Minneapolis, MN Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 227.90(b), Minneapolis Code of Ordinances
- Allowed plantings
- Native/non-native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, trees
- Height exemption
- Exempt from 8-inch weed/grass nuisance limit
- Not allowed
- Noxious weeds, hazardous growth, abandoned lawns
- Enforcement
- Nuisance abatement plus $100 administrative fee
Summary
Minneapolis property owners may install and maintain a managed natural landscape of native plants, meadow vegetation, or rain gardens, exempting it from the city's eight-inch weed and grass height nuisance rule.
Except as part of a managed natural landscape as defined in this section, any weeds or grass growing upon any lot or parcel of land in the city to a greater height than eight (8) inches...are hereby declared to be a nuisance condition... 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.
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
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 227.90(b) gives an owner, authorized agent, or authorized occupant the right to install and maintain a 'managed natural landscape': a planned, intentional planting of native or non-native grasses, wildflowers, forbs, ferns, shrubs, or trees, including rain gardens and meadow vegetation. Section 227.90(a) otherwise makes grass or weeds over eight inches a nuisance citywide, but landscapes meeting this definition are carved out of that limit. The landscape still can't include noxious weeds as defined by Minnesota Statutes § 18.77, can't create a hazard to the public under §§ 244.1580 or 427.280, and can't just be an abandoned turf-grass lawn left unattended to return to a natural state.
Violations & Fines
A landscape containing noxious weeds, hazardous growth, or an abandoned turf-grass lawn loses its exemption and is treated as an ordinary nuisance, subject to a three-day correction notice and city abatement with a $100 administrative fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a native garden in Minneapolis?
Can my native landscaping be taller than 8 inches?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
Compare Minneapolis to another location·View the Minnesota landscaping rules overview
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