Springfield, MO Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 7 inches
- Governing sections
- City Code § 74-403, § 74-404
- Enforcing agency
- Building Development Services
- Threshold lowered
- from 12 to 7 inches (2019)
Summary
Springfield, Missouri (Greene County) bans grass, weeds, brush, or rank vegetation over seven inches tall on any lot in the city; letting it grow past that height is unlawful and punishable under the general penalty section.
It shall be unlawful for the owner, lessee or agent in control of any lot or piece of land within the city to allow weeds, brush or rank vegetation to attain a height greater than seven inches on such land or lot. Any person violating this section shall be punished as provided by section 1-7.
(G.O. No. 6210, § 1, 7-27-2015; G.O. No. 6531, § 1, 6-3-2019)
Editor's note— G.O. No. 6531, § 1, adopted June 3, 2019, changed the title of section 74-404 from "Permitting growth of weeds over 12 inches in height" to "Permitting growth of weeds over seven inches in height." The historical notation has been preserved for reference purposes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 74-403 declares grass, weeds, brush, or other rank vegetation over seven inches tall a public nuisance per se citywide, excluding cultivated, stewarded plantings in a bordered landscaped bed. § 74-404 separately makes it unlawful for an owner, lessee, or agent in control of any lot to let vegetation exceed that seven-inch height, punishable under the general penalty section, § 1-7. The threshold was lowered from 12 inches to seven inches by G.O. No. 6531 (June 3, 2019). This is a Springfield, Missouri city ordinance enforced within Greene County city limits, separate from any county rule for unincorporated areas.
Violations & Fines
Letting grass, weeds, or brush exceed seven inches anywhere on a lot; failing to correct after a city abatement notice; repeat violations trigger escalating administrative fines up to $500 per abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass or weeds legally grow in Springfield, MO?
What happens if I don't cut overgrown weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
How Springfield compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Springfield to another location·View the Missouri landscaping rules overview
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