St. Louis, MO Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height trigger
- 7 inches or more
- Cure window after notice
- Start in 2 days, finish in 5
- Fine range
- $50–$500 per violation
- Jail exposure
- Up to 90 days
- Unpaid abatement cost
- Becomes a lien on the property
Summary
St. Louis bans weeds and unattended vegetation over 7 inches tall on any lot, occupied or vacant, and requires owners to clear debris or face City abatement, billing, and fines.
Russian, Canadian, or common thistle, wild lettuce, wild mustard, wild parsley, ragweed, milkweed, ironweed, poisonous plants or shrubs, and all other unattended vegetation and noxious weeds which have attained a height of seven (7) inches or more growing or being upon any lot or lands within the City ... are hereby declared a public nuisance. Every owner, occupant, or person in control of any lot or land within the City shall cause such lot or lands to be kept free from such noxious weeds and vegetation by destroying them, by cutting or spraying ...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
City Code Chapter 11.04 declares thistle, ragweed, milkweed, poisonous plants, and "all other unattended vegetation and noxious weeds" over seven inches tall a public nuisance on any lot in the City, along with debris such as weed cuttings, unstacked lumber or brick, and derelict car parts. Owners must destroy or cut the growth and remove debris. The Forestry Commissioner gives written notice requiring cleanup to start within 2 days and finish within 5; if the owner doesn't comply, the City abates it, bills the owner, and can certify unpaid costs as a lien on the property.
Violations & Fines
Fine of $50 to $500, up to 90 days' imprisonment, or both; each day the nuisance goes unabated after notice is a separate violation. Unpaid abatement costs become a special tax bill and a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to occupied properties too, or just vacant lots?
Who enforces St. Louis's weed and debris rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
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