Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 65

Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 65
in effect

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.010 Adoption.

65.010. Adoption. — There is hereby provided an alternative form of county government for counties of the third and fourth classes as authorized under the provisions of Section 9, Article VI of the Constitution of Missouri, 1945, to be known as the "township organization" form of county government. Any county of the third and fourth class in this state may adopt this alternative form of county government in the manner provided in sections 65.010 to 65.050 . (RSMo 1939 § 13928, A.L. 1945 p. 1972) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12251; 1919 § 13164; 1909 § 11652

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.020 Adoption, abolishment - vote necessary.

65.020. Adoption, abolishment — vote necessary. — The township organization form of county government shall not become operative unless adopted by a vote of the majority of the voters of the county voting upon the question. All counties of the third and fourth classes which have adopted township organization form of county government may abolish the same by submitting the question to a vote of the voters of the county. (RSMo 1939 § 13929, A.L. 1945 p. 1972, A.L. 1959 S.B. 73, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12252; 1919 § 13165; 1909 § 11653

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.030 Proposition submitted - election held, when - form of ballot.

65.030. Proposition submitted — election held, when — form of ballot. — 1. Upon petition of at least ten percent of the voters at the last general election of any county of the third or fourth classes praying therefor, which said petition shall be filed in the office of the clerk of the county commission, the county commission of such county shall, by order of record, submit the question of the adoption of township organization form of county government to a vote of the voters of the county. The total vote for governor at the last general election before the filing of the petition where a governor was elected shall be used to determine the number of voters necessary to sign the petition. If such petition shall be filed sixty days or more prior to a general election, the proposition shall be submitted at said general election; if filed less than sixty days before such election, then the proposition shall be submitted at the general election next succeeding said general election. The election shall be conducted, the vote canvassed and the result declared in the same manner as provided by law in respect to elections of county officers. The clerk of the county commission shall give notice that a proposition for the adoption of township organization form of county government in the county is to be voted upon by causing a copy of the order of the county commission authorizing such election to be published. 2. The question shall be submitted in substantially the following form: Shall the township organization form of county government be adopted in ______ county? 3. If a majority of the voters voting upon the question shall vote for the adoption thereof the township organization form of county government shall be declared to have been adopted; provided, that counties adopting township organization shall be subject to and governed by the provisions of the law relating to township organization on and after the last Tuesday in March next succeeding the election at which such township organization was adopted. (RSMo 1939 § 13931, A.L. 1945 p. 1972, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12254; 1919 § 13167; 1909 § 11655

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.040 Abstract of returns.

65.040. Abstract of returns. — The clerk of the county commission shall cause an abstract of the returns of said election to be made out and certified as in election for state and county officers and * record the same at length upon the records of the county commission of the county. (RSMo 1939 § 13930, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12253; 1919 § 13166; 1909 § 11654 *A comma appears instead of "and" in original rolls.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.110 Officers to be chosen.

65.110. Officers to be chosen. — 1. There shall be chosen at the biennial election in each township one trustee, who shall be ex officio treasurer of the township, one township clerk, and two members of the township board. 2. Upon the assumption of office of a county assessor elected as provided by section 53.010 , the township clerk shall cease to perform the duties of ex officio township assessor and shall promptly deliver to the county assessor all books, papers, records, and property pertaining to the office of ex officio township assessor. 3. The treasurer ex officio collector of a county with township organization shall no longer retain such title, and shall instead assume the office of collector-treasurer, as provided for by section 54.010 , on March 1, 2007. On such date, the township collector shall cease to perform the duties of township collector and shall promptly deliver to the collector-treasurer all books, papers, records, and property pertaining to the office of township collector. The township collector shall continue to perform the same duties and be subject to the same requirements and liabilities until his or her term expires on March 1, 2007. Notwithstanding other provisions of law to the contrary, the collector-treasurer shall obtain and hold the same duties, powers, and obligations previously granted to, and held by, the township collector on and after March 1, 2007. (RSMo 1939 § 13945, A. 1949 H.B. 2021, A.L. 1981 H.B. 114 & 146, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58 merged with S.B. 210) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12268; 1919 § 13181; 1909 § 11669

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.130 List of the officers elected.

65.130. List of the officers elected. — The township clerks shall transmit to the county clerk, to be filed in his office, a list of the names of the township officers so elected, within five days after such election shall have been held. (RSMo 1939 § 13950) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12273; 1919 § 13186; 1909 § 11674

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.140 Officers - notification of election.

65.140. Officers — notification of election. — The township clerk shall, within ten days after such township election, transmit to each person elected to any township office a notice of his election. (RSMo 1939 § 13951, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12274; 1919 § 13187; 1909 § 11675

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.150 Eligibility for office.

65.150. Eligibility for office. — No person shall be eligible to any township office unless he shall be a voter and a resident of such township. Such person serving as a township officer must remain a resident of the township for the duration of his or her term. (RSMo 1939 § 13953, A.L. 1978 H.B. 971, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12276; 1919 § 13189; 1909 § 11677

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.160 Oath - shall assume office, when.

65.160. Oath — shall assume office, when. — Every person chosen or appointed to the office of township trustee and ex officio treasurer, member of the township board, or township clerk, before such person enters on the duties of his or her office and within ten days after such person shall be notified of his or her election or appointment, shall take and subscribe, before any officer authorized to administer oaths, such oath or affirmation as is prescribed by law. (RSMo 1939 § 13954, A.L. 1945 p. 1968, A. 1949 H.B. 2021, A.L. 1981 H.B. 114 & 146, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58 merged with S.B. 210) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12277; 1919 § 13190; 1909 § 11678

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.170 Certificate - acceptance.

65.170. Certificate — acceptance. — Such person shall, within ten days thereafter, cause such certificate, together with his acceptance of the office, to be filed in the office of the township clerk; his neglect or refusal so to do shall be deemed a refusal to serve. (RSMo 1939 § 13955) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12278; 1919 § 13191; 1909 § 11679

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.180 Refusal to serve - forfeiture.

65.180. Refusal to serve — forfeiture. — Any person chosen or appointed to fill any township office, who shall refuse to serve, shall forfeit to the township the sum of one hundred dollars for the use of the contingent fund, and said forfeiture, if not otherwise paid, shall be collected by any associate circuit judge of the county, as may be provided by law. (RSMo 1939 § 13959, A. 1949 H.B. 2021, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12282; 1919 § 13195; 1909 § 11683

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.183 Removal of township officers, procedure.

65.183. Removal of township officers, procedure. — Any person serving as a township officer may be removed from the township board by a majority vote of the other board members for failing to attend two or more consecutive meetings of the board. (L. 2005 H.B. 58)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.190 Failure to take oath - forfeiture.

65.190. Failure to take oath — forfeiture. — If any township officer who is required by law to take the oath of office shall enter upon the duties of his office before he shall have taken such oath, he shall forfeit to the township the sum of one hundred dollars, to be collected and applied as in section 65.180 . Township officers shall hold their offices for two years, and until their successors are chosen or appointed and qualified. (RSMo 1939 § 13960, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12283; 1919 § 13196; 1909 § 11684

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.200 Vacancies in office - how filled.

