Spring has sprung: helpful to-dos for Minneapolis residents

May 12, 2025
Regulatory Services

Warmer temperatures and bright, sunny days mean spring is here. City leaders hope to communicate to all Minneapolis residents about the reminders that come with a change in seasons.

The City’s Inspections Services team says it sees common complaints come into the City every year. These serve as good reminders to keep neighborhoods clean and beautiful.

  • Mow grass that reaches 8 inches or taller.
  • Trim or cut back vegetation that hangs over sidewalks or the edges of alleys to keep them accessible to people and vehicles.
  • Mow vegetation that hangs over the street; it should be trimmed to the curb line.
  • Prune and maintain the health and integrity of trees. (Residents with hazardous trees may qualify for help through the Condemned Tree Assistance program)
  • Discard rubbish like loose or overflowing trash, scrap wood, brush piles, animal feces, etc. to prevent rodents from setting up residence in yards.

If residents receive a notice from the City to correct an issue, they should address it by the due date on the letter. After that time, either the City or a hired third-party takes care of the complaint at the property owner’s expense.  

“We understand that life happens, and there are extenuating circumstances that might interfere with work getting done. We work with property owners whenever possible,” said Daniel La Croix, lead inspector for the City of Minneapolis. “A core part of our work is educating community members about local laws. Spring is always a great time to remind residents of their responsibilities to ensure Minneapolis is a great place to live.”

Take heed of air quality and rules for fires

As spring heats up, so do the backyard fires. While they provide a place for friends and neighbors to gather, recreational fires contribute to 55% of the state’s poor air quality. It can have a significant impact on people with health problems, older adults and children. It can also be linked to strokes, heart attacks and asthma. Residents can be “Minnesota nice” by:

  • Limiting fires
  • Letting neighbors know when planning a fire
  • Skipping fires on windy days and when smoke blows directly at a neighbors’ houses, especially if people inside them have health issues

The Minneapolis ordinance includes the following items:

Test for lead

Lead exposure is dangerous for everyone. The City’s Health Department encourages lead testing in the home and for children. With many Minneapolis homes built before 1978, it’s important to test children for lead. The City offers free community lead testing throughout the year. As residents do some spring cleaning, they can learn how to properly clean windows to avoid lead dust from spreading throughout the home. Lead soil testing is also available for Minneapolis residents.

Be mindful of street sweeping

Twice a year, Public Works crews sweep more than 1,100 miles of streets from curb to curb. In the spring, crews sweep nearly 400 miles of alleys. Street sweeping helps keep our neighborhoods clean and livable, and protects our waterways. Spring street sweeping started April 22 and continues through May. Remember to look for the bright pink “No Parking” signs which will have information on parking restrictions. More information including a schedule of planned routes is available on the street sweeping section of the City website.

Don’t forget care for four-legged friends

True to the Midwest style of finicky weather, spring can get unseasonably warm. Minneapolis Animal Care and Control urges pet owners to refrain from keeping pets in hot cars.

“The old adage holds true: if you’re hot, they’re hot,” said Danielle Joerger, MACC supervisor. “We would love a spring and summer season without any calls about pets in dangerous conditions. Let’s keep our pets cool and hydrated.”

MACC also reminds residents that spring is stray cat season. The shelter will take in sick or injured cats, but otherwise it advises people to leave strays to their natural strut. 

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