Public Health Ordinances

Table of Contents

City of Columbia Ordinances

Code of ordinances

The only officially published version of the Columbia Code of Ordinances is located in the City Clerk’s Office.  The online version may differ from the official version and should be relied upon for general information purposes only.

Residential appearance ordinance

As the name suggests, this Ordinance (Chapter 11, Article XI, Sections 11-326 through 11-329)deals with the appearance (aesthetics) of the city. Specifically, it deals only with residential premises within the city limits of Columbia, Missouri.

It has been determined that the presence of certain items detract from the appearance of residential premises.  The city ordinance defines these items and makes it unlawful for them to remain on the premises for longer than 48 hours in any location outside of the residence which can be viewed from a ground location off the premises.  The following are example of violations under this ordinance:

Read Complete Ordinance List – Sec. 11-327

If a violation is witnessed by an inspector, a written notice is sent to the owner of the property.  

City public health nuisances

The City of Columbia has promulgated ordinances controlling the existence of Public Health Nuisances within the city limits of Columbia.  Chapter 11, Article VII, Sec. 11-221 states, “Any offensive annoyances which are discomforting or detrimental to the health or public welfare of individuals or the public shall constitute nuisances.”

What are some examples of nuisances?

  • Weeds or grasses more than twelve inches talltrash
  • Weeds or vegetation blocking streets or sidewalks
  • Dead animals
  • Noxious odors
  • Accumulation of trash or garbage
  • Defective sewers
  • Stagnant or leaking water
  • Open cisterns

How are nuisances controlled?

Citizens can report violations to the Contact Center at 573.874.2489opens phone dialer or City staff observe the nuisance while driving through the city.  A notice is sent to the owner of the property. The notice allows seven days from the date of mailing for the owner or occupant to correct the nuisance.  If the nuisance has not been corrected after the seven days have expired, the matter may either be referred to the Municipal Court for prosecution and/or abated by the City of Columbia.

Landscape Management Ordinance

City code requires all turf grass and weeds to be mowed or trimmed to 12 inches or less.  To report a violation, file a complaint or call the City at 573.874.2489opens phone dialer.  If a property is found to be in violation, a notice will be sent to the property owner.  If the violation is not resolved, the violation may be abated by the City with the cost charged to the property, or the responsible party can be referred for prosecution.

Unlicensed motor vehicles

An unlicensed motor vehicle is one that is not validly registered under the laws of the State of Missouri or other jurisdiction or does not display valid license plates.

Such motor vehicles must be parked, kept or stored in a garage, similar fully enclosed structure, or a carport.

Failure to keep a motor vehicle licensed or appropriately stored may result in a 30 day notice being sent to the owner or occupant of the property.  Failure to correct the violation may result in the nuisance being abated by the City.

Boone County Ordinances

Boone County health nuisances

In July of 2005, the Boone County Commission signed into law a Code of Health Regulations.  The purpose of these regulations is to create and maintain a cleaner, healthier community by eliminating health hazards and nuisances.  These ordinances allow for the protection and promotion of public health and safety while preventing communicable disease into Boone County.

The following conditions are considered nuisances:

Solid Waste Storage

  • Prohibits trash, garbage, derelict appliances, broken furniture, etc. except for temporary storage of such items in closed containers for a time period of less than 14 days

Rat Harborage

  • Prohibits keeping refuse in a condition that is conducive to rat infestation

Growth of Weeds Over 12” High

  • Applies only to properties that are zoned for residential use
  • Does not apply to properties that are zoned for agricultural uses under the zoning regulations of Boone County

Onsite Sewage

  • Prohibits the chronic discharge of sewage effluent above ground and the discharge of wastewater off of the property

Vehicle Nuisance

  • Prohibits derelict vehicles on the premises

What is the process to get nuisances corrected?

  • Contact the Health Department by phone at 573.874.7346opens phone dialer or by email at Health@CoMo.gov with the location of the violation to begin the investigation process
  • The complainant may remain anonymous
  • If a nuisance condition is determined to exist, a notice of violation will be sent via certified mail to the property owner, occupant, and any other party with an interest in the property
  • From the date of notification, a 15 day time period is given to correct the nuisance condition
  • If the nuisance condition remains on the property after reinspection, the County Commission may hold a public hearing to determine of a nuisance condition exists on the property
  • If the Commission finds that a nuisance condition exists on the property, an order for abatement will be issued
  • If the County abates the nuisance, the costs associated with the abatement will be tax billed to the property
  • The parties involved also may be prosecuted in Circuit Court