Kansas City, MO Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 10 inches (turf grass/weeds)
- Governing sections
- Code of Ordinances §§ 48-1, 48-30
- First-offense fine
- $100 administrative citation
- Abatement notice
- At least 10 days to comply
- Exemption
- Managed natural landscape allowed
Summary
Kansas City caps weeds and turf grass at 10 inches on any premises, occupied or vacant; taller growth is a nuisance under the Code of Ordinances, enforced by the Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department.
Excessive growth of vegetation means any vegetation that is ten (10) inches or more in height, including, but not limited to, turf grasses or unattended growths of other plants. Excessive growth of vegetation shall not mean plants more than ten (10) inches in height that are part of a managed natural landscape as defined in this chapter.
Fence means a structure serving as an enclosure, barrier or boundary, usually made of posts, boards, wires, masonry or rails.
Garbage means the animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking, serving and nonconsumption of food.
Invasive plant means any plant, excluding trees over three (3) inches in diameter and thirteen (13) feet in height, outside its native range whose presence causes or is likely to cause harm to the economy, human health or the environment, including but not limited to harm to native plant communities. Invasive plants include but are not limited to any plant:
(1)Designated as invasive by the State of Missouri's Department of Conservation or Department of Agriculture;(2)Designated as invasive by any other authority the State of Missouri's Department of Conservation or Department of Agriculture has referenced or acknowledged as an authority on Missouri invasive plants, such as the Missouri Prairie Foundation's Invasive Plant Council; or(3)Designated as invasive on a list made publicly available by the director.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 139 | Zoning and Development Code: Supplement 38).
Full Breakdown
Kansas City's nuisance code defines "excessive growth of vegetation" as any vegetation, including turf grass, that reaches ten inches or more in height (Code of Ordinances § 48-1). Section 48-30 declares that growth a nuisance on any premises, lot, tract or parcel of land, plus adjoining sidewalks, alleys and rights-of-way, at any time of year. Two exceptions apply: agricultural land more than 150 feet from an occupied residential lot, and vegetation within a properly bounded "managed natural landscape" that meets the city's edging, encroachment and emergency-access standards. Violators get a written order from the Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department with at least ten days to clear the growth before enforcement follows.
Violations & Fines
First offense: $100 administrative citation or up to $200 court fine. Repeat violations within 12 months rise to $300, then $500, then $1,000 administratively, or up to $450 in court; each day counts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 10-inch limit apply to vacant lots too?
Can I let part of my yard grow wild?
What happens if I ignore the notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kansas City
How Kansas City compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Kansas City to another location·View the Missouri landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jackson County handle weed ordinances.