Lakeville, MN Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Lakeville's nuisance code (Section 4-1-3, Length of Weeds and Grass) reaches many vacant lots. Weeds or grass in excess of eight inches in height are a public nuisance on any lot less than one acre that has a building, and on an empty lot that abuts a lot containing a building. Some properties are exempt from the eight-inch limit, including undeveloped lots and parcels larger than one acre, land with stormwater basins or wetlands, parks and City-owned property, and public rights-of-way maintained by the State, County or City. Even exempt properties must still prevent the growth of noxious weeds. For enforcement, after giving the owner or occupant seven days' advance written notice of noncompliance, the City may cut the grass and weeds and assess the cost against the property. Vacant lots are also covered by the City's waste rules: under Section 4-1-5, the accumulation, storage, processing and disposal of waste on any premises that is not generated on that premises is prohibited except as specifically provided in the zoning ordinance, and refuse left more than one week is a nuisance. Separately, Minnesota's Noxious Weed Law (Minn. Stat. 18.78) requires any landowner or occupant to manage noxious weeds in the manner ordered by an inspector, statewide.