Minneapolis, MN Invasive Plant Rules: Front Yard Gardens (2026)
Key Facts
- Default height limit
- 8 inches for weeds/grass
- Exemption
- Managed natural landscape (native plantings)
- Prohibited
- Noxious weeds under Minn. Stat. § 18.77
- Correction window
- 3 days after abatement notice
- Admin fee
- $100 per city abatement
Summary
Minneapolis protects front-yard native plant gardens: a "managed natural landscape" of native or ornamental plants, wildflowers, or rain gardens is exempt from the citywide 8-inch weed and grass height limit, as long as it excludes noxious weeds.
An owner, authorized agent, or authorized occupant of any privately owned lands or premises may, consistent with this subsection and all other applicable laws, statutes, rules and ordinances, install and maintain a managed natural landscape. ... Managed natural landscapes may include plants and grasses in excess of eight (8) inches in height and which have gone to seed, but may not include any noxious weeds and must be maintained so as to not include unintended vegetation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 227.90(a) makes weeds or grass over 8 inches, or gone to seed, a nuisance citywide. § 227.90(b) carves out an exception: an owner, agent, or occupant may install and maintain a "managed natural landscape", native or non-native grasses, wildflowers, forbs, ferns, shrubs, trees, rain gardens, meadow vegetation, or ornamental plantings, that can exceed 8 inches and go to seed without counting as a nuisance. The landscape can't include noxious weeds as defined by Minnesota Statutes § 18.77, subd. 8, can't be a hazard due to location or growth, and can't just be a turf-grass lawn abandoned to return to a natural state.
Violations & Fines
A yard that fails to qualify as a managed natural landscape and exceeds 8 inches draws a § 227.100 notice giving the owner 3 days to correct it; the city then abates it and bills the owner, including a $100 administrative fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a wildflower or native garden in my Minneapolis front yard?
What if my overgrown yard doesn't count as a managed landscape?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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