65.200. Vacancies in office — how filled. — Whenever any township shall fail to elect the proper number of officers to which such township may be entitled, or when any person elected or appointed shall fail to qualify, or when any vacancy shall happen in any township office from any cause, it shall be lawful for the township board to submit recommendations to the county commission to fill such vacancy by appointment, and the person so appointed shall hold the office and discharge all the duties of the same during such unexpired term, and until his successor is elected or appointed and qualified, and shall be subject to the same penalties as if he had been duly elected; provided, that any vacancy in an office of the township shall be filled by appointment of the county commission. (RSMo 1939 § 13962, A. 1949 H.B. 2021, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12285; 1919 § 13198; 1909 § 11686

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.210 Warrant of appointment - notification to appointee.

65.210. Warrant of appointment — notification to appointee. — Whenever any appointment shall be made, as provided in section 65.200 , the township board shall cause a warrant of appointment to be filed in the office of the township clerk, who shall immediately give notice to the person or persons appointed; provided, that when the county commission shall make such appointment they shall cause notice thereof, in writing, to be transmitted by the county clerk to the township clerk, who shall file the same and give notice to the appointee, as provided in section 65.140 . (RSMo 1939 § 13963) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12286; 1919 § 13199; 1909 § 11687

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.220 Resignations, how accepted.

65.220. Resignations, how accepted. — The township board may, at any legally convened meeting, for a good and sufficient cause shown to them, accept the written, dated, and signed resignation of any township officer; provided, that in all cases where the action of the township board is required, as provided in section 65.210 , a majority of the members concurring therein shall be taken as the action of the board. (RSMo 1939 § 13964, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12287; 1919 § 13200; 1909 § 11688

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.230 Compensation of officers.

65.230. Compensation of officers. — The following township officers shall be entitled to compensation at the following rates for each day necessarily devoted by them to the services of the township in discharging the duties of their respective offices: (1) The township clerk, as clerk, the township trustee, as trustee, members of the township board, shall each receive a maximum amount of fifty dollars per day for the first meeting each month and a maximum amount of twenty dollars for each meeting thereafter during the month; (2) The township trustee as ex officio treasurer shall receive a compensation of two percent for receiving and disbursing all moneys coming into his hands for the first fifty thousand dollars received as ex officio treasurer when the same shall not exceed the sum of one thousand dollars and one percent of all sums over this amount; and (3) Township officials may receive an hourly wage set by the township board for labor performed for the benefit of the township. Such wage shall not exceed the local prevailing wage limits and shall not include pay received for attending monthly meetings or pay received by the treasurer for performing duties required of his or her office. (RSMo 1939 §§ 13986, 13987, A.L. 1955 p. 370, A.L. 1998 S.B. 917, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58) Prior revisions: 1929 §§ 12309, 12310; 1919 §§ 13222, 13223; 1909 §§ 11710, 11711

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.250 No fee for oath.

65.250. No fee for oath. — No township officer shall be entitled to any fee from any officer for administering the oath of office. (RSMo 1939 § 13988, A. 1949 H.B. 2021) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12311; 1919 § 13224; 1909 § 11712

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.260 Powers of townships.

65.260. Powers of townships. — Each township, as a body corporate, shall have power and capacity: (1) To sue and be sued, in the manner provided by the laws of this state; (2) To purchase and hold real estate within its own limits for the use of its inhabitants, subject to the power of the general assembly; (3) To make such contracts, purchase and hold personal property, and so much thereof as may be necessary to the exercise of its corporate or administrative powers; (4) To make such orders for the disposition, regulation or use of its corporate property as may be conducive to the interest of the inhabitants thereof; (5) To purchase at any public sale, for the use of said township, any real estate which may be necessary to secure any debt to said township, or the inhabitants thereof, in their corporate capacity, and to dispose of the same. (RSMo 1939 § 13933) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12256; 1919 § 13169; 1909 § 11657

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.270 Corporate power, limitations of.

65.270. Corporate power, limitations of. — No township shall possess any corporate powers, except such as are enumerated or granted by this chapter, or shall be specially given by law, or shall be necessary to the exercise of the powers so enumerated or granted. (RSMo 1939 § 13934) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12257; 1919 § 13170; 1909 § 11658

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.280 Proceedings by or against township - conveyances.

65.280. Proceedings by or against township — conveyances. — All acts or proceedings by or against a township in its corporate capacity shall be in the name of such township and county; but every conveyance of land within the limits of such township, made in any manner for the use and benefit of its inhabitants, shall have the same effect as if made to the township by name. (RSMo 1939 § 13935) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12258; 1919 § 13171; 1909 § 11659

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.290 Board of directors - duties.

65.290. Board of directors — duties. — In each township in this state, organized under the provisions of this chapter, there shall be a board of directors, composed of the township trustee and members of the township board, whose duty it shall be: (1) To audit all accounts of township officers for services rendered as such officers; (2) To audit all other accounts or demands legally presented to them against the township; (3) To levy all taxes for township, road and bridge purposes, and all other duties provided by this chapter for the township board of directors to perform. (RSMo 1939 § 13976, A.L. 1981 H.B. 114 & 146) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12299; 1919 § 13212; 1909 § 11700

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.295 Board may expend one-fourth of revenue on city streets.

65.295. Board may expend one-fourth of revenue on city streets. — The board of directors of any township may expend not more than one-fourth of the revenue accruing to it from taxes levied upon property situated within the limits of any city, town or village within the township for the repair and improvement of existing roads, streets and bridges within the city, town, or village from which such moneys accrued, and for the purpose of constructing and maintaining macadam, gravel, rock or paved roads or streets within the corporate limits of any city within the township in conformity with the established grade of the roads and streets of such city; except that no part of the revenue of any township shall be expended outside of the county in which the township is located. (L. 1961 p. 307 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.300 Board of directors - meetings.

65.300. Board of directors — meetings. — The township board of directors shall meet on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as deemed necessary by the board, for the purpose of transacting township business. The meetings of the township board shall be held at a location within the township that is accessible to the public. (RSMo 1939 § 13977, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12300; 1919 § 13213; 1909 § 11701

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.310 Board of directors - president.

65.310. Board of directors — president. — The township board of directors shall, at their first meeting in each year after they have been elected and qualified, appoint one of their number as president of said board, who shall sign all orders and official acts of said board. (RSMo 1939 § 13982) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12305; 1919 § 13218; 1909 § 11706

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.320 Claims against township - procedure.

65.320. Claims against township — procedure. — Any person having a claim or account against the township may file such claim or account in the office of the township clerk, to be kept by the said clerk, and laid before the township board at their next meeting; provided, however, that any person having a claim against the township may present said claim to the township board himself, or by an agent, at any legally convened meeting of said board; said board shall have the power to determine the legality or illegality of any claim or account against the township, and to reject said claim, or any part thereof, as to them appears just and proper; but in no case shall the township board be authorized to allow any claim, or any part thereof, until the claimant makes out a statement, verified by affidavit to the amount and nature of his claim, setting forth that the same is correct and unpaid, or, if any part thereof has been paid, setting forth how much. (RSMo 1939 § 13978) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12301; 1919 § 13214; 1909 § 11702

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.330 Audited accounts to be on file.

65.330. Audited accounts to be on file. — The accounts so audited, and those rejected, if any, shall be delivered to the township clerk, to be by him kept on file, and subject to the examination of anyone desiring so to do. (RSMo 1939 § 13979) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12302; 1919 § 13215; 1909 § 11703

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.340 Claims against township, collection.

