Required yards.
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 540.810
in effect540.810. - Required yards.
(a) In general. Yard requirements shall be as specified in this article. Yards provided for an existing structure or use shall not be reduced below, or further reduced if already less than, the minimum requirements of the zoning code for equivalent new construction, except as otherwise provided in Chapter 545, Article VI, Nonconforming Uses and Structures. All yards and other open spaces allocated to a structure or use shall be located on the same zoning lot as such structure or use. No required yards or other open spaces allocated to any structure or use shall be used to satisfy yard or other open space requirements for any other structure or use.
(b) Landscaping. Except as otherwise allowed in Table 540-22, Permitted Obstructions in Required Yards, required yards at the ground level shall be covered with turf grass, native grasses or other perennial flowering plants, vines, shrubs, trees, or edible landscaping. Wood mulch, other organic mulches and landscape rock may be used in planting beds and in maintenance strips adjacent to a building, but are not a suitable alternative to plant cover. Areas wider than two (2) feet with wood mulch, other organic mulches or landscape rock shall contain plantings spaced not less than two (2) feet apart or as specified per the planting instructions. Landscape rock that is easily disturbed shall be at least five (5) feet or more from a public sidewalk or a shared property line.
Source: City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Park and Recreation Board Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=MICOOR_TIT20ZOCO_CH540BUFOOVDI_ARTIXYA_540.810REYAFetched: 11/2/2026