Blaine, MN Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Nuisance height threshold
- over 8 inches
- First violation notice period
- 10 days
- Repeat violation notice
- 3 days, posted at property
- Penalty
- misdemeanor, Sec. 90-20
- City abatement cost
- billed to owner, certified ~Oct. 1
- Excluded
- noxious weeds under M.S.A. § 18.87
Summary
In the City of Blaine, Section 90-22 declares turf grass, pollinator lawns and weeds a public nuisance once they grow taller than eight inches from the ground to the tip of the blade, or once they go to seed, and it's unlawful for any owner, lessee or occupant to allow that on their land or the adjacent boulevard.
(a)All turf grasses, pollinator lawns, and weeds growing to a height greater than eight inches, measured from the base at ground level to the tip of the stalk, stem, blade, or leaf are hereby declared to be a public nuisance. All turf grasses, pollinator lawns, and weeds which have gone or are about to seed are also declared a public nuisance as they are hereby declared to be detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the city.(b)It shall be unlawful for the owner, lessee, occupant, or representative of any such owner, lessee, or occupant, of any land described in subsection (a) of this section in the city, to allow, permit, or maintain a nuisance on any such land or along the sidewalk, street, or alley adjacent thereto.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 90's weeds and tall grass article, revised most recently by Ordinance No. 24-2549 in May 2024, sets Blaine's nuisance threshold at eight inches. Section 90-19 defines turf grasses as the common lawn species like bluegrass, fescue and rye, and separately defines a "managed natural landscape" and "ornamental plants" that fall outside the ordinary mowing expectation. Section 90-22 declares any turf grass, pollinator lawn or weed taller than eight inches, measured from the ground to the tip of the blade, stem or leaf, a public nuisance, and applies the same rule to vegetation that has gone to seed.
It's unlawful for an owner, lessee or occupant to let that nuisance stand on their land or on the sidewalk, street or alley next to it. The city gives a first-time violator ten days' written notice to abate under section 90-23(a); a second violation within the same calendar year only gets three days after the city posts notice at the property under section 90-23(b). If the deadline passes, section 90-24 lets the city cut and remove the vegetation itself and bill the owner for the cost plus an administrative fee, certifying any unpaid balance to the county auditor around October 1 for collection with property taxes.
Failing to abate, or obstructing the city manager during an abatement, is a misdemeanor under section 90-20. Noxious weeds defined under Minnesota Statutes section 18.87 are excluded from this article entirely under section 90-21.
Violations & Fines
Letting turf grass or weeds exceed the eight-inch nuisance threshold in Section 90-22 without abating it after notice is a misdemeanor under Section 90-20; a first violation gets ten days' written notice to correct under Section 90-23(a), but a second violation in the same calendar year gets only three days after the city posts notice at the property, and the city can then cut the vegetation itself and bill the owner under Section 90-24.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass legally get in Blaine before it's a violation?
What warning do I get before the City of Blaine cuts my grass for me?
Who pays if the City of Blaine has to mow an overgrown lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Blaine
How Blaine compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Blaine to another location·View the Minnesota landscaping rules overview
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