65.340. Claims against township, collection. — When any claim or account, or any part thereof, shall be allowed by the township board of directors, they shall draw an order upon the township trustee in favor of the claimant for the amount so allowed said order to be signed by the president of said board, and attested by the township clerk and delivered to said claimant. (RSMo 1939 § 13983) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12306; 1919 § 13219; 1909 § 11707

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.350 Board compelled to allow appeal, when.

65.350. Board compelled to allow appeal, when. — In all counties in this state that have adopted or that may hereafter adopt township organization, if any township board, clerk or other officer thereof fail to allow an appeal in the cause when the same ought to be allowed, or if by absence, sickness or any other cause on his part, an appeal cannot be taken within time, the circuit court on such fact satisfactorily appearing, may, by rule and attachment, compel such board or other officer to allow the same, and to return his proceedings in the suit, together with the papers required to be returned by him. (RSMo 1939 § 14024, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12347; 1919 § 13260; 1909 § 11746 Effective 1-02-79

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.360 Township charges.

65.360. Township charges. — The following shall be deemed township charges: (1) The compensation of township officers for their services rendered in their respective townships; (2) Contingent expenses necessarily incurred for the use and benefit of the township; (3) The moneys authorized to be raised by the township board of directors for any purpose, for the use of the township. (RSMo 1939 § 13980) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12303; 1919 § 13216; 1909 § 11704

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.370 Moneys to be collected, how.

65.370. Moneys to be collected, how. — The moneys necessary to defray the township charges of each township shall be levied on the taxable property in such township, in the manner prescribed in the general revenue law for state and county purposes. (RSMo 1939 § 13981) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12304; 1919 § 13217; 1909 § 11705

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.380 Estimate of expenses.

65.380. Estimate of expenses. — The township board of directors shall, annually, not less than twenty nor more than sixty days prior to the first day of September, make out and file with the clerk of the county commission of their county an estimate of the amount of money required to defray the expenses of said township during the next ensuing year. Said estimates shall be signed by the president and attested by the clerk of the board. The clerk of the county commission shall cause the same to be placed on the tax books of said township; provided that the amount of such expenses shall not exceed in any one year twenty cents on the hundred dollars assessed valuation of the taxable property within said township. (RSMo 1939 § 13985, A.L. 1945 p. 1974) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12308; 1919 § 13221; 1909 § 11709

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.390 Division of townships into road districts.

65.390. Division of townships into road districts. — The township board of directors shall have power to divide their townships into convenient road districts, and may, at their April meeting, change the same in such manner as the interest of the township may demand. (RSMo 1939 § 13984) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12307; 1919 § 13220; 1909 § 11708

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.400 Missouri products - purchase of.

65.400. Missouri products — purchase of. — Every commission, board, committee, officer or other governing body of any township in this state authorized to make purchases for the use of their township, shall purchase and use only those materials, products, supplies, provisions and other needed articles produced, manufactured, compounded, made or grown within the state of Missouri, when they are found in marketable quantities in the state and are of a quality suited to the purpose intended, and can be secured without additional cost over foreign products or products of other states; provided, however, that quality and fitness of articles shall be considered in purchasing or letting contracts for articles herein mentioned. (RSMo 1939 § 14616, A. 1949 H.B. 2021) Prior revision: 1929 § 13320

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.410 Clerk - general powers and duties.

65.410. Clerk — general powers and duties. — The township clerk of each township shall have the custody and care of all records, books and papers belonging to his office; and he shall file in his office all certificates, oaths or other instruments of writing required by law to be filed in his office, and he shall have power to administer the oath of office to all township officers; and it is hereby made the duty of the township clerk to administer all necessary oaths which may be required in the transaction of any township business in the township of which he is clerk; provided, that nothing herein shall be so construed as to deprive any other officer from administering any oath, as may be otherwise provided by law. (RSMo 1939 § 13970, A.L. 1981 H.B. 114 & 146) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12293; 1919 § 13206; 1909 § 11694

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.420 Township clerk to be clerk of township board.

65.420. Township clerk to be clerk of township board. — The township clerk shall be the clerk of the township board of directors, and shall keep a true and correct record of all official acts and proceedings of said board of directors, in a book provided for that purpose at the expense of the township, and to be kept in the office of the township clerk, subject to the inspection of anyone desiring so to do, under the direction of the township clerk. (RSMo 1939 § 13971) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12294; 1919 § 13207; 1909 § 11695

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.440 Copies of papers to be evidence in courts of record.

65.440. Copies of papers to be evidence in courts of record. — Copies of all papers, duly filed in the office of the township clerk, and certified to be true and correct, shall be evidence in all courts of record in this state, and in all courts of inferior jurisdiction within this state, in like effect and manner as if the original were produced. (RSMo 1939 § 13974) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12297; 1919 § 13210; 1909 § 11698

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.450 Procurement of books and stationery.

65.450. Procurement of books and stationery. — The township clerk shall procure, under the direction of the township board, and at the expense of the township, all necessary record books and other books and stationery for the use of the township. (RSMo 1939 § 13975, A.L. 1957 p. 322) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12298; 1919 § 13211; 1909 § 11699

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.460 Township trustee, collector.

65.460. Township trustee, collector. — Every person elected or appointed to the office of township trustee and ex officio treasurer, before such person enters on the duties of his or her office, and within ten days after such person's election or appointment, shall execute and deliver to the township clerk a bond with one or more sureties, to the satisfaction of the township clerk payable to the township board, equal to one-half the largest amount on deposit at any one time during the year preceding his or her election or appointment of all the township funds, including school moneys, that may come into his or her hands; and every such bond, when deposited with the township clerk as aforesaid, shall constitute a lien upon all the real estate within the county belonging to such trustee and ex officio treasurer at the time of filing thereof, and shall continue to be a lien until its conditions, together with all costs and charges which may accrue by reason of any prosecution thereon, shall be satisfied. (RSMo 1939 § 13956, A.L. 1945 p. 1968, A.L. 1988 H.B. 1464, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58 merged with S.B. 210) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12279; 1919 § 13192; 1909 § 11680

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.470 Trustee to receive and pay over moneys - suits on default.

65.470. Trustee to receive and pay over moneys — suits on default. — The township trustee and ex officio treasurer of each township shall receive and pay over all moneys raised therein for defraying township expenses; provided, that before entering on the duties of his office he shall execute such bond as is required in section 65.460 ; and in case of default, it is hereby made the duty of the township clerk to institute suit thereon, in the name of the township, in any court of competent jurisdiction. (RSMo 1939 § 13965) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12288; 1919 § 13201; 1909 § 11689

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.480 Action to enforce penalties and forfeitures - employment of counsel.

65.480. Action to enforce penalties and forfeitures — employment of counsel. — The township trustee shall cause suit to be instituted in the name of the township for all penalties and forfeitures given by law to such township, in all cases where no other officer is specially directed to prosecute, and he may, with the consent of the township board, employ counsel to prosecute or defend any suit to which such township is a party such counsel fees to be paid out of the township funds not otherwise appropriated. (RSMo 1939 § 13966) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12289; 1919 § 13202; 1909 § 11690

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.490 Township funds, how paid out - school district funds, duties of trustees.

