Landscaping Rules in St. Charles County, MO (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated St. Charles County, Missouri.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
New residential subdivisions in unincorporated St. Charles County must preserve a set share of existing trees and woodlands before any clearing or grading begins.
St. Charles County Tree Preservation Rule
Some RestrictionsSt. Charles County Code § 410.145(D)(1)
Subject to paragraph (2), below, all developments shall meet a minimum tree preservation requirement of ten percent (10%) of the site or twenty-five percent (25%) of existing woodlands and trees as they existed three (3) years prior to submittal of the Preliminary Plat; whichever is greater. If the total area of trees on the site is equal to or less than ten percent (10%) of the total site area...
Weed Ordinances
St. Charles County caps weeds and grass on developed lots at 10 inches, with noxious weeds banned outright regardless of height.
St. Charles County 10-Inch Weed Limit
Some RestrictionsSt. Charles County Code § 500.500 (Property Maintenance Code § 302.4, Weeds)
All developed premises or exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of ten (10) inches. For purposes of this provision, premises or exterior property are "developed" if improved with any structure or if used for outdoor storage of materials or if within a platted subdivision. ... All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, ...
Composting
St. Charles County lets residents compost yard waste on their own property without a permit, but Code § 240.1401 sets real conditions: piles must sit at least three feet behind the front of the house, stay free of rodents and anaerobic odor, and never leak leachate onto a neighbor's yard. Composting is for private use only, and meat and dairy scraps are barred.
St. Charles County Backyard Composting Rules
Some RestrictionsSt. Charles County Code § 240.1401
A. Residential yard waste may be composted on residential premises under the following conditions: 1. All composting operations shall be maintained so as to prevent the harborage of rodents and pests. 2. All composting operations shall be maintained so as to inhibit the generation of odors associated with anaerobic decomposition. 3. All composting operations shall be conducted at least three (3...
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