Minneapolis, MN Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- No invasive species in landscaping
- Applies to
- Site plan review, new development
- Also covers
- Required trees, 1-3 family homes
- Enforced by
- Zoning administrator, planning commission
- Penalty basis
- Criminal or administrative offense, per day
Summary
Minneapolis zoning requires all landscaping installed under site plan review, plus required trees for new one-, two-, and three-family homes, to be climate-adapted and non-invasive. Development Standards Chapter 550 bars species invasive on native plants citywide.
Landscape species shall be indigenous or proven adaptable to the climate, but shall not be invasive on native species. Plant materials shall comply with the following standards:
(1)All required trees shall be a minimum of two and one-half (2.5) inches caliper in size, except cluster or multiple trunk specimens, which shall be a minimum of one (1) inch caliper in size.(2)All required shrubs shall be a minimum of one (1) gallon container size.(3)All landscape materials shall be tolerant of specific site conditions, including but not limited to heat, cold, drought and salt.(4)Landscape materials that are used for screening shall be of a size that allows growth to the desired height and opacity within two (2) years.
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
Section 550.720 of the Development Standards chapter sets the rule for landscaping required through site plan review: species must be indigenous or proven adaptable to the local climate, and none may be invasive on native species. The same non-invasive standard extends to required trees for new one-, two-, and three-family dwellings under Section 550.790(c)(3). The city planning commission and zoning administrator check compliance when reviewing landscaping and site plans for new construction and major redevelopment; there is no separate list naming individual banned species, so plant selection is judged case by case against this standard at permitting.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the zoning code, including approved landscaping conditions, are punishable as criminal offenses under Section 1.30, as administrative offenses under Chapter 2, or by court injunction and abatement: each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Minneapolis ban specific invasive plant species by name?
Does this rule apply to an existing residential yard or garden?
What happens if approved landscaping later violates this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
Compare Minneapolis to another location·View the Minnesota invasive plant rules overview
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