.
Key details: Odd Addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Even Addresses: Sunday, Wednesday, Friday. No-Water Day: Monday (voluntary). Best Times: Before 10 AM or after 6 PM. New Lawn Permit: Free daily watering permit available.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Tree Trimming
Lincoln regulates street trees under LMC Chapter 12.20 (Trees and Shrubbery). Property owners must maintain trees adjacent to public rights-of-way and keep clear vertical and horizontal clearance for sidewalks and streets. Licensed arborists required for certain work per LMC Chapter 5.06.
Key details: Code: LMC Chapter 12.20 Trees and Shrubbery. Sidewalk Clearance: 8 ft vertical minimum. Street Clearance: 14 ft vertical minimum. Arborist License: Required per LMC 5.06. State Law: NRS 39-1812 landowner duty to trim.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Lincoln requires permits for removal of trees in public rights-of-way under LMC Chapter 12.20. Street tree removal must be approved by the Urban Forester. Private property tree removal generally does not require a city permit unless in a special zoning overlay.
Key details: Street Trees: Permit required (LMC 12.20.050). Private Trees: Generally no permit needed. Approval: Urban Forester reviews applications. Replacement: May be required for street tree removal. State Law: NRS 17-555 nuisance tree removal authority.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Grass Height Limits
Lincoln requires property owners to cut weeds and worthless vegetation that exceeds six inches above the ground under LMC Chapter 8.46. Owners must also maintain one-half of abutting streets and alleys. City weed abatement enforces compliance seasonally.
Key details: Max Height: 6 inches above ground (LMC 8.46). Scope: Property plus half of abutting streets/alleys. Enforcement: City abatement with cost to owner. Contact: (402) 441-7511 Lincoln Action Center. Purpose: Health code - pest and vermin control.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Lincoln gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
These rules come from Lincoln's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.