St. Louis County, MO Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Section 619.010 declares a public nuisance on "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 ... and all property within one hundred (100) feet from the out-boundary of such subdivision," outside incorporated cities, towns and villages. "Unmanaged vegetation growth" is defined at Section 619.005(l) as "grass, turf-grass, hay, weeds, brush, or other vegetation" that "has grown to a height of over eight (8) inches as a result of the absence of active cutting, mowing, or other maintenance," while a compliant "turf-grass lawn" under Section 619.005(k) is one "intended to be maintained at a height of no more than eight (8) inches." The 8-inch rule doesn't reach gardens, an authorized managed natural landscape, agricultural land, shoreline within 35 feet of the ordinary high-water mark, environmentally sensitive land such as steep slopes and wetlands, or vegetation that would be hazardous to cut, all carved out at Section 619.005(l)(i)-(vi).

When the Director finds a violation, Section 619.050 requires notice to the owner by hand delivery, posting, or mail, giving seven days to destroy the growth by spraying, cutting or digging as approved under Section 619.020, and the owner may request a conference within three days without delaying enforcement. If the owner doesn't comply, Section 619.060 lets the county or a hired contractor destroy the vegetation and bill the owner: the cost becomes a special tax bill under Sections 619.080-619.090, carrying a $49.60 administrative fee plus a $1.00 recording charge under Section 619.100, collectible by the County Counselor by suit and standing as a lien on the property until paid.