Oakdale, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 7 § 7-03
Additions the International Property Maintenance Code
Operative Text
The IPMC is hereby amended for the City of Oakdale by adding the following sections: (a) Addition to Chapter 2 "Definitions." (1) Section 202 Dead Trees and Shrubs. Deciduous or coniferous vegetation containing foliage on less than fifty percent (50%) of the tree shrub. (b) Addition to Chapter 3 "General Requirements." (1) Section 302.4.1 Turf established. Turf must be established by the use of grass seed or sod on all lots, within sixty (60) days of the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, excluding the time between October 1 and May 1. Turf must be established on all existing developed lots by June 1, 1996. Alternate landscape plans, other than turf, shall be approved by city staff prior to installation. (2) Section 302.10 Commercial and Industrial Property Maintenance. All commercial/industrial properties shall maintain trees, shrubs, landscaping, parking lots, and exterior signage. Dead trees and shrubs are to be replaced within four (4) months of notice. (3) Section 302.11 Composting. All yard waste collected or concentrated by any individual shall be disposed at a licensed compost site or on site providing the following regulations are complied with: a. Location of Compost. The compost shall be located in the rear yard of the property, be at least five (5) feet from lot lines, outside any drainage easement, and be placed no closer than fifty (50) feet to any adjacent habitable building, other than the resident's own home. b. Prohibited Ingredients. None of the following materials shall be placed on the property for composting: meat, bones, fat oils, dairy products, whole branches or logs, plastics, synthetic fibers, human or pet wastes, or diseased plants. c. Proper Maintenance Required. Compost shall be properly managed to minimize odor generation and promote effective decomposition of the material. The operation of composting in a manner that results in objectionable odors and/or the placing of prohibited materials for composting to create a health hazard is considered a public nuisance.
Oakdale Code of Ordinances ch. 7 § 7-03 adds several local amendments to the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) covering vegetation, turf, commercial property upkeep, and composting. Under these additions, new lots must establish grass or sod within 60 days of receiving a Certificate of Occupancy (excluding the October 1–May 1 winter window), commercial and industrial properties must maintain landscaping and replace dead trees or shrubs within four months of notice, and on-site composting is permitted only under specific location, ingredient, and maintenance rules. Composting that generates objectionable odors or involves prohibited materials is classified as a public nuisance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Oakdale Code of Ordinances ch. 7 § 7-03 generally ensure that newly developed lots have turf established through grass seed or sod within the required 60-day window after a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, accounting for the seasonal exclusion period. Operators of commercial and industrial properties typically monitor landscaping, parking lots, and signage for deterioration, and arrange replacement of dead trees or shrubs promptly so the four-month deadline following notice is met. Those who allow on-site composting generally site the compost pile in the rear yard at least five feet from lot lines and 50 feet from any adjacent habitable building, use only permitted organic materials, and manage the pile to prevent odors that could trigger a public nuisance finding.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Residents in Oakdale should be aware that ch. 7 § 7-03 establishes standards that apply to the exterior condition of properties, including turf establishment timelines, commercial landscaping upkeep, and rules governing on-site composting. If a composting operation on a neighboring or rental property is generating objectionable odors or appears to involve prohibited materials, the provision classifies such conditions as a public nuisance, which may be reportable to the appropriate Oakdale code enforcement authority. Tenants who believe a property condition violates these standards may consult a local tenant-rights organization or contact city code enforcement to understand available complaint processes.
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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