Scott County, MN Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- Minn. Stat. §18.75 to 18.91
- Enforced by
- County ag inspector
- Owner duty
- Control designated weeds
- Non-compliance
- County abates, bills owner
Summary
Scott County's agricultural inspector enforces the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law across the unincorporated townships. Owners must control state-designated weeds like Canada thistle and wild parsnip; ignore a notice and the county abates the weeds and bills the land.
A person owning land, a person occupying land, or a person responsible for the maintenance of public land must manage all noxious weeds, according to the noxious weed categories under section 18.771, on the land at a time and in a manner ordered by an inspector or county-designated employee.
Full Breakdown
The Minnesota Noxious Weed Law, Minn. Stat. sections 18.75 to 18.91, requires every landowner and occupant to control weeds the state commissioner designates as noxious, species such as Canada thistle, leafy spurge, common tansy, and wild parsnip. Scott County appoints an agricultural inspector who administers this law across the townships it zones. The process is notice-driven: the inspector issues an individual control notice ordering action by a set date; if the owner does not act, the county may enter, abate the weeds, and charge the cost back to the property taxes. Cities handle their own weed and general-overgrowth nuisance rules separately.
Violations & Fines
Failing to control noxious weeds after the inspector's notice lets Scott County abate them and assess the cost against the property, collectible with taxes. Continued non-compliance is a misdemeanor under the state weed law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who enforces weeds in unincorporated Scott County?
Which weeds must I control?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Scott County
How Scott County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Scott County to another location·View the Minnesota landscaping rules overview
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