Jefferson County, MO Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- §200.030(A), items 1-16
- Scope
- Unincorporated Jefferson County property
- Tall grass threshold
- 20 inches
- Includes
- Derelict vehicles, tires, dead animals, debris
- Unpaid abatement cost
- Becomes a tax lien
Summary
Jefferson County's Public Nuisance Ordinance lists sixteen specific conditions, from junk and derelict vehicles to tall grass and dead animals, that make a property a public nuisance in the unincorporated area and can trigger a Code Official complaint and abatement order.
A. All real property in the unincorporated area of Jefferson County shall be deemed a public nuisance that has the presence of a nuisance, including, but not limited to: 1. Rubbish, yard waste and trash. 2. Demolition debris such as lumber, windows, doors, fencing, and shingles. 3. Bricks and scrap concrete, rock, and blocks. 4. Scrap metal such as tin and aluminum. 5. Steel. 6. Derelict vehicles... 9. Tires... 13. Dead animals... 15. Any noxious weed or any tall grass, or uncontrolled vegetation twenty (20) inches and higher.
Full Breakdown
025 as inoperable, partially dismantled, or substantially damaged vehicles, including boats, campers, ATVs and trailers); derelict construction equipment; derelict lawn and garden equipment; tires; derelict appliances; broken furniture; household items such as clothing, electronics and lamps; dead animals; any flammable material endangering public safety or any unhealthy or unsafe material or condition; noxious weeds or tall grass twenty inches and higher; and parts of any of the above. Subsection (B) declares that any property with these conditions present is a public nuisance subject to abatement under the chapter, and Subsection (C) directs the Code Official and the County Code Commission to order removal whenever debris can reasonably be taken away. These are the exact categories the Code Official investigates once a resident files a complaint.
Violations & Fines
Any of the sixteen listed conditions triggers a nuisance declaration, written notice, and an abatement order under Section 200.030(D). If the owner does not act within the notice period, the County removes the debris itself and certifies the cost as a special tax bill or adds it to the real estate tax bill, becoming a lien on the property until paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a reportable nuisance in Jefferson County?
Do derelict vehicles count as a code violation?
Who decides whether a listed condition is enforced?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson County
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