Jackson County, MO Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- Rank weeds over 15 inches banned
- Applies to
- Platted lots, unincorporated county only
- Compliance window
- 15 days after notice
- Max penalty
- $200 fine or 30 days jail
- If ignored
- County abates and bills owner
Summary
Jackson County requires owners of platted, unincorporated lots to cut rank weeds over 15 inches, thickets, and noxious plants after notice, or face a $200 fine, jail time, and county abatement billed back as a special tax.
Every owner, occupant or person in control of any property to which this chapter applies shall keep that property free from Rank Weeds, Thickets, and Noxious Plants and shall cut, remove, or destroy any Rank Weed, Thickets, and Noxious Plants on that property.
Full Breakdown
Jackson County Code Chapter 46 applies only to unincorporated property for which a subdivision plat has been recorded (§4600). Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Raytown, and Grandview enforce their own codes instead. On covered lots, rank weeds taller than 15 inches, thickets, and noxious plants like poison ivy are a public nuisance (§4620), and owners must keep the property clear (§4631). The Health Officer (the County Code Enforcement Officer) gives notice with 15 days to cut, remove, or destroy the growth (§4641.3), and owners can request a hearing before the Director. If the owner doesn't comply, the county cuts the vegetation itself and bills the cost back as a special tax against the lot (§4650, §4661).
Violations & Fines
Failing to clear rank weeds, thickets, or noxious plants after notice draws a fine up to $200, up to 30 days in county jail, or both: each day is a separate offense per lot (§4651-4652).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Kansas City?
How tall can weeds get before it's a violation?
What happens if the owner never responds to notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jackson County
Compare Jackson County to another location·View the Missouri property maintenance overview
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