Columbia, MO Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Max turf/weed height
- 12 inches
- Applies to
- residential and commercial properties citywide
- Enforcement
- abatement, cost billed to owner
- Governing section
- § 11-252, Chapter 11
Summary
Columbia, Missouri caps turf grass and weeds at 12 inches on any lot in the city, occupied or vacant, and treats overgrowth as a public nuisance the city can mow and bill back to the owner.
Sec. 11-252. - Landscape management requirements. (a) The following requirements related to landscape management on residential and/or commercial properties apply to lawns, yards, gardens, community gardens, urban agricultural crops, agricultural crops, vegetable gardens, native and ornamental landscapes and shall be met to prevent a property from becoming a public nuisance: (1) All turf grass and turf weeds must be mowed and trimmed to prevent these plants from attaining a height of more than twelve (12) inches.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 138).
Full Breakdown
Under Code of Ordinances § 11-252, part of the Chapter 11 landscape-management nuisance provisions, all turf grass and turf weeds on any residential or commercial property within Columbia city limits, Boone County, must be mowed to no more than 12 inches; the requirement applies to properties generally and is not limited to occupied lots. Managed native landscapes, community gardens and agricultural crops have narrow exceptions if maintained under § 11-252(b). Where vegetation exceeds the limit, the property is a public nuisance under § 11-253, and the city's hearing officer can order abatement.
Violations & Fines
Uncontrolled turf or weed growth above 12 inches is a public nuisance under § 11-252(a)(1); the city may order abatement under § 11-256, mow the lot itself if the owner fails to comply, and bill the cost as a special tax lien against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a weed height limit on vacant lots in Columbia, Missouri?
What happens if I don't mow an unimproved lot in Columbia?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbia
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