Minneapolis, MN Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 8 inches
- Applies to
- any lot, vacant or occupied
- Notice to correct
- 3 days
- Admin fee
- $100 per abatement
- Repeat violation
- fee doubled within 12 months
Summary
Minneapolis bans weeds or grass over eight inches on any lot or parcel citywide, occupied or vacant, declaring overgrowth a nuisance condition that the health commissioner can order abated on three days' notice.
Except as part of a managed natural landscape as defined in this section, any weeds or grass growing upon any lot or parcel of land in the city to a greater height than eight (8) inches or which have gone or are about to go to seed are hereby declared to be a nuisance condition and dangerous to the health, safety and good order of the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 227.90 applies to "any lot or parcel of land in the city," so a weedy vacant lot is covered the same as an occupied yard. Weeds or grass over eight inches, or gone or about to go to seed, are a declared nuisance unless the growth qualifies as a registered "managed natural landscape" of intentional native plantings. Under § 227.100, the city serves a notice to correct within three days; if the owner does not comply, the city cuts the lot and assesses the cost plus a $100 administrative fee, doubled for a repeat violation within twelve months.
Violations & Fines
Three-day notice to abate; uncorrected growth is cut by the city and billed as a special assessment plus a $100 administrative fee (doubled on a second violation within 12 months).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule cover empty, unbuilt lots?
Can I skip mowing by planting a natural garden instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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