65.490. Township funds, how paid out — school district funds, duties of trustees. — The township trustee and ex officio treasurer shall not pay out any moneys belonging to the township for any purpose whatever, except upon the order of the township board of directors, signed by the chairman of said board and attested by the township clerk; provided, that nothing in this chapter shall be so construed as to change or interfere with any school district, the boundary lines of which are different from that of the municipal township as organized under the provisions of this chapter, nor with the payment of any school moneys upon proper vouchers. The township trustee and ex officio treasurer shall receive from the collector-treasurer all road and bridge and other taxes due the township when collected by such officers, and shall receipt for the same, and shall account therefor in like manner as for other moneys in his or her hands belonging to the township. (RSMo 1939 § 13968, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58 merged with S.B. 210) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12291; 1919 § 13204; 1909 § 11692

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.500 Accounts - annual settlement - report to board.

65.500. Accounts — annual settlement — report to board. — 1. He shall keep a correct account of all moneys coming into his hands by virtue of his office, from what source received, and what amount, of the amount paid out, to whom paid, and on what account, in a book to be kept by him and provided for the purpose by the township; said book to be kept in such a manner as to show the amount of money in his hands belonging to each school district or fractional part in the township and the amount of road money belonging to the township. 2. He shall make settlement annually between the twentieth day of March and the fifteenth day of April with the county clerk of all moneys received by him on account of schools, showing how the same have been disbursed, and he shall settle with the county treasurer within twenty days after the apportionment of the school funds to the school district, and receive all money in the hands of the county treasurer belonging to his township, and receipt for the same, and shall pay all warrants drawn on him by the board of school directors in his township out of the funds belonging to the district making the order, and he shall not pay any money out belonging to any other fund than that mentioned in the warrants, and he shall file with the township clerk on or before the day of the regular meeting of the township board in April a detailed statement of all money by him received and paid out, to whom and out of what fund, and the amount on hand, and at the expiration of his term of office he shall turn over to his successor all moneys, books and papers belonging to the office, and take duplicate receipts for the same, one to be filed with the township clerk, the other to be retained by himself. (RSMo 1939 § 13967) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12290; 1919 § 13203; 1909 § 11691

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.510 All books and papers to be delivered to successors.

65.510. All books and papers to be delivered to successors. — Whenever the term of office of any township officer shall expire, and others are elected or appointed and qualified as their successors, such successors shall, immediately after entering upon the duties of their office, demand and receive from his or their predecessors, or their legal representatives, all the books, papers and money under his or their control belonging to such office, and such books, papers and other property shall be delivered upon oath that the same are all the moneys, books, papers and other property under his control belonging to such township; duplicate receipts shall be given the outgoing officer for the same, who shall retain one copy and deliver the other to the township clerk, who shall charge the incoming officer with the value thereof. (RSMo 1939 § 13961) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12284; 1919 § 13197; 1909 § 11685

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.520 Treasurer to settle annually with board for school funds - certified copy.

65.520. Treasurer to settle annually with board for school funds — certified copy. — 1. The township treasurer shall, annually, between the first day and the tenth day of July of each year, settle with the township board and account for all school moneys received, from whom and on what account, and the amount paid out for school purposes and for building purposes to the various school districts of the township. 2. The township board shall examine the vouchers for such payments, and, if satisfied with the correctness thereof, shall certify the same, which certificate shall be prima facie a discharge of such liability of the treasurer for the funds expressed in the vouchers. 3. The township clerk shall, on or before the fifteenth of July of each year, deliver to the county clerk a certified copy of said settlement, which shall constitute the required settlement by which the county clerk shall make his annual settlement with the state superintendent of public schools. (RSMo 1939 § 13969) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12292; 1919 § 13205; 1909 § 11693

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.530 Township boundaries and new townships, how changed and constituted.

65.530. Township boundaries and new townships, how changed and constituted. — The county commission of each county shall have power to alter the boundary of townships and to increase or diminish their number, as follows, viz: Upon the petition of one-fourth of the voters of the township or townships proposed to be altered, the county commission shall submit the proposed alteration to the qualified voters thereof, at any regular township election, by giving at least thirty days' notice thereof to such township or townships, in the usual manner of giving election notices; and if such alteration shall be ratified by a majority of two-thirds of the votes cast by the voters affected thereby, then such alteration shall be confirmed by the county commission, and each township shall be named in accordance with the expressed wishes of its inhabitants. (RSMo 1939 § 13936) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12259; 1919 § 13172; 1909 § 11660

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.540 Creation of new township - duties of county clerk.

65.540. Creation of new township — duties of county clerk. — The county clerk shall, within thirty days after the county commission has established any new township, or changed the boundary lines of any or all the townships in their respective counties, transmit to the secretary of state, who shall keep a record of the same, an abstract of such division or change, giving the bounds of such townships and the names designated, and said county clerk shall record, in a book kept for that purpose, a description of each township as fully as in such report to the secretary of state. (RSMo 1939 § 13937) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12260; 1919 § 13173; 1909 § 11661

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.550 Proceedings in case of neglect or refusal to organize.

65.550. Proceedings in case of neglect or refusal to organize. — 1. In case any township in any county in which township organization has been or may hereafter be adopted shall refuse or neglect to organize and elect township officers at the time required by law for holding township elections, it shall be lawful for any twelve residents of the township to call a township meeting for the purposes described in this section, by posting up notices in five public places of the township, giving at least ten days' notice of such meeting, setting forth the time, place and object of such meeting; and the electors, when assembled by virtue of such notice, shall have all the powers conferred upon them at the regular township election. 2. In case no such notice shall be given within thirty days after the time for holding the regular township elections, the county commission shall, upon the affidavit of any resident of the township, filed in the office of the county clerk, setting forth the facts, proceed at any regular or special session of the commission to appoint the necessary officers for such township, and the persons so appointed shall hold their offices until others are chosen or appointed in their places, and shall have the same powers and be subject to the same duties and penalties as if chosen by the electors of the township. (RSMo 1939 § 13938, A.L. 1990 H.B. 1070) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12261; 1919 § 13174; 1909 § 11662

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.560 Failure of appointed officers to qualify - annexation of townships.

65.560. Failure of appointed officers to qualify — annexation of townships. — Whenever it shall be made to appear to the county commission that the township officers appointed by them, as provided in section 65.550 , shall have failed to qualify as required by law, so that such township cannot become organized, the county commission may annex such township to any adjoining township, and said township so annexed shall thereafter constitute a part of said adjoining township, unless changed by the county commission under the provisions of this chapter. (RSMo 1939 § 13939) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12262; 1919 § 13175; 1909 § 11663

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.570 Division of township - disposition of property.

65.570. Division of township — disposition of property. — When a township, seized of real estate, shall be divided into two or more townships, the township trustees and county assessor of the several townships constituted by such division shall meet as soon as may be after the first township election subsequently held in such townships, and when so met shall have power to make such agreement concerning the disposition of such township property, and the division thereof, as shall be equitable, and to take all measures and to execute all conveyances necessary to carry such agreement into effect. (RSMo 1939 § 13940, A.L. 1981 H.B. 114 & 146) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12263; 1919 § 13176; 1909 § 11664

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.580 Meetings to carry this law into effect, how called.

65.580. Meetings to carry this law into effect, how called. — Whenever a meeting of the township trustees and county assessor of two or more townships shall be required to carry into effect the provisions of sections 65.540 to 65.590 , such meeting may be called by either of such township trustees; but the township trustees calling the same shall give at least three days' notice, in writing, to all of the other officers, of the time and place at which such meeting is to be held. (RSMo 1939 § 13941, A.L. 1981 H.B. 114 & 146) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12264; 1919 § 13177; 1909 § 11665

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.590 Debts of divided township, how charged.

