Roseville, MN Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)
Key Facts
- Container size
- No more than five feet in length, width, or height
- Number per lot
- Two up to 10,000 square feet; three above
- Setback from lot lines
- At least five feet from rear and side lines
- Setback from buildings
- At least 20 feet from habitable buildings besides your home
- Location
- Rear yard only
- Applies to
- Parcels designated single-family residential under Chapter 1004
Summary
Roseville limits composting on single-family residential parcels to containers or areas of no more than five feet in length, width or height: up to two on lots of up to 10,000 square feet and up to three on larger lots. Containers go in the rear yard, five feet from rear and side lot lines and 20 feet from any habitable building other than the resident's own home.
Composting shall be conducted within a composting area or composting container not to exceed five feet in length, width, or height. Lots of up to 10,000 square feet in area may have up to two composting areas or containers per lot and lots greater than 10,000 square feet in area may have up to three composting areas or containers per lot. Compost containers shall be constructed or made of a durable material; including, but not limited to, sturdy woven wire fencing, rot-resistant wood, or a commercially purchased composting unit that will provide for adequate aeration. Containers shall be constructed and maintained in a structurally sound manner. ... Compost containers shall be located in the rear yard no closer than five feet to any rear or side property line and no closer than 20 feet to any habitable building, other than the resident's own home. ... All compost containers or compost materials not in compliance with this chapter shall be declared a nuisance and are subject to abatement as provided in chapter 405 .
Official source re-checked November 3, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 406 applies only to parcels designated single-family residential under Chapter 1004 (Sec. 406.02). Sec. 406.01 defines composting as a microbial process that converts plant materials to a usable organic soil amendment or mulch.
Size and number. Under Sec. 406.03, composting shall be conducted within a composting area or container not to exceed five feet in length, width, or height. Lots of up to 10,000 square feet in area can have up to two composting areas or containers, and lots greater than 10,000 square feet can have up to three.
Construction. Compost containers shall be made of a durable material, including sturdy woven wire fencing, rot-resistant wood, or a commercially purchased composting unit that provides for adequate aeration, and shall be constructed and maintained in a structurally sound manner.
Location. Sec. 406.04 requires containers in the rear yard, no closer than five feet to any rear or side property line and no closer than 20 feet to any habitable building, other than the resident's own home.
What goes in the bin. Sec. 406.05 allows grass clippings, leaves, soft-bodied plant materials, straw, sawdust, fruit or vegetable scraps, flowers, lake plants, coffee grounds, eggshells, and commercially available compost ingredients. It bars meat, bones, fat, oils, grease, dairy products, brush greater than one-fourth inch in diameter, human or pet waste, plastics and synthetic fibers.
Maintenance. Sec. 406.06 requires compost materials to be managed to minimize odor generation and to promote effective decomposition in a safe, secure and sanitary manner. Sec. 405.02(1) separately declares a public nuisance any composting of yard waste or kitchen waste that is left unattended and causes offensive odors, attracts rodents or pests, is unsightly, or does not meet Chapter 406.
Violations & Fines
Under Sec. 406.07, all compost containers or compost materials not in compliance with Chapter 406 are declared a nuisance and are subject to abatement as provided in Chapter 405. The community development director enforces under Sec. 405.06. Sec. 405.07 requires written notice stating the steps to abate and a deadline not exceeding 30 days, and the owner is personally liable for city abatement costs under Sec. 405.08(a). Sec. 102.01(a) sets a misdemeanor fine not to exceed $1,000.00, or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
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Composting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle composting.