City of Fargo Reminds Residents of Grass Height Restrictions

The city says that keeping lawns below a certain height eliminates habitats for unwanted vermin and possible pest infestations.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The city of Fargo is seeking to remind residents, as their lawns become free from the scourge of snow, that there are restrictions on grass height that need to be observed.

Fargo-Cass Public Health say that trends such as “No Mow May” have become increasingly popular.

However, a city ordinance states that grass on one’s property may not grow taller than eight inches.

If a formal complaint about your yard is filed and you do not address the problem within a week, the city will hire a crew to handle it and charge you for their billable hours, plus a hundred-dollar administrative fee.

City officials say this enforcement serves a dual purpose.

“We want it below 8 inches because if it gets longer than that, then there can be vermin in there, mosquito breeding grounds, so we’re trying to knock down harborage,” explained Grant Larson, environmental health director for Fargo-Cass Public Health.

“Indirectly, then, it takes care of the aesthetic view, too, but we’re looking at it for maintenance.”

In 2025, 902 grass complaints were filed, with the city ultimately billing 102 different properties for lawn care services.