65.590. Debts of divided township, how charged. — Debts owing by a township so subdivided or altered shall be apportioned in the same manner as personal property of such township, and each township shall be thereafter charged with its share of such debts, according to such apportionment. (RSMo 1939 § 13942) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12265; 1919 § 13178; 1909 § 11666

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.600 County collector and assessor - tenure upon adoption of township organization.

65.600. County collector and assessor — tenure upon adoption of township organization. — 1. In any county in this state which may hereafter adopt township organization, the person holding the office of the collector of the revenue in such county, at the time in March when township organization becomes effective in such county, shall continue to hold his or her office and exercise all the functions and receive all the fees and emoluments thereof until the time at which his or her term of office would have expired had such county not adopted township organization, and, except as herein otherwise provided, the collector shall perform the same duties and be subject to the same requirements and liabilities as in counties not under township organization. 2. The county assessor shall assess the property of the various townships in such county and arrange the county assessor's books and lists in a manner so that it can be determined which township is entitled to the taxes assessed against any property. 3. The county clerk of such county shall submit, for the use of such county collector, lists of the property assessed in each township the same as the county clerk is required to submit for the use of township collectors. 4. The collector of the revenue in such county shall pay over to the several township trustees of such county after deducting his or her commission, all township taxes and funds of every kind collected by the collector and belonging respectively to the several townships in such county, as required by section 139.430 in the case of township collectors, and for the collector's failure to do so the collector shall be subject to the same liability as provided by section 139.430 in the case of township collectors. 5. The first township collectors in such county shall be elected at the township election held in March next preceding the time at which the term of office of the collector of the revenue in such county shall expire and their terms of office shall begin at the expiration of the term of office of such collector of the revenue, and they shall hold their offices until the next township election in such county. The provisions of this section shall be effective prior to August 28, 2005. (RSMo 1939 § 14020, A.L. 1981 H.B. 114 & 146, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58 merged with S.B. 210) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12343; 1919 § 13256; 1909 § 11744

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.610 Abolition of township organization - procedure.

65.610. Abolition of township organization — procedure. — 1. Upon the petition of at least ten percent of voters at the last general election of any county having heretofore adopted township organization, praying therefor, the county commission shall submit the question of the abolition of township organization to the voters of the county at a general or special election. The question shall include a countywide tax levy for road and bridge purposes. The total vote for governor at the last general election before the filing of the petition where a governor was elected shall be used to determine the number of voters necessary to sign the petition. If the petition is filed six months or more prior to a general election, the proposition shall be submitted at a special election to be ordered by the county commission within sixty days after the petition is filed; if the petition is filed less than six months before a general election, then the proposition shall be submitted at the general election next succeeding the filing of the petition. The election shall be conducted, the vote canvassed and the result declared in the same manner as provided by law in respect to elections of county officers. The clerk of the county commission shall give notice that a proposition for the abolition of township organization form of county government in the county is to be voted upon by causing a copy of the order of the county commission authorizing such election to be published at least once each week for three successive weeks, the last insertion to be not more than one week prior to the election, in some newspaper published in the county where the election is to be held, if there is a newspaper published in the county and, if not, by posting printed or written handbills in at least two public places in each election precinct in the county at least twenty-one days prior to the date of election. The clerk of the county commission shall provide the ballot which shall be printed and in substantially the following form: If a majority of the electors voting upon the proposition shall vote for the abolition thereof the township organization form of county government shall be declared to have been abolished; and township organization shall cease in said county; and except as provided in section 65.620 all laws in force in relation to counties not having township organization shall immediately take effect and be in force in such county. 2. No election or any proposal for either the adoption of township organization or for the abolition of township organization in any county shall be held within two years after an election is held under this section. (RSMo 1939 § 14023, A.L. 1963 p. 121, A.L. 2005 H.B. 58, A.L. 2018 H.B. 1291 merged with S.B. 592) Prior revisions: 1929 § 12346; 1919 § 13259; 1909 § 11745

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.620 Abolition of township government - effect.

65.620. Abolition of township government — effect. — 1. Whenever any county abolishes township organization the county treasurer and ex officio collector shall immediately settle his accounts as treasurer with the county commission and shall thereafter perform all duties, exercise all powers, have all rights and be subject to all liabilities imposed and conferred upon the county collector of revenue under chapter 52 until the first Monday in March after the general election next following the abolishment of township organization and until a collector of revenue for the county is elected and qualified. The person elected collector at the general election as aforesaid, if that election is not one for collector of revenue under chapter 52 , shall serve until the first Monday in March following the election and qualification of a collector of revenue under chapter 52 . Upon abolition of township organization a county treasurer shall be appointed to serve until the expiration of the term of such officer pursuant to chapter 54 . 2. Upon abolition of township organization, title to all property of all kinds theretofore owned by the several townships of the county shall vest in the county and the county shall be liable for all outstanding obligations and liabilities of the several townships. 3. The terms of office of all township officers shall expire on the abolition of township organization and the township trustee of each township shall immediately settle his accounts with the county clerk and all township officers shall promptly deliver to the appropriate county officers, as directed by the county commission, all books, papers, records and property pertaining to their offices. (L. 1963 p. 121, A.L. 1981 H.B. 114 & 146, A.L. 2015 H.B. 517 & 754 merged with H.B. 613, A.L. 2018 H.B. 1291 merged with S.B. 592)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.650 Township zoning, submitted to the voters, when - township plan, formulated.

65.650. Township zoning, submitted to the voters, when — township plan, formulated. — The township board of any township in a county which has not voted to adopt countywide planning or zoning pursuant to the provisions of sections 64.510 to 64.695 , or sections 64.800 to 64.905 , may, on its own motion, and shall, upon a petition signed by a number of qualified voters in the county equal to five percent of the total vote for governor in such township at the most recent general election at which a governor was elected, submit to a vote of the voters of the township a proposition adopting township planning and zoning under the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 . The township planning and zoning proposal shall provide for the preparation, adoption, amendment, extension and carrying out of a township plan for all areas of the township outside the corporate limits of any city, town or village which has adopted a city plan in accordance with the laws of the state. Upon the adoption of the township plan there is created in that township a township planning commission as provided in sections 65.650 to 65.700 . (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 1)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.652 Planning commission, established when, members, terms, compensation, chairman.

65.652. Planning commission, established when, members, terms, compensation, chairman. — Such township planning commission shall consist of the township trustee, the commissioner of the county commission who represents the township, one member of the township board selected by the township board, and one resident freeholder appointed by the township board from the unincorporated part of the township for a term of four years or until his successor takes office. The terms of all other members shall be only for the duration of their tenure of official position. All members of the township planning commission shall serve as such without compensation, except that an attendance fee as reimbursement for expenses, for not to exceed two meetings per month, may be paid to the freeholder member of the planning commission in an amount, as set by the township board, not to exceed fifteen dollars for each meeting. The planning commission shall elect its chairman who shall serve for one year. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 2)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.657 Ballot, form - majority vote required.

65.657. Ballot, form — majority vote required. — 1. Before the township board of any such township shall adopt any plan or create any commission provided for in sections 65.650 to 65.700 , it shall order the question as to whether or not the township board shall adopt township planning or zoning submitted to the voters of the township. 2. The question shall be submitted in substantially the following form: 3. If a majority of the votes cast on the question be in favor of the adoption of zoning or planning, the township board may then proceed as provided in sections 65.650 to 65.700 . (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 3)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.660 Commission, powers - may collect fee, adopt rules - records, commission to keep.

