Landscaping Rules in Anoka County, MN (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Anoka County, Minnesota.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Anoka County bans intensive vegetation clearing in shore impact zones, bluff impact zones and on steep slopes; only limited, view-opening clearing that protects screening and ground cover is allowed there, though dead or hazardous trees can be removed anytime without a permit.
Tree Clearing Rules in Anoka County Shoreland
Some RestrictionsAnoka County Ordinance #2022-1, Sec. 8.2
Intensive vegetation clearing in the shore and bluff impact zones and on steep slopes is prohibited. Intensive clearing outside of these areas is allowed if consistent with the forest management standards in Section 5.3 of this ordinance. Limited clearing and trimming of trees and shrubs in the shore and bluff impact zones and on steep slopes, is allowed to provide a view to the water from the ...
Weed Ordinances
Minnesota law requires every landowner to control noxious weeds. Anoka County appoints a weed inspector; cities also enforce grass and weed height. In Blaine, weeds over eight inches are a public nuisance.
Weed and Noxious Weed Rules in Anoka County
Some RestrictionsMinn. Stat. § 18.78, subd. 1
A person owning land, a person occupying land, or a person responsible for the maintenance of public land must manage all noxious weeds, according to the noxious weed categories under section 18.771, on the land at a time and in a manner ordered by an inspector or county-designated employee.
Native Plants
Anoka County cities allow native and pollinator landscaping, but a native lawn taller than the mowing limit usually needs an approved plan. Blaine requires a land-management plan, rear-yard placement, and neighbor consent.
Native and Pollinator Landscaping in Anoka County
Some RestrictionsBlaine City Code § 90-37
Property owners may seek approval of a land management plan to convert a portion of their property to a native lawn, where grasses and other growth may exceed six inches in height... The native lawn area shall be located in the rear yard only and maintain at least a five-foot setback from all property lines.
Composting
Minnesota bans putting yard waste in the trash, and Anoka County runs two free compost sites for residents. Backyard composting is encouraged; grass clippings can be left on the lawn.
Composting and Yard Waste Rules in Anoka County
Some RestrictionsMinn. Stat. § 115A.931
On or after January 1, 2010, a person may not place yard waste or source-separated compostable materials generated in a metropolitan county in a plastic bag delivered to a transfer station or compost facility unless the bag meets all the specifications in ASTM Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics (D6400).
All Anoka County ordinances
See every category we cover for Anoka County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Anoka County Ordinance Hub →