5
Minneapolis
One of the least restrictive ordinance examples is that of Minneapolis. Section 227.90 of the Code of
Ordinances establishes a “right to install and maintain a managed natural landscape”, which is
exempted from public nuisance regulations. Note that the ordinance applies to private parcels, not to
boulevards, which do have height limits for vegetation.
(a) In general……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.
(b) Right to install and maintain a managed natural landscape. An owner, authorized agent, or
authorized occupant of any privately owned lands or premises may, consistent with this subsection
and all other applicable laws, statutes, rules and ordinances, install and maintain a managed natural
landscape.
(1) Definitions.
Managed natural landscape means a planned, intentional and maintained planting of native
or non-native grasses, wildflowers, forbs, ferns, shrubs or trees, including but not limited to
rain gardens, meadow vegetation, and ornamental plantings.
Meadow vegetation means grasses and flowering broad-leaf plants that are native to, or
adapted to, the State of Minnesota, and that are commonly found in meadow and prairie
plant communities, not including noxious weeds.
Noxious weed shall have the meaning assigned by Minnesota Statutes, Section 18.77, Subd. 8.
Ornamental plants means grasses, perennials, annuals and groundcovers purposefully planted
for aesthetic reasons.
Rain garden means a native plant garden that is designed not only to aesthetically improve
properties, but also to reduce the amount of stormwater and accompanying pollutants from
entering streams, lakes and rivers.
Turf-grass lawn means a lawn comprised mostly of grasses common used in regularly cut
lawns or play areas (such as but not limited to bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass blends),
intended to be maintained at a height of no more than eight (8) inches.
(2) Findings. The city council finds that the installation and maintenance of managed natural
landscapes is beneficial to the city's environment and its residents and serves to further
adopted city goals in that managed natural landscapes require fewer potentially harmful and
costly inputs, improve stormwater retention, increase water quality and biodiversity, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and provide habitat for wildlife such as birds, butterflies and
other beneficial insects and species.
(3) Requirements.
a. Managed natural landscapes may include plants and grasses in excess of eight (8)
inches in height and which have gone to seed, but may not include any noxious
weeds and must be maintained so as to not include unintended vegetation.