65.660. Commission, powers — may collect fee, adopt rules — records, commission to keep. — The township planning commission may create and adopt rules for the transaction of its business and shall keep a public record of its resolutions, transactions, findings, and recommendations. The commission may appoint such employees as it may deem necessary for its work and may contract with planners and other consultants for such services as it may require and may incur other necessary expenses. The township planning commission may charge and collect a fee for any service it provides, but the fee must be established by rule. The expenditures of township funds by the township planning commission shall not be in excess of the amounts appropriated for that purpose by the township board and the amount of fees collected by the township planning commission. The township planning commission shall have such other powers as may be necessary and proper to enable it to perform the duties imposed upon it by law. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 4)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.662 Master plan developed, purpose - contents - procedure to adopt.

65.662. Master plan developed, purpose — contents — procedure to adopt. — The township planning commission shall have power to make, adopt and publish an official master plan of the township for the purpose of bringing about coordinated physical development in accordance with the present and future needs. The official master plan shall be developed so as to conserve the natural resources of the township, to ensure efficient expenditure of public funds and to promote the health, safety, convenience, prosperity and general welfare of the inhabitants. Such official master plan may include, among other things, studies and recommendations relative to the location, character and extent of highways, railroads, bus, streetcar and other transportation routes, bridges, public buildings, schools, parks, parkways, forests, wildlife refuges, dams, and projects affecting conservation of natural resources. The township planning commission may adopt the official master plan in whole or in part and may subsequently amend or extend the adopted plan or portion thereof. Before the adoption, amendment or extension of the plan or portion thereof, the township planning commission shall hold at least one public hearing thereon, fifteen days' notice of the time and place of which shall be published in at least one newspaper having general circulation within the township, and notice of such hearing shall also be posted at least fifteen days in advance thereof in one or more public area in the township. Such hearing may be adjourned from time to time. The adoption of the plan, or part thereof, shall be by resolution carried by not less than a majority vote of the full membership of the township planning commission. After the adoption of the official master plan, or part thereof, an attested copy shall be certified to the township board, to the county commission, to the recorder of deeds and to the township clerk. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 5)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.665 Improvements, must be approved by commission, exceptions.

65.665. Improvements, must be approved by commission, exceptions. — From and after the adoption of the official master plan or portion thereof and its proper certification and recording, thereafter no improvement of a type embraced within the recommendations of such official master plan or part thereof shall be constructed or authorized without first submitting the proposed plans thereof to the township planning commission and receiving the written approval or recommendations of the township planning commission. This requirement shall be deemed to be waived if the township planning commission fails to make its report and recommendations within forty-five days after receipt of the proposed plans. In the case of any public improvement sponsored or proposed to be made by any municipality or other political or civil subdivision of the state, or public board, commission or other public officials, the disapproval or recommendations of the township planning commission may be overruled by a two-thirds vote properly entered of record and certified to the township planning commission, of the governing body of such municipality, or other political or civil subdivision, or public board, commission or officials, after the reasons for such overruling are spread upon its minutes, which reasons shall also be certified to the township planning commission. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 6)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.667 Regulations of commission, scope, commission may change, how.

65.667. Regulations of commission, scope, commission may change, how. — The township planning commission may also prepare, adopt, change and amend, as parts of the official master plan or otherwise, sets of regulations governing subdivisions of land in unincorporated areas, and amend or change same from time to time, as provided in sections 65.650 to 65.700 , which regulations may provide for the proper location and width of streets, building lines, open spaces, safety, recreation, and for the avoidance of congestion of population, including minimum width and area of lots. Such regulations may also include the extent to which and the manner in which streets shall be graded and improved, and the extent to which water, sewer and other utility services shall be provided, to protect public health and general welfare. Such regulations may provide that in lieu of the immediate completion or installation of such work, the township planning commission may accept bond for the county commission in the amount and with surety and conditions satisfactory to the county commission, providing for and securing to the county commission the actual construction of such improvements and utilities within a period specified by the township planning commission, and the county commission shall have power to enforce such bond by all proper remedies. Such subdivision regulations shall be adopted, changed or amended, certified and filed as provided in sections 65.650 to 65.700 . Such subdivision regulations shall be adopted, changed or amended only after a public hearing has been held thereon, public notice of which shall be given in the manner as provided for the hearing in sections 65.650 to 65.700 . (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 7)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.670 Subdivision plats, must be approved, when, exceptions.

65.670. Subdivision plats, must be approved, when, exceptions. — Whenever the township planning commission has adopted, recorded and filed certified copies of any part of the official master plan relating to major highways or to subdivision regulations, thereafter no plat of a subdivision of land within the unincorporated area of such township or the portion thereof covered by the major highway plan shall be recorded until such plat shall first have been approved by the township planning commission. If the township planning commission does not report upon the plat within thirty days, it may then be deemed approved by the township planning commission, and the township planning commission shall certify such facts upon such plat. If such plat is approved by the township planning commission, such approval shall be endorsed in writing thereon. However, if such plat be amended or rejected by the township planning commission, such approval shall be deemed overruled. No plat of subdivision of land in the unincorporated areas of the county shall be recorded in the office of the recorder of deeds unless and until approved as provided in sections 65.650 to 65.700 . Municipalities shall have power, by ordinance, to require plats of subdivision of land within the corporate limits of such municipalities to be submitted to the township planning commission before being submitted to the municipality for approval, and before being recorded. A certified copy of any such ordinance shall be filed in the office of the recorder of deeds for the county. The township planning commission shall, upon written request of any such municipality, consider such plats and shall report its findings and its recommendations thereon in writing to the proper officials of such municipality. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 8)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.672 County commission may establish setback lines from roads, how.

65.672. County commission may establish setback lines from roads, how. — After any plan for major highways, or portion thereof, has been prepared by the township planning commission, filed and certified as provided in sections 65.650 to 65.700 , the county commission may establish, regulate and limit building or setback lines on such major highways outside the corporate limits of municipalities and to prohibit any new building being located within such building or setback lines, and to amend such regulations from time to time. All orders of the county commission relating to such building or setback lines shall be entered of record and certified copies thereof shall be filed with the township planning commission and in the office of the recorder of deeds. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 9)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.675 Board of adjustment, established when, powers.

65.675. Board of adjustment, established when, powers. — The township board shall provide for a board of adjustment with powers to modify or vary the regulations, in specific cases, in order that unwarranted hardships, which constitute an unreasonable deprivation of use as distinguished from the mere grant of a privilege, may be avoided, the intended purpose of the regulations being strictly observed and the public welfare and public safety protected. If there is a township board of zoning adjustment as provided in section 65.690 , such board shall be appointed to serve as the board of adjustment for the building or setback line regulations. If there is no township board of zoning adjustment, the personnel, length of terms, method of appointment and organization of the board of adjustment for the building or setback line regulations shall be the same as provided in section 65.690 for the board of zoning adjustment. Regulations authorized under section 65.672 shall not be adopted, changed or amended until a public hearing has been held thereon by the township planning commission, public notice of which shall be given in the same manner as provided for the hearing in section 65.665 . (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 10)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.677 Building regulations, unincorporated areas, township board to regulate, when.

