Greene County, MO Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base height limit
- 35 feet or 2.5 stories
- Bonus height
- 45 feet with 15-ft+ side yards
- Story cap
- 3 stories, no exceptions
- Applies to
- R-1 Suburban Residence District only
- Scope
- Unincorporated county, not Springfield
Summary
In unincorporated Greene County's R-1 Suburban Residence District, houses top out at two and a half stories or 35 feet above grade, with a narrow path to 45 feet and three stories if side yards are wide enough.
A. The maximum height of buildings in an R-1 District shall not exceed two and one-half (2½) stories or thirty-five (35) feet above the average finished grade:
1. Except the height may be increased by not more than ten (10) feet when each side yard is not less than fifteen
(15) feet.
2. Such dwelling, however, shall not exceed three (3) stories in height. Lot Area Lot Frontage Front Yard Side Yard Side Yard Rear Yard Depth Width One- Width - Both Depth side Sides Single-family dwelling 10,000 70 ft. 25 ft. 6 ft. 12 ft. 25 ft. with public sewer and sq. ft. public water supply Other permitted uses 100 ft. 40 ft. 20 ft. 40 ft. 50 ft. Single-family dwelling 3 acres 150 ft. 40 ft. 25 ft. 50 ft. 50 ft. without public sewer or public water supply Greene County Zoning Regulations
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Greene County's zoning regulations cap single-family homes in the R-1 Suburban Residence District, the county's standard suburban residential zone in unincorporated areas, at two and one-half stories or 35 feet above average finished grade. Builders can add up to 10 more feet, reaching 45 feet, only if every side yard is at least 15 feet wide, but the dwelling still cannot exceed three stories no matter how wide the yards are. This limit applies only outside city limits; Springfield, Republic, Willard, Strafford, Ash Grove, and Battlefield enforce their own municipal height limits under separate codes, not this county regulation.
Violations & Fines
Building over the height limit is a misdemeanor under Article XXV, Section 5, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, with each day of the violation counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this height limit apply inside Springfield?
Can I build taller than 35 feet on an R-1 lot?
What's the penalty for exceeding the height limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greene County
Compare Greene County to another location·View the Missouri building setbacks & zoning overview
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