Apple Valley, MN Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 94.36 of the Apple Valley Code of Ordinances puts the duty on the property owner. The City of Apple Valley, in Dakota County, Minnesota, requires all property owners within the city to remove, cut, dispose and prevent the growth of weeds, grasses and rank vegetation or other uncontrolled plant growth on their property in excess of eight inches in height. The eight-inch line reaches turf grass as well as weeds, because the section names grasses and other uncontrolled plant growth alongside weeds.

The code defines the target terms in § 94.35. Weeds and rank vegetation means noxious weeds including but not limited to a printed list that runs from Alum (allium), Buckthorn and Bur Cucumber through Canada Thistle, Leafy Spurge, Musk Thistle, Purple Loosestrife, Quackgrass and Wild Parsnip. The definition also covers grapevines growing in groups of 100 or more that are not pruned, sprayed, cultivated, or otherwise maintained for two consecutive years, and nuisance weeds as defined by state statutes and rules. Property owner is defined broadly as the person occupying the property, the holder of legal title or a person having control over the property of another, such as a right-of-way, easement, license or lease, so a tenant or easement holder is reached as well as the titleholder.

The section carves out natural areas defined as woods, pastures, parks, bogs, marshes, and agricultural areas. Separately, § 94.15(H) lists all noxious weeds and other rank growths of vegetation upon public or private property as public nuisances affecting health. The nuisance chapter also names weed elimination from public street boulevard areas or private property as a current service the city can perform and charge back. Under § 94.01(B), the owner or occupant has five days from the date of the city's mailed notice to abate the nuisance. After that the city can do the work, the owner and occupant become personally liable for the cost, unpaid charges pick up monthly service charges, and the balance can be specially assessed against the property under M.S. § 429.101. The weed provisions were amended by Ord. 752 (passed 6-10-04) and Ord. 887 (passed 4-8-10).