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Nuisance Laws

Keep property neat to protect health and safety of community

To protect our community’s health, safety and aesthetics, the Albert Lea Police Department enforces laws that regulate trash, junk vehicles and grass height.

To report a violation, call the Albert Lea Police Department at 507-377-5780. While your identity can remain anonymous to the property owner who is the subject of your complaint, responding officers would like your name and phone number to gather more information.

Person mowing a lawn with a push lawnmower on a sunny day, surrounded by scattered leaves.

Protect the health and safety of our community by properly disposing of trash and other refuse. Accumulating refuse can lead to offensive odors, insects and rodents.

If refuse becomes a nuisance as defined by city code, then the Albert Lea Police Department can contract the removal of refuse and assess the cost – plus administrative fees – back to the property owner. See Code Section 28.003 for the complete description of public nuisances.

Keeping the city free of tall grass and noxious weeds improves the quality of life of residents by improving community aesthetics, eliminating harbor for rodents and insects, and eliminating fire hazards.

City code prohibits noxious weeds like purple loosestrife and buckthorn, along with grass and weeds 9 inches high or taller. If out of compliance, the Albert Lea Police Department can contract a mowing service and assess the cost – plus administrative fees – back to the property owner. See Code Section 46.019-026 for details.

Protect public safety and property values by storing unlicensed, unregistered or inoperable motor vehicles inside a building. Junk vehicles can serve as breeding grounds for vermin, leak hazardous materials, and pose a physical risk to children playing or pedestrians nearby. City code prohibits storage of vehicles outside except during repairs with a limit of 2 weeks.

If left outside long enough, the Albert Lea Police Department can contract the removal of the junk vehicle and assess the cost – plus administrative fees – back to the property owner. For more information, see Code 42.160-163