Clay County, MO Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Unincorporated
- RSMo 67.398 (7 inches)
- Cities
- RSMo 71.285
- Cost recovery
- Special tax bill / lien
- Interest
- 8% per annum unpaid
Summary
Overgrown weeds are a nuisance in Clay County. Unincorporated land falls under RSMo 67.398 (seven-inch threshold); inside cities, RSMo 71.285 lets officials declare weeds a nuisance and abate them at the owner's expense.
the marshal or other designated city official may declare the weeds or trash to be a nuisance and order the same to be abated within five days; and in case the weeds or trash are not removed within the five days, the marshal or other designated city official shall have the weeds or trash removed
Full Breakdown
Weed control in Clay County runs on two tracks. On unincorporated lots, the county acts under RSMo 67.398, which covers overgrown vegetation and noxious weeds seven inches or more in height. Within the cities, RSMo 71.285 authorizes each municipality to notify the owner, hold a hearing, declare the weeds a nuisance, and remove them if the owner does not. Either way the removal cost becomes a special tax bill or lien against the property. Vacant and neglected lots draw the most attention; tended gardens and working farms are treated differently.
Violations & Fines
The owner gets written notice and a short window to clear the growth. If ignored, the city or county removes it and certifies the cost as a special tax bill against the property, bearing eight percent interest until paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles weed complaints in Clay County?
Can the city bill me for clearing my lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clay County
How Clay County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Clay County to another location·View the Missouri landscaping rules overview
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