Landscaping Rules in Ankeny, IA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Ankeny, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In the City of Ankeny, Iowa, owners of property next to a public right-of-way must trim overhanging trees, shrubs, or plantings so branches clear at least 15 feet above the street or alley and 8 feet above the sidewalk. The City pursues noncompliance through its nuisance abatement procedure rather than a stand-alone fine.
Ankeny Owners Must Trim Trees Over Streets, Walks
Some RestrictionsAnkeny Code of Ordinances § 166.07
The owner or agent of property abutting public right-of-way shall keep any trees, shrubs, or other plantings overhanging the street, alley, or sidewalk trimmed so that all branches will be at least fifteen (15) feet above the surface of the street or alley and eight (8) feet above the surface of the sidewalk. If the abutting property owner fails to trim the trees, shrubs, or other plantings, th...
Weed Ordinances
In the City of Ankeny, Iowa, no owner may let grass, weeds, volunteer trees, or other vegetation grow past 12 inches tall on land within the City. After 5 days' written notice, the City can cut or eliminate overgrown vegetation itself and bill the owner through the property tax roll.
Ankeny Caps Grass and Weeds at 12 Inches
Some RestrictionsAnkeny Code of Ordinances § 167.02
It shall be the duty of each owner or each person in the possession or control of any lands lying within the City to keep such land free from weeds, vines, brush or other vegetation when such growth constitutes a health, safety or fire hazard, even though such weeds, vines, brush or other vegetation do not fall within the definition of noxious weeds under the provisions of Chapter 317 of the Co...
Native Plants
In the City of Ankeny, Iowa, native planting areas are exempt from the City's 12-inch vegetation height cap as long as they do not create a nuisance. Owners may maintain those areas by controlled burning under a fire department permit instead of mowing them each year.
Ankeny Exempts Native Plantings From Height Limit
Few RestrictionsAnkeny Code of Ordinances § 167.04(9)
Native Planting Areas: Areas of native plant species on any parcel, provided they do not constitute a nuisance under this Code. Native plants/vegetation means any indigenous plant species found in the state’s prairies, excluding any noxious weeds. As a best management practice, all vegetation, other than trees and shrubs, should be cut at least once annually to a height no greater than ten inch...
Composting
Ankeny Code of Ordinances § 110.07 lets residents compost yard and kitchen waste but caps every bin at 125 cubic feet and 42 inches tall, requires it to be free-standing, and sets it back at least three feet from property lines, the principal building and any detached accessory building.
Ankeny Backyard Compost Bin Standards
Some RestrictionsAnkeny Code of Ordinances § 110.07
110.07 COMPOSTING. ... 2. Maintenance. ... All compost piles shall be maintained using approved composting procedures to comply with the following requirements: A. All compost piles shall be enclosed in a free-standing compost bin. Each compost bin shall be no larger in volume than 125 cubic feet and shall be no taller than 42 inches. ... 3. Location. All compost bins shall be located not less ...