65.677. Building regulations, unincorporated areas, township board to regulate, when. — For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, comfort or the general welfare of the unincorporated portion of the township, to conserve and protect property and building values, to secure the most economical use of the land, and to facilitate the adequate provision of public improvements all in accordance with a comprehensive plan, the township board of any township to which the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 are applicable shall have power after approval by vote of the people to regulate and restrict, by order of record, in the unincorporated portions of the township, the height, number of stories, and size of buildings, the percentage of lots that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts and other open spaces, the density of population, the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes, including areas for agriculture, forestry, and recreation. The provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 shall not be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits with respect to land, used or to be used for the raising of crops, orchards or forestry or with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration or extension of farm buildings or farm structures. The powers granted by sections 65.650 to 65.700 shall not be construed: (1) So as to deprive the owner, lessee or tenant of any existing property of its use or maintenance for the purpose to which it is then lawfully devoted; (2) So as to deprive any court of the power of determining the reasonableness of regulations and power in any action brought in any court affecting the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 or the rules and regulations adopted thereunder; (3) To * authorize interference with such public utility services as may have been or may hereafter be authorized or ordered by the public service commission or by permit of the county commission, as the case may be. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 11) *Word "Nor" appears in original rolls. (1997) Section prohibits township's zoning requirements which regulate livestock sewage lagoons and livestock finishing buildings. Premium Standard Farms v. Lincoln Township of Putnam County, 946 S.W.2d 234 (Mo.banc).

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.680 Division of unincorporated territory into districts, purposes.

65.680. Division of unincorporated territory into districts, purposes. — For any or all of the purposes of section 65.652 , the unincorporated territory may be divided into districts of such number, shape and area as may be deemed best suited to carry out the purpose of sections 65.650 to 65.700 and shall be shown upon the zoning plan; and within such districts the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, relocation or maintenance of buildings or structures and use of land and lots may be regulated and restricted. All such regulations shall be uniform for each class or kind of buildings or land uses throughout each district, but the regulations in one district may differ from those in other districts. The regulations shall be made in accordance with a comprehensive zoning plan and shall give reasonable consideration, among other things, to the then existing character of the districts, their suitability for particular uses, conservation of the value of buildings and of existing development, and encouragement of the most appropriate use of land throughout the township. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 12)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.682 Zoning commission, appointed when, powers, duties.

65.682. Zoning commission, appointed when, powers, duties. — The township board shall provide for the manner in which such regulations, restrictions and boundaries of such districts shall be determined, established and enforced, and from time to time amended, supplemented or changed within the unincorporated territory. In order to avail itself of the zoning powers conferred by sections 65.650 to 65.700 , the township board shall request the township planning commission to recommend the boundaries of the various original districts and appropriate regulations to be enforced therein. If there be no township planning commission the township board shall appoint a township zoning commission whose personnel, length of terms and organization shall be the same as provided in sections 65.650 to 65.700 for a township planning commission. Such zoning commission shall make a preliminary report and a proposed zoning order and shall hold public hearings thereon and shall afford persons interested an opportunity to be heard. A hearing shall be held in the areas of the township affected by the terms of such proposed order, public notice of which hearing shall be given in the same manner as provided for the hearing in section 65.662 . Such notice shall state the time and place of the hearing and the place where copies of the proposed report and proposed zoning order will be accessible for examination by interested parties. Such hearings may be adjourned from time to time. Within ninety days after the final adjournment of such hearings the zoning commission shall make a report and submit a proposed order to the township board. The township board may adopt the order with or without change or may refer it back to the zoning commission for further consideration and report. In the preparation of its report and proposed zoning order the zoning commission may incur such expenditures as shall be authorized by the township. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 13)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.685 Change in prescribed use of land, hearing required.

65.685. Change in prescribed use of land, hearing required. — After the adoption of a zoning plan or regulations adopted pursuant thereto, no use of any parcel of land included in the plan or regulations shall be changed without a public hearing and the person or body which conducts the hearing shall give notice, at least fifteen days before the hearing, by certified mail to all owners of any real property located within one thousand feet of the parcel of land for which the change is proposed. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 14)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.687 Designation of zoning official, when - permit required for building ...

65.687. Designation of zoning official, when — permit required for building alterations, when. — Any township board which has adopted a zoning plan, as provided in sections 65.650 to 65.700 , shall appoint an officer or shall designate one of the existing officials to enforce the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 . After the appointment or designation of such officer or official, no building or other structure shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, enlarged or altered, or repaired in such manner as to prolong the life of the building, nor shall the use of any land be changed without a permit issued by such officer or official. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 15)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.690 Board of zoning adjustment, members, terms, compensation not allowed - ...

65.690. Board of zoning adjustment, members, terms, compensation not allowed — powers, duties — grant of variances, when — judicial review. — 1. Any township board which appointed a township planning or township zoning commission and which has adopted a zoning plan, as provided in sections 65.650 to 65.700 , shall appoint a township board of zoning adjustment. The board shall consist of five freeholders, not more than one of whom may be a member of the township planning commission or the township zoning commission. The membership of the first board appointed shall serve respectively: one for one year, one for two years, one for three years, two for four years. Thereafter, members shall be appointed for terms of four years each. Members shall be removable for cause by the township board upon written charges and after public hearings. Vacancies shall be filled by the township board for the unexpired term of any member whose term becomes vacant. Members of the board shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred for attendance at not more than four meetings per year in an amount to be set by the township board, not to exceed ten dollars per meeting. The board of zoning adjustment shall elect its own chairman and shall adopt rules of procedure consistent with the provisions of the zoning regulations and the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 . The chairman, or in his absence the acting chairman, may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses. All meetings of the board of zoning adjustment shall be open to the public, and minutes shall be kept of all proceedings and official actions, which minutes shall be filed in the office of the board and shall be a public record. Appeals to the board of zoning adjustment may be taken by any owner, lessee or tenant of land, or by a public officer, department, board or bureau, affected by any decision of the administrative officer in administering a township zoning rule. Such appeals shall be taken within a period of not more than three months, and in the manner provided by the rules stay all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from, unless the officer from whom the appeal is taken shall certify to the board that by reason of facts stated in the certificate a stay would, in his opinion, cause imminent peril to life or property. The board of adjustment shall have the following powers and it shall be its duty: (1) To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error of law in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of the township zoning regulations; (2) To hear and decide all matters referred to it or which it is required to determine under the zoning regulations adopted by the township board as herein provided; (3) Where, by reason of exceptional narrowness, shallowness, shape of topography or other extraordinary or exceptional situation or condition of a specific piece of property, the strict application of any regulation adopted under sections 65.650 to 65.700 would result in peculiar and exceptional difficulties to or exceptional and demonstrable undue hardship upon the owner of the property as an unreasonable deprivation of use as distinguished from the mere grant of a privilege, to authorize, upon an appeal relating to the property, a variance from the strict application so as to relieve the demonstrable difficulties or hardships, provided the relief can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without substantially impairing the intent, purpose, and integrity of the zone plan as embodied in the zoning regulations and map. 2. In exercising the above powers, the board may reverse or affirm wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from and may make such order, requirement, decision or determination as ought to be made, and to that end shall have all the powers of the officer from whom the appeal is taken. Any owners, lessees or tenants of buildings, structures or land jointly or severally aggrieved by any decision of the board of adjustment may appeal to the township board for review. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the township board may present to the circuit court of the county in which the property affected is located, a petition, duly verified, stating that the decision is illegal in whole or in part, specifying the grounds of the illegality and asking for relief therefrom. Upon the presentation of the petition, the court shall allow a writ of certiorari directed to the board of adjustment or the township board, respectively, of the action taken and data and records acted upon, and may appoint a referee to take additional evidence in the case. The court may reverse or affirm or may modify the decision brought up for review. After entry of judgment in the circuit court in the action in review, any party to the cause may prosecute an appeal to the appellate court having jurisdiction in the same manner now or hereafter provided by law for appeals from other judgments of the circuit court in civil cases. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 16)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.692 Regulations, change of by township board, procedure, hearing required.

