Kirkwood, MO Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 16-2(i) of the Kirkwood Code declares any weeds over seven inches in height on private property a nuisance. The section specifically extends 'private property' to reach ground that is privately owned but carries a public easement, which covers the grass strip many owners assume is City-owned between the sidewalk and the curb along a dedicated street right-of-way. A separate provision, § 16-2(o), reaches noxious weeds of the same seven-inch height when they appear as debris alongside other junk on a lot, so an overgrown vacant parcel can be cited under either subsection.

Enforcement runs through the same abatement process used for every Chapter 16 nuisance. The Director of Public Services or an authorized representative gives the owner at least ten days' written notice under § 16-6, and the owner can request a hearing within five days. If the weeds are not cut within five days of the notice or the hearing, the Director can have the lot mowed and bill the owner directly, with a minimum charge of $200 regardless of the lot's size. An unpaid bill becomes a special tax bill certified by the City Clerk and forwarded to the St. Louis County Collector, and it stands as a first lien on the property until paid.