Saint Paul allows and encourages homeowners to replace turf grass with native plantings, raingardens, and pollinator landscapes, with no permit required for typical front or back yard conversions.
Residents may convert turf to native or pollinator-friendly landscapes consistent with the city's weed and grass-height ordinance, which generally exempts maintained native plantings. Capitol Region Watershed District and Ramsey Conservation District offer cost-share grants for raingardens and shoreline plantings near Lake Como, the Mississippi River, and Hidden Falls. Boulevard plantings between sidewalk and curb require a permit and must follow species and height standards to preserve sight lines and snow storage.
Unmaintained or weedy conversions can still trigger a tall-grass-and-weeds citation. Boulevard plantings without permits may be ordered removed at the owner's expense.
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul supports native plantings through its 2016 Pollinator Resolution. MN Stat. 561.19 requires cities to allow managed natural landscapes exempt from ...
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul allows rainwater harvesting without a permit for outdoor use. Minnesota has no restrictions on rain barrels. The Capitol Region Watershed District...
See how Saint Paul's turf replacement rebates rules stack up against other locations.
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