Business Licensing & Operations in Jefferson County, MO (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Jefferson County, Missouri.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Jefferson County confines sexually oriented businesses to the PI planned industrial district and requires 1,000-foot separation from churches, schools, parks, residential zones, other adult businesses and alcohol-serving establishments, under Section 400.1780.
Jefferson County Sexually Oriented Business Rules
Significant RestrictionsJefferson County, MO Code § 400.1780(A)(1)
Sexually oriented businesses shall be permitted in any planned industrial district ("PI") provided that: The sexually oriented business may not be operated within: One thousand (1,000) feet of a church, synagogue, mosque, temple or building which is used primarily for religious worship and related religious activities; One thousand (1,000) feet of a public or private educational facility...; On...
Massage Establishments
Jefferson County's Unified Development Order requires anyone who performs massage for compensation to hold a business license from the County and limits massage therapists to working only at a licensed massage facility. A valid business license also depends on the applicant owing no delinquent County property taxes.
Jefferson County Massage Business License
Significant RestrictionsJefferson County, MO Code of Ordinances § 400.230
MASSAGE FACILITY: An establishment where any person performs massage or permits massage to be performed for compensation. MASSAGE THERAPIST: A person who has completed all the requirements for a massage therapist license to practice massage therapy and who is in receipt of a business license from the County. A massage therapist may perform massage for compensation, but only at a licensed massag...
Tattoo & Body Modification
Jefferson County's UDO lists "Tattoo parlor/permanent cosmetic services/body piercing studio" as a single Table 5-1 use, permitted by right in just one of the county's 15 unincorporated zoning districts, allowed only with an approved site plan in three more, and prohibited in the other eleven under Section 400.1640(C).
Jefferson County Tattoo & Piercing Studio Zoning
Significant RestrictionsJefferson Co., MO UDO §§ 400.1640(C), 400.1650 (Table 5-1)
Any use not shown as a permitted use in a zoning district is specifically prohibited in that district. ... P = Use permitted by right ... X = Per approved plan ... Tattoo parlor/permanent cosmetic services/body piercing studio P X X X
Towing Companies
Jefferson County lets law enforcement or county officials authorize a towing company to remove abandoned vehicles from roads, interstates, and county property without the owner's consent under set conditions. Tow trucks must display the company's name, city, and state in letters at least three inches tall, and storage charges are capped at reasonable, negotiated-rate levels.
Jefferson County's Non-Consent Tow Company Rules
Significant RestrictionsJefferson County, MO Code of Ordinances § 340.070(I)
Any towing company which tows abandoned property for hire shall have the towing company's name, City and State clearly printed in letters at least three (3) inches in height on the sides of the truck, wrecker or other vehicle used in the towing.
All Jefferson County ordinances
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