Landscaping Rules in Rochester, MN (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Rochester, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Rochester's Boulevard Tree Trimming Permit
Some RestrictionsRochester City Code § 9-4-5
No person shall plant, move, spray, fertilize, or do surgery work, cut above or below ground or otherwise disturb any tree in any boulevard beyond ordinary care and maintenance along the public streets or avenues, parks, or public places of the city, nor cause such act to be done by others, without first obtaining a written permit from the parks and recreation department, which will issue the p...
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.
Rochester's Boulevard Tree Removal Permit
Some RestrictionsRochester City Code § 9-4-2
The abutting property owners shall grade, seed or sod and shall give ordinary care and protection to trees and grass in boulevard planting areas. No person shall plant, trim or remove trees in the boulevard, or use the boulevard area for any purpose other than the growing of grass and trees or public walks, without first obtaining a permit as hereinafter provided.
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.
Rochester Caps Grass and Weeds at 12 Inches
Some RestrictionsRochester City Code § 8-5-3
It shall be unlawful and a public nuisance for any private property or boulevard in the city to be allowed to retain any noxious weeds, or growth of unattended turf grasses in excess of 12 inches in height, if the growth of unattended turf grass occupies an area of at least 200 square feet. It shall be the owner's responsibility to prevent growth of such noxious weeds or unattended turf grass t...
Looking for Olmsted County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rochester city rules.
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