65.692. Regulations, change of by township board, procedure, hearing required. — The regulations imposed and the districts created under authority of sections 65.650 to 65.700 may be amended from time to time by the township board by order after the order establishing the same has gone into effect but no such amendment shall be made by the township board except after recommendation of the township planning commission, or if there is no township planning commission, of the township zoning commission, after hearings thereon by such commission. Public notice of such hearings shall be given in the same manner as provided for the hearing in section 65.662 . In case of written protest against any proposed change or amendment, signed and acknowledged by the owners of thirty percent of the frontage within one thousand feet to the right or left of the frontage proposed to be changed, or by the owners of thirty percent of the frontage directly opposite, or directly in the rear of the frontage proposed to be altered, or in cases where the land affected lies within one and one-half miles of the corporate limits of a municipality having in effect ordinances zoning property within the corporate limits of such municipality, made by resolution of the city council or board of trustees thereof, and filed with the township clerk, such amendment may not be passed except by the favorable vote of all the members of the township board. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 17)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.695 Regulations more restrictive than private restrictions, regulations control.

65.695. Regulations more restrictive than private restrictions, regulations control. — Wherever the township zoning regulations made under authority of sections 65.650 to 65.700 require a greater width or size of yards, courts or other open spaces, or require a lower height of buildings or a less number of stories, or require greater percentage of lots to be left unoccupied, or require a lower density of population, or require a more restricted use of land, or impose other higher standards than are required in any other statute, local order or regulation, private deed restrictions or private covenants, the regulations made under authority of sections 65.650 to 65.700 shall govern. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 18)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.697 Violation of zoning regulations, penalty - injunctions may be issued, ...

65.697. Violation of zoning regulations, penalty — injunctions may be issued, procedure — inspection by official, when, failure to correct violation, penalty. — 1. Any owner, lessee or tenant of land located within any unincorporated area covered or affected by any official master plan or part thereof, or by any regulations or orders relating to subdivisions of land, or by any zoning plan, or by any regulations relating to building or setback lines on major highways, or by any regulations and restrictions of buildings, structures, lots and lands, or other planning or zoning regulations and restrictions or other regulations and restrictions made and adopted under the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 , who shall lay out and improve any such subdivision of land, or who shall construct, reconstruct, alter, relocate or maintain any building or other structure, or use such land in violation of the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 or of order, regulation or restriction made and adopted under the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 , is guilty of a misdemeanor. 2. In the event any subdivision of land is begun or made in violation of the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 , or of any official master plan or part thereof, or of any planning or zoning order, regulation or restriction made and adopted under the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 , or in the event any building or structure is constructed, reconstructed, relocated or maintained or any building, structure, lot or land is used in violation of the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 or of any planning or zoning plan, regulation, restriction or order made and adopted by authority conferred under the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 , the township board, the township planning commission, the township zoning commission, the prosecuting attorney, or any officer or official appointed or designated under the provisions of section 65.665 , or the owner of any private property or any public body the property of whom or which is or may be affected by any such violation, may institute in the circuit court of the county, any appropriate action or proceedings to prevent such unlawful subdivision development or erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, relocation or maintenance or use, or to restrain, abate or correct such violation, or to prevent the occupancy of such building or structure or unlawful use of such land, and to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or about the premises. 3. The officer or official appointed or designated under the provisions of section 65.662 may cause any land, building, structure, place or premises to be inspected and examined and to order in writing the remedying of any condition found to exist therein or thereat in violation of any of the regulations or orders adopted or made under the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 . 4. Any owner, lessee or tenant who, having been served with an order in writing signed by such officer or official to correct or remove any such violations, fails to comply with such order within ten days after such service, or who continues to violate any of the regulations or orders made under the authority of sections 65.650 to 65.700 in the respect named in such order, shall be guilty of a * misdemeanor. 5. The owner or general agent of any such land, building, structure or premises where a violation of any such orders, regulations or restrictions has been committed or shall exist, or the lessee or tenant of any entire building or entire premises where such violation has been committed or shall exist, or the owner, general agent, lessee or tenant of any part of the building or premises in which such violation has been committed or shall exist, or the owner, general agent, architect, builder or contractor or any other person who knowingly commits, takes part or assists in such violation, or who maintains any building or premises in which any such violation shall exist, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 19) *Word "a" does not appear in original rolls.

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.700 Termination of township zoning, procedure, effect.

65.700. Termination of township zoning, procedure, effect. — 1. Upon receipt of a petition signed by a number of voters in the township equal to five percent of the total vote cast in the township at the next preceding election for governor requesting submission of the question, the township board in any township which has adopted a program of township planning, township zoning or township planning and zoning shall submit to the voters of the township the question to terminate the program. 2. The question shall be submitted in substantially the following form: Shall township planning (township zoning or township planning and zoning) be terminated? 3. If a majority of those voting on the question vote for the termination of the program, the township board shall declare the program terminated and shall discharge any commission appointed thereunder. Any resolution, ordinance or regulation adopted under the program pursuant to the provisions of sections 65.650 to 65.700 shall be void and of no effect from and after the termination of the program as provided in this section. (L. 1989 S.B. 11 § 20)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.701 Definitions.

65.701. Definitions. — As used in sections 65.652 and 65.690 , the term "freeholder" or the phrase "resident freeholder" shall be defined to mean "resident". The provisions of this section shall have no effect on pending litigation. (L. 1996 H.B. 1207 § 1) Effective 6-25-96

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.702 Sawmill or planing mill included in agricultural or horticultural ...

65.702. Sawmill or planing mill included in agricultural or horticultural classification. — For purposes of a zoning law, ordinance, or code authorized and enacted under sections 65.650 to 65.700 , a zoning or property classification of agricultural or horticultural shall include any sawmill or planing mill as defined in the U.S. Department of Labor's Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Manual under Industry Group 242 with the SIC number 2421. (L. 2019 S.B. 133)

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 65.710 Home-based work - limitation on zoning restrictions.

65.710. Home-based work — limitation on zoning restrictions. — 1. As used in this section, the term "home-based work" means any lawful occupation performed by a resident within a residential home or accessory structure, which is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling unit for residential purposes and does not change the residential character of the residential building or adversely affect the character of the surrounding neighborhood. 2. A zoning ordinance or regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter that regulates home-based work shall not: (1) Prohibit mail order or telephone sales for home-based work; (2) Prohibit service by appointment within the home or accessory structure; (3) Prohibit or require structural modifications to the home or accessory structure; (4) Restrict the hours of operation for home-based work; or (5) Restrict storage or the use of equipment that does not produce effects outside the home or accessory structure. 3. A zoning ordinance or regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter that regulates home-based work shall not contain provisions that explicitly restrict or prohibit a particular occupation. 4. The application of this section does not supersede any deed restriction, covenant, or agreement restricting the use of land nor any master deed, by law or other document applicable to a common interest ownership community. (L. 2022 H.B. 1662)
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=65Fetched: 10/17/2026