St. Cloud Considers Tougher Lawn Rules, Lower Grass Limit, Fine Proposed

(KNSI) – St. Cloud may lower its grass height limit and increase fines as the city moves to align with state recommendations.

The city council will gauge public opinion during a hearing on the matter. Mayor Jake Anderson told KNSI the city is looking to follow state recommendations, which means shaving off a couple of inches. “What we’re attempting to do is, first of all, come into a better alignment with state statute, which is eight inches. Right now, grass needs to be 10 inches or shorter. State statute says eight inches, so we’re going to drop that down to eight inches.”

Along with this height adjustment, the city is also proposing changes to how violations are handled. Anderson says they’re debating adding an extra fee before the city takes matters into its own hands. “We’re also going to look to move away from an immediate abatement. Where we’re out mowing grass for, I think we charged $38, and move to an administrative citation, which is $100 before we would abate.”

He says the goal is to get homeowners to care for their lawns, not punish people. The new enforcement approach would maintain the current complaint-based system but would also allow city staff to issue fines on their own.

Before implementing these dual changes, the council will hold a hearing on July 7th, 2025. Anyone wishing to speak on the matter can show up at St. Cloud City Hall at 6:00 p.m. or send the city a letter or email ahead of time.

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