Landscaping Rules in Jefferson County, MO (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Jefferson County, Missouri.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Trees and foliage at Jefferson County intersections and driveways must be trimmed so nothing blocks the view between 3 and 10 feet above ground within the sight triangle, and trunks over 15 inches wide cannot stand within 35 feet of the pavement edge.
Jefferson County Intersection Sight-Triangle Clearance
Some RestrictionsJefferson County UDO § 400.2600(B)(2)(a)
No building or other type of visual obstruction shall be placed, erected or maintained within the sight triangle. Street trees, certain types of vegetation, poles and posts are allowed within the sight triangle, provided that they do not have any foliage, limbs or other obstructions between three (3) and ten (10) feet above ground level, are not more than fifteen (15) inches in diameter and are...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Clearing significant trees or trees of 10-inch caliper or larger on a development site in unincorporated Jefferson County requires an approved tree conservation plan first. The county's zoning code requires the plan before any grading, bulldozing, or other vegetation removal that would affect existing tree coverage on a site headed for development.
Jefferson County Tree Removal Permit Rule
Significant RestrictionsJefferson County, MO Code of Ordinances § 400.4590(A), (B)(6)
A full tree conservation plan shall be submitted to the Planning Division prior to any grading, bulldozing or other removal of existing vegetation that may affect existing tree coverage. ... Removal of significant trees and other trees ten (10) inch caliper or larger shall be permitted only in conjunction with an approved preliminary tree conservation plan, an approved grading plan and actual g...
Weed Ordinances
Jefferson County's Public Nuisance Ordinance declares any noxious weed or tall grass, defined as vegetation twenty inches or higher, a public nuisance on real property in the unincorporated area. The Code Official can order it abated, with costs billed back to the owner as a special tax.
Jefferson County Caps Grass and Weeds at 20 Inches
Some RestrictionsJefferson County, MO Code of Ordinances §200.025 (Definition); §200.030(A)(15) (Abatement of Public Nuisances)
TALL GRASS Any grass not so exempted herein that is twenty (20) inches and higher. ... 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: ... 15. Any noxious weed or any tall grass, or uncontrolled vegetation twenty (20) inches and higher (see definition in Section 200.025).
Composting
Yard waste composting facilities that produce compost for resale run only as a conditional use in Jefferson County's RA-5 and LR-2 residential districts. UDO Section 400.3145 caps hours at 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, requires a two-acre minimum lot, and sets buffers of 50 to 100 feet from neighboring homes before the County Council will approve a site plan.
Jefferson County Yard Waste Composting Facility Rules
Significant RestrictionsJefferson County, MO UDO § 400.3145
Composting facilities are conditional uses in the "RA-5" and "LR-2" residential zone districts. The purpose of these facilities is to receive yard waste and produce compost for the purpose of resale provided they meet the following conditions... 2. Lot. These facilities shall be located on parcels a minimum of two (2) acres in size. 3. Hours of operation. The facilities may operate between the ...
All Jefferson County ordinances
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