Lakeville, MN Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Weed control in Lakeville operates on two layers. At the city level, Code 4-1-3 classifies weeds and grass exceeding 8 inches in height as a public nuisance on occupied lots and parcels under one acre (and on vacant lots abutting a built lot). The City gives the owner or occupant 7 days' advance written notice; if uncorrected, Lakeville may cut the weeds or hire it done and assess the cost against the property. At the state level, Minnesota Statutes 18.78 governs noxious weeds: a person owning land, occupying land, or responsible for maintaining public land must manage all noxious weeds according to the noxious-weed categories under Minn. Stat. 18.771, at a time and in a manner ordered by an inspector or county-designated employee. Noxious weed designations (such as those on Minnesota's Prohibited and Restricted noxious weed lists administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture) apply regardless of plant height and are distinct from the 8-inch height nuisance. A managed natural landscape permitted under the city's natural-landscaping process and Minn. Stat. 412.925 may exceed 8 inches but still may not contain noxious weeds.