The City of Eagan supports environmentally friendly landscaping practices that enhance biodiversity, support pollinators, and celebrate natural beauty. To help ensure proper maintenance and consistency across the city, a no-fee registration is required for Managed Natural Landscapes.
What Is a Managed Natural Landscape?
A managed natural landscape is a planned, intentional, and maintained planting of native or non-native grasses, wildflowers, forbs, ferns, shrubs, or trees, including but not limited to rain gardens, meadow vegetation, and ornamental plants. Managed natural landscapes do not include turf-grass lawns left unattended to return to a natural state.
What requires registration?
A Managed Natural Landscape registration is required for the conversion of a lawn to meadow vegetation, ornamental plants, a bee garden, or a rain garden.
You do not need a registration for:
- Turf grass lawns or low-maintenance ground cover (e.g., white clover)
- Traditional landscape beds
- Edible vegetation
- Woodlands
Registration Requirements
To register, you'll need to submit:
- A site plan (showing property lines, buildings, and planting areas)
- Go to cityofeagan.com/propertyinfo to find a survey of your lot
- A list of plant species (common names are fine)
- A maintenance plan that outlines both short- and long-term care
- A signed acknowledgment that you understand City regulations
Once approved, your registration is valid for 5 years. It is not transferable; new property owners must apply for their registration.
Maintenance & Buffer Requirements
To stay in compliance:
- Maintain a 3-foot buffer of vegetation under 8 inches tall:
- Along property lines and buildings
- Exceptions apply for areas next to parks, wetlands, or steep slopes
- Follow your maintenance plan
- Remove noxious weeds and avoid creating visual obstructions
What’s Not Allowed?
- Letting turf grass grow wild to mimic a natural area
- Planting within the public right-of-way
- Allowing noxious weeds as defined by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Controlled burns (unless the property is over 5 acres and meets fire code setbacks)
What Happens if There’s a Complaint?
If You Haven’t Registered:
- City staff will inspect and notify you.
- You’ll have 5 days to either mow the area or apply for registration.
- If you don’t respond, the City may mow the property, and/or you may receive a citation.
If You’re Registered:
- You’ll be notified and given 30 days to address any violations.
- Ongoing issues may lead to:
- Revoked registration
- Removal of vegetation
- Fines or assessments
- A two-year ban on reapplying for registration
Tips for Success
- Plan carefully and maintain consistently.
- Use your maintenance plan as a guide—and your protection.
- Embrace the benefits: habitat, beauty, and sustainability!
Questions?
Contact the Property Maintenance Division at
More information is available in City Code Section 10.21 and the University of Minnesota Extension's Bee and Prairie Garden resources.