Eden Prairie, MN Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Section 9.71, Subdivision 1 defines a Native Plant Landscape Area as ground where native grasses, sedges, forbs, trees or shrubs native or naturalized to Minnesota (excluding invasive species under Minn. Stat. ch. 84D) are planted, distinct from a garden or a Natural Area. Subdivision 3.B exempts these areas from the citywide 10-inch vegetation height cap, but only if the planting is set back 20 feet from the front lot line (corner lots count both sides as front yards) and 5 feet from side or rear lot lines, unless a fully opaque fence at least 5 feet high separates it from the neighbor or it abuts another native planting.

The bed must be cut to 10 inches or less at least once a year, between April 15 and July 15, and turfgrass must be eliminated by transplanting or seeding, with erosion controlled while soil is bare. Owners who want a Native Plant Landscape Area inside the 20-foot front setback can instead apply under Subdivision 3.C for a permit tied to a landscape plan prepared by a registered landscape architect, showing the site survey, planting schedule and maintenance plan; that permit expires if the area is not installed within three months of issuance.

Subdivision 5 bars any planting from blocking sight lines, warning signs, street identification signs or streetlights. The City may order removal of native plantings placed in a drainage or utility easement or street right-of-way at the owner's expense under Subdivision 6, and is not liable for damage from snow removal or public works work in those areas.