Lee's Summit, MO Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Section 30-51 gives the Director of Development Services, or a designee, authority to cause removal of dead or diseased trees or shrubs on private property when they constitute a hazard to life or property or harbor insects or disease threatening other trees, park trees or public trees citywide. Before acting, Section 30-52 requires written notice to the property owner or occupant specifying the required work and deadline, and stating who bears the cost; notice can be delivered personally, sent by certified or registered mail to the last known address, or posted on the property if a mailed notice comes back undelivered.

If the owner does not comply within the stated timeframe, the City may prune, maintain or remove the tree itself and charge the cost to the owner. Section 30-53 creates an emergency exception: when the Director of Public Works finds an imminent danger to life or property, the City can act immediately without the notice procedure otherwise required. An owner who disagrees with a removal order has 10 days from the decision to file a written notice of appeal with the City Manager under Section 30-55; missing that window makes the decision final.

If a timely appeal is filed, the City Manager appoints a Hearing Officer who must hold a contested-case hearing under RSMo Chapter 536 within 30 days, and the City Manager issues a final written decision within 10 days of the hearing, including findings of fact and conclusions of law.