A. Noxious weeds as designated by state statute or the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture, Poisonous Plants are Prohibited: It shall be unlawful for any owner, tenant or occupant of land in the City to permit or maintain noxious or poisonous weeds or plants on such land.
B. Plants and Weeds in Zoning Districts:
1. On platted or developed lands within the City limits it shall also be unlawful to allow or permit any growth of grasses or weeds, to a height greater than eight inches (8").
2. This subsection shall not apply to:
a. “Natural areas”, which shall be defined as densely wooded areas, bogs, and marshes.
b. Buffer areas of surface waters including, but not limited to, wetlands and stormwater ponds.
c. Land used for agricultural purposes.
d Steep slopes.
e. Nature preserves.
f. Scenic easements.
g. Parks and public open space.
h. Undeveloped property.
i. Vacant lots.
j. Overhead power and gas line easements, except on developed residential lots.
k. Golf courses.
l. Areas that are planted and maintained using vegetation native to Minnesota, areas that have been planted specifically to reduce the amount of lawn watering necessary, or areas that have been planted to promote infiltration.
m. As required under the Minn. Rules 6106.0150 Subp. 3.C., the following areas, identified in the MRCCA plan, are exempt from the vegetation ground cover height restriction:
(1) Shore impact zone (SIZ);
(2) Bluff impact zone (BIZ);
(3) Within 50 feet of a wetland or natural drainage way; or
(4) Areas of native plant communities and significant vegetative stands.
n. Areas deemed similar to the above exceptions by the Community Development Director. (Ord. 1066, 6-21-2023)