Minneapolis boulevard gardens, vegetation targeted by new ordinance
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - In a city widely known for promoting the benefits of pollinator gardens and increased access to fresh vegetables, the Minneapolis City Council is considering an ordinance that will increase restrictions, and the need for permits, to successfully create either on the boulevard in front of a residence.
Minneapolis boulevard ordinance
Big picture view:
In Minneapolis city code, the overarching "boulevard" term includes the land between streets and avenues, and a person’s property line.
That strip of land – often grassed – is maintained by individual property owners, but is subject to the city’s right-of-way to alter and reconstruct for public purposes as needed.
According to a newly proposed ordinance offered by council members Linea Palmisano, Aurin Chowdhury and Andrea Jenkins, "boulevards are constructed and maintained to enhance and improve the aesthetic appearance of city streets… as an aid to maintaining the quality and livability of residential neighborhoods of the city."
As part of its objectives, the ordinance aims to legalize edible gardening and other types of planting on a person’s boulevard – currently only grasses, flowers and trees are permitted.
The intent would be to create an opportunity and encourage people to grow on their boulevards – so long as they’re not in violation of Minneapolis restrictions.
But that’s where the new ordinance would kick in, and concerns from residents begin.
Proposed restrictions for boulevard gardens
Dig deeper:
Although the new ordinance would allow for vegetation growth on boulevards – currently restricted under city codes – the placement of any vegetation grown would face a wide range of restrictions on where it can be placed.
Vegetation would be subject to a height restriction of 18 inches above curb height. Various types of peas, beans and corn would be removed as options, as they grow at a typical height of more than 3-feet, according to the University of Minnesota’s planting and growing guidelines.
Vegetation that’s taller than eight inches also can’t be continuous for more than 15-feet parallel to the curb, reducing a person’s potential yield. Any grown vegetation can’t be within 3-feet of any fixed objects, either.
Under the proposal, tilling or digging using mechanized equipment would be prohibited when planting vegetation within a boulevard, and a raised planting bed would only be allowed after obtaining a permit.
Pollinator gardens for bees, heavily promoted by city officials in the past, would also be subject to several restrictions.
The growing or planting of any weed or plant with "thorns, spines, or sharp-ridged parts" would be prohibited.
However, several pollinator-friendly plants contain thorns, including bougainvillea, duranța, and climbing rose. The "devil's walking stick" – also known as Araliaspinosa – is also a spiny plant that attracts pollinators.
Permit requirements
Why you should care:
In addition to restrictions on growing, several permits would be required for other options for residents to otherwise use their boulevard.
Any facilities within the boulevard – such as "little free libraries" made popular in past years – would be subject to a permit.
Any alternative ground cover such as mulch and landscape rock would also require a permit.
A city engineer, or city engineer’s designee, would process all applications for permits and determine whether it would "have a substantially negative impact" on boulevard trees, "the well-being of the public, or the aesthetic appearance of adjacent residential properties."
In any project completed on a person’s boulevard, the resident owner would agree that they won’t, "bring any action, suit or other proceeding claiming damages, or seeking any relief against the city," the ordinance states.
What's next:
One of the proposal’s authors, council member Aurin Chowdhury, referred the ordinance back to committee for further discussion during a committee hearing on Jan. 30, 2025, saying she hoped to further inform the public and provide opportunities for input prior to its approval.
"The policy is very technical, and there has been a lot of engagement from community members throughout the city concerned about the ordinance," Chowdhury said during the meeting. "We need to take some time to share with community members what it’s about. There is also a debate we need to have about some of the provisions within it, to get us to a place where we have the best policy possible. The issue got a little bit thorny."
The Source: A copy of the proposed ordinance before the Minneapolis City Council and Minneapolis City Council meeting reporting.