Minneapolis, MN Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances Chapter 227 (Public Nuisances) requires that turf grass and weeds on private property be kept below 8 inches in height. Regulatory Services Housing Inspection issues a notice of violation upon complaint or during proactive sweeps, typically giving 7 to 10 days to cut. If the property owner fails to comply, the city hires a contractor to mow and assesses the cost plus an administrative fee of approximately 200 dollars against the property tax rolls, consistent with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 429 special assessments. The ordinance explicitly exempts managed natural-landscape areas, native prairies, rain gardens, meadow gardens, and pollinator plantings if the owner registers the planting with the city under the natural-landscape exemption program and posts a sign. Unregistered weed patches remain violations. Golf courses, cemeteries, and MPRB parks have their own management standards. The 8-inch limit applies year-round but enforcement is most active from May through October, with a final push before winter to prevent snow-cover weed collapse.