Landscaping Rules in Rochester, MN

If you live in Rochester or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Rochester has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Trimming

Rochester requires a written permit from the parks and recreation department before anyone trims, sprays, fertilizes or cuts a boulevard tree beyond routine upkeep, under Code § 9-4-5. Ordinary care, defined in § 9-4-7 as spading, trimming grass around the tree, and removing small twigs and growth below the first major limb, doesn't need a permit.

Key details: Governing section: Code § 9-4-5, exemption in § 9-4-7. Needs permit: Trimming, surgery, spraying beyond ordinary care. No permit needed: Grass trimming, small twigs below first limb. Issuer: Parks and recreation department. Permit terms: Species, size, location, expiration date, § 9-4-6.

Trimming, spraying, fertilizing or cutting a boulevard tree beyond ordinary care without the § 9-4-5 permit is prohibited outright. The code does not list a separate fine specific to unpermitted trimming, but an issued permit becomes void under § 9-4-6 if its terms aren't followed, and the parks and recreation department sets the workmanship standard the permit holder must meet.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Rochester requires a permit before anyone plants, trims or removes a boulevard tree, the trees between the sidewalk and street that abutting property owners are otherwise responsible for care of, under Code § 9-4-2. The parks and recreation department, acting for the board of park commissioners, issues the permit, and denials can be appealed to the park board.

Key details: Governing section: Code § 9-4-2, permit under § 9-4-4. Applies to: Boulevard trees along streets/avenues. Issuing authority: Parks and recreation department. Cost: At the owner's own expense. Appeal: Denied permits go to the park board.

Removing or trimming a boulevard tree without the § 9-4-2 permit is prohibited outright; the chapter does not set a separate stated fine for that specific act, but a permit obtained for the work can be declared void under § 9-4-6 if its terms are violated, and denied applicants can appeal to the park board.

Weed Ordinances

Rochester City Code § 8-5-3 makes it unlawful, and a public nuisance, to let noxious weeds grow or turf grass exceed 12 inches in height over at least 200 square feet of a private lot or adjoining boulevard. Owners must cut and remove clippings or stop weeds from spreading by seed; inspectors who spot a violation from the public right-of-way can issue a citation.

Key details: Height limit: 12 inches for unattended turf grass. Nuisance threshold: 200 sq ft of unattended growth (§ 8-5-3). Cure period: 48 hours after citation or notice (§ 8-5-10). City mow-and-bill: After 4 days, billed under § 8-5-12. Exemption: Permitted natural landscape (§ 8-5-5).

A property found in violation is subject to an administrative citation and civil fine under Chapter 1-2, plus the city's actual cost of cutting and removing the grass or weeds if the owner does not comply within 48 hours, billed under § 8-5-12 and collectible as a special assessment against the property under § 9-6-8 if unpaid.

The Bottom Line

Rochester's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Rochester is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Rochester's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.