Excelsior, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. IV § 8-133
Weeds; other vegetation
Operative Text
No owner, operator, or occupant shall allow to remain on any portion of the premises owned, operated, occupied, or controlled by such person any accumulation of hay, grass, straw, weeds, vines, bushes, other plant growth, or dead trees, or dead tree limbs that, in the opinion of the city's building official, fire marshal, weed inspector, or public works official, constitute a health, safety, or fire hazard. Further, no person shall allow any bushes, trees, or other vegetation to remain on any portion of private property which that person controls when such vegetation is overhanging public premises, unless such vegetation is cut back so as to maintain the following clearances: A clearance of seven feet shall be maintained over pedestrian walkways and a clearance of 14 feet shall be maintained over vehicular passageways. The term "public premises," for the purpose of this section, shall mean those areas where the city has exercised its easement rights to provide either pedestrian walkways or vehicular passageways. Cross reference-- Vegetation, ch. 36 .
Excelsior Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. IV § 8-133 establishes two related vegetation rules for private property. First, no owner, operator, or occupant may allow accumulations of hay, grass, weeds, dead trees, or similar plant material to remain on their premises if a designated city official — such as the building official, fire marshal, weed inspector, or public works official — determines the accumulation poses a health, safety, or fire hazard. Second, any vegetation on private property that overhangs public pedestrian or vehicular areas must be trimmed to maintain a minimum clearance of seven feet above pedestrian walkways and 14 feet above vehicular passageways, where the city has exercised easement rights for those purposes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and operators subject to § 8-133 of the Excelsior Code of Ordinances generally keep their premises free of accumulated dead vegetation, overgrown weeds, and similar plant material that could be deemed a hazard by the city's building official, fire marshal, weed inspector, or public works official. Compliant operators also routinely inspect and trim any trees, bushes, or other vegetation that extends over public walkways or roadways, ensuring at least seven feet of clearance above pedestrian paths and at least 14 feet above vehicular passageways. Maintaining a regular landscaping schedule and promptly responding to any city notice of violation are practices consistent with meeting the standard this provision sets.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants who occupy or control a portion of private property may also bear responsibility under § 8-133 of the Excelsior Code of Ordinances, since the provision applies to owners, operators, and occupants alike. If a tenant believes a landlord's failure to address hazardous vegetation or overhanging growth is creating a health or safety concern, general enforcement paths can include reporting the condition to the relevant city official — such as the building official, fire marshal, or public works department — or consulting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options. Reviewing the lease agreement for maintenance responsibilities and keeping records of any communications about vegetation concerns can also be useful steps when navigating a situation under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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