In a city that has long been recognized for its dedication to green initiatives—from promoting pollinator gardens to increasing access to fresh, locally grown produce—Minneapolis is now facing a proposed ordinance that could shift the landscape for homeowners looking to plant on the boulevards in front of their properties.
The Changing Landscape of Minneapolis Boulevards
A boulevard, according to Minneapolis city code, refers to the stretch of land between a street or avenue and a residential property line. Typically maintained by property owners, this land is still subject to the city’s right-of-way for any public projects or improvements. While boulevards have historically been maintained as grassy patches or, in some cases, simple green space, they have become a target for those looking to grow gardens, particularly for vegetables and pollinator-friendly plants.
The city council is now considering a new ordinance that would expand opportunities for vegetation growth, but with several key restrictions that are sparking concern among Minneapolis residents. The ordinance, co-sponsored by council members Linea Palmisano, Aurin Chowdhury, and Andrea Jenkins, seeks to balance the beautification of city streets with the desire for urban gardening—but how will that affect the very people trying to grow their own food and support local pollinators?
What You Can and Can’t Grow on Your Boulevard
Under the proposed ordinance, some garden varieties would be allowed to thrive, but there are significant limits on what can be planted. Vegetation must not grow higher than 18 inches above curb height, and plants taller than 8 inches would not be allowed to grow continuously for more than 15 feet along the curb. This severely limits the potential for many common vegetables like beans, peas, and corn, which tend to grow taller than 3 feet.
Furthermore, the ordinance prohibits the use of mechanized tools, such as tillers, for planting on the boulevard, and it would require residents to obtain a permit to install raised planting beds. While edible gardening is being legalized, those hoping to plant other types of flora—especially those designed to attract bees—will also face restrictions.
Pollinator gardens, a concept Minneapolis has championed in recent years, could now be subject to new guidelines. While plants like bougainvillea, climbing roses, and devil’s walking stick are valuable to local pollinators, they also contain thorns, which would make them illegal under the new regulations.
Permit Requirements: More Bureaucracy, Less Freedom
In addition to the restrictions on plant types and placement, several other elements of boulevard gardening will require permits. For example, if you want to place a “little free library” or any alternative ground cover like mulch or rocks, a permit would be necessary. And any potential changes to your boulevard’s landscaping could be subjected to a review by a city engineer or their designee to determine if the changes would negatively affect the aesthetics, health of public trees, or the safety of adjacent residents.
Residents will also be required to agree that they will not bring any legal claims against the city if their project faces any challenges. In essence, while Minneapolis is making room for more greenery, the process could be more complicated and costly than many anticipated.
Why This Matters to Us
The heart of this issue lies in the tension between the city’s desire to preserve a standardized, aesthetically pleasing urban environment and the growing desire among residents to transform their land into functional, sustainable spaces. For Black residents and families who’ve long been advocating for urban agriculture, this ordinance represents a potential roadblock to more equitable access to fresh food.
While the new ordinance is undoubtedly a step toward legalizing urban gardens, it also risks creating barriers that disproportionately affect those who may not have the resources to navigate the bureaucratic process or meet the restrictive guidelines. For communities that have been growing food, supporting pollinators, and cultivating culture on their boulevards for years, this could feel like a step backward, not forward.
What’s Next: Public Input and Potential Changes
After concerns were raised, Council Member Aurin Chowdhury referred the ordinance back to committee for further discussion, acknowledging that more community input was needed. “The policy is very technical, and there has been a lot of engagement from community members throughout the city concerned about the ordinance,” Chowdhury said during a January 30, 2025, committee hearing. “We need to take some time to share with community members what it’s about. There is also a debate we need to have about some of the provisions within it, to get us to a place where we have the best policy possible.”
As the city moves forward with the ordinance’s revisions and potential approval, it’s crucial that we continue to advocate for accessible, sustainable, and culturally relevant spaces for urban gardening. Minneapolis must balance its commitment to green spaces with the need to empower residents, especially communities of color, to take control of their food sources and create vibrant, healthy environments.
Original reporting by: Nick Longworth | Fox9