Changes to Tall Grass and Weeds Ordinance announcement
July 16, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The Rochester City Council has approved amendments to the Tall Grass and Weeds Ordinance (Rochester Code of Ordinances 8-5). The changes to the ordinance were driven by the need to align with Minnesota State Statute 412.925, which allows for private owners to install and maintain natural landscapes and characterizes them as planned, intentional and maintained landscapes.
The following changes to the Rochester ordinance were approved:
- Natural Landscape Permits are not required for private properties outside of the boulevard area.
- A permit is still required for anything other than turf grass in the boulevard.
- A Natural Landscape Permit is not required for turf grasses (Blue grass, Ryegrass, Fescues and blends) less than 12” tall.
- Turfgrasses 12” tall and over require a permit regardless of their location.
- Height restrictions do not apply to other plants so long as they are not noxious weeds and not located in the boulevard.
Natural Landscape Permit applications are available on the city website.
Noxious weeds, which are plants that have the potential or are known to be detrimental to human or animal health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock or other property, continue to be prohibited. The Minnesota Noxious Weed List provides more information on the identification and eradication of noxious weeds.