Landscaping Rules in Saint Paul, MN: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Saint Paul or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Saint Paul has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.
Native Plants
Saint Paul supports native plantings through its 2016 Pollinator Resolution. MN Stat. 561.19 requires cities to allow managed natural landscapes exempt from grass height limits.
Key details: Pollinator Resolution: Adopted 2016. State Law: MN Stat. 561.19 protects managed natural landscapes. Height Exemption: Native plantings exempt from 8-inch grass limit. Grant Program: Lawns to Legumes up to $350-$750.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Saint Paul gives residents more flexibility on native plants.
Rainwater Harvesting
Saint Paul allows rainwater harvesting without a permit for outdoor use. Minnesota has no restrictions on rain barrels. The Capitol Region Watershed District offers cost-share grants.
Key details: Rain Barrels: No permit required for outdoor use. Indoor Plumbing: Plumbing permit required under MN 4714. Cost-Share: Capitol Region Watershed District grants. State Program: Lawns to Legumes reimbursement available.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Saint Paul is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rainwater harvesting. That said, there are still limits.
Artificial Turf
Saint Paul does not prohibit artificial turf on residential properties. The zoning code requires ground cover that controls erosion and dust, which artificial turf generally satisfies.
Key details: City Prohibition: None - artificial turf is not banned. Permit Required: No, unless grading is altered. Zoning Standard: Ground cover must control erosion and dust. Contact: DSI at (651) 266-8989.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Saint Paul is more permissive than most cities when it comes to artificial turf. That said, there are still limits.
Grass Height Limits
Saint Paul requires grass and weeds below 8 inches under Chapter 45. The city may mow non-compliant properties and bill the owner. Managed natural landscapes are exempt under MN Stat. 561.19.
Key details: Maximum Height: 8 inches (Chapter 45). Noxious Weeds: Must be destroyed regardless of height. Enforcement: DSI Property Code Enforcement. Non-Compliance: City mows and bills the property owner.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Tree Trimming
Saint Paul requires a free Forestry permit for trimming or pruning public boulevard trees. Licensed contractors must perform the work. Private trees need no permit outside the Tree Preservation District.
Key details: Boulevard Tree Permit: Required and free of charge. Contractor Requirement: Must be licensed and insured. Private Trees: No permit unless in Tree Preservation District. Contact: Forestry at (651) 266-6400.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Water Restrictions
Saint Paul enforces odd-even outdoor watering during droughts. Watering is limited to before noon or after 6 PM. Hand-held hoses and tree watering bags are exempt.
Key details: Schedule: Odd addresses on odd days, even on even. Allowed Hours: Before noon or after 6 PM. Exemptions: Hand-held hoses, tree bags, commercial nurseries. Authority: Saint Paul Regional Water Services.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Weed Ordinances
Saint Paul enforces weed abatement under local and state law. MN Stat. §18.75 (Noxious Weed Law) enforced by county agricultural inspectors.
Key details: State Law: MN Stat. §18.75. Enforcement: City + county inspectors. Cost: Owner pays abatement. Native Gardens: May need registration.
Notice to abate. City clears at owner’s expense ($200 to $1,000+). Noxious weed violations: county enforcement.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Saint Paul requires a Forestry permit for boulevard tree removal. In the Tree Preservation District, removing trees 12+ inches in diameter needs a $273 plan with 1:1 to 3:1 replacement ratios.
Key details: Boulevard Removal: Free permit, may owe tree value. Preservation District: South of Lower Afton Road. Plan Fee: $273 for Tree Preservation Plan. Replacement Ratio: 1:1 to 3:1 depending on diameter. Bond Required: 125% of replacement tree value.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Saint Paul's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Saint Paul 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.
Keep in mind that Saint Paul can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.