St. Louis County, MO Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height
- 8 inches (unmanaged vegetation growth)
- Compliance window
- 7 days after notice (§619.050)
- Max penalty
- $350 fine or 30 days jail, per lot per day
- County cleanup fee
- $49.60 admin fee + $1.00 recording (§619.100)
- Coverage area
- Platted subdivisions + 100 ft, unincorporated county
- Chronic violation trigger
- 4th violation in 365 days (§619.065)
Summary
St. Louis County caps unmanaged grass, weeds and brush at 8 inches on most improved lots. Section 619.005(l) defines "unmanaged vegetation growth" as vegetation over that height "as a result of the absence of active cutting, mowing, or other maintenance," and Section 619.010 declares any lot with growth above that line, plus noxious weeds or invasive and nuisance plants, a public nuisance the owner must destroy.
All noxious weeds, invasive and nuisance plants, and unmanaged vegetation growth growing or being upon any property for which a subdivision plat has been recorded in accordance with law and all property within one hundred (100) feet from the out-boundary of such subdivision in that portion of St. Louis County outside incorporated cities, towns and villages is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. ... Unmanaged vegetation growth: An unmaintained area in which any grass, turf-grass, hay, weeds, brush, or other vegetation has grown to a height of over eight (8) inches as a result of the absence of active cutting, mowing, or other maintenance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Traffic: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
and all property within one hundred (100) feet from the out-boundary of such subdivision," outside incorporated cities, towns and villages. 005(l)(i)-(vi). 020, and the owner may request a conference within three days without delaying enforcement. 100, collectible by the County Counselor by suit and standing as a lien on the property until paid.
Violations & Fines
Failing to cut unmanaged vegetation after notice, or any other Chapter 619 violation, is punishable under Section 619.070 by a fine of up to $350 or 30 days in jail, or both; each lot and each day of continued violation is a separate offense. A fourth violation on one property within 365 days becomes a "chronic violation" under Section 619.005(a), letting the Director order standing abatement and assess the recurring cost to the owner under Section 619.065.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass and weeds be on my St. Louis County property before it's a violation?
Does the 8-inch limit apply to my whole yard, even a wildflower garden?
What happens after the county sends a weed violation notice?
Can the county cut my grass and charge me for it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis County
How St. Louis County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare St. Louis County to another location·View the Missouri landscaping rules overview
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