Minneapolis, MN Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height (1-3 family)
- 4 feet
- Max width (1-3 family)
- 2.5 feet
- Max height (other uses)
- 6 feet
- Limit per yard
- 2 rain barrels/cisterns
- Allowed locations
- Interior side and rear yards only
Summary
Minneapolis zoning code caps rain barrels and cisterns in required side and rear yards at 4 feet tall for one-, two-, and three-family homes, 6 feet for other uses, with a two-unit limit per yard.
Rain barrels and cisterns accessory to single-, two-, or three-family dwellings shall be limited to a maximum height of four (4) feet and a maximum width of two and one-half (2.5) feet. Rain barrels and cisterns accessory to any other residential use and nonresidential uses shall be limited to a maximum height of six (6) feet and a maximum width of three (3) feet. No more than two (2) rain barrels or cisterns may be located in each required yard P P Raised planting beds, not exceeding three (3) feet in height. In a front or corner side yard raised planting beds shall not be closer than five (5) feet to a front or corner side property line. Raised planting beds shall be constructed of wood, brick, masonry, landscape timbers, metal, ceramic, or synthetic lumber and shall be compatible with the principal structure and adjacent residential properties. Raised planting beds constructed of wood shall be structurally sound and free of rot. In addition, prefabricated raised planting beds shall be permitted. Raised planting beds shall not be constructed of wire, chicken wire, rope, cable, railroad ties, utility poles, tires, plumbing fixtures or any other similar materials P P Recreational playground equipment, except for nonresidential uses P Retaining walls, where natural grade is retained P P P
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 allows rain barrels and cisterns as a permitted obstruction in required interior side and rear yards under the zoning code's accessory-structure table. For single-, two-, or three-family dwellings, units are capped at 4 feet in height and 2.5 feet in width; for any other residential or nonresidential use, the cap rises to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. No more than two rain barrels or cisterns may be placed in each required yard, and they are not permitted in front or corner side yards under this table.
Violations & Fines
Oversized or excess rain barrels/cisterns, or placement in a front or corner side yard, are a zoning code violation subject to the city's standard zoning enforcement process, not a separate cistern-specific penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a rain barrel in my front yard in Minneapolis?
How many rain barrels can I have per yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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