Show All Answers

1. Is there a standard for exterior building maintenance?

Yes,  All exterior building maintenance surfaces including doors, soffits, eaves, windows, porches and trim must be maintained in good condition including any accessory structures, fences and walls.  Peeling, flaking or chipped paint should be eliminated and the surface repaired.  All houses and buildings must display street address numbers in an area easily readable from the street.  The numbers must be at least four inches in height and in a contracting color from your house.

2. Are there restrictions on items that can be stored outside?

Yes.  Most items intended for indoor use or "household items" can not be stored outside, such as upholstered furniture and household appliances.  The only items allowed outside without restrictions are lawn furniture, barbecue grills, arbors, trellises and flagpoles.  Some other items by be stored outside such as trash cans, boats, trailers, campers, and firewood, but there are restrictions associated with the storage which include placement, screening, paving and other specifics.

3. Where can I park my vehicle?

Vehicles are required to be parked on a paved surface.  No vehicle can block any public sidewalks, extend into the street, or be parked on the grass. New gravel driveways are not allowed.  If the original driveway was gravel and legally permitted at the time of installation, you may keep it provided you maintain it; however, you may not increase the size.

4. What is an inoperable vehicle?

Any vehicle that is not currently licensed, has an expired or missing license plate, or has defects that make the vehicle unable to be legally driven on the street.  If the circumstances arise you may have only one unlicensed vehicle your driveway but it still has to be operational.  

5. What is the maximum height grass/weeds can be before it is a violation?

Lawn mowing is required.  Grasses, weeds and other controlled vegetation must be kept below twelve (12) inches in height on all properties.  Property owners are require to mow any area between their property line and the adjacent curb or street, including the ditch area and/or alleyways.  You are required to mow all right of ways and easements on your property.

6. Can yard waste be burned?

The preferred method of yard waste removal would be the Eastern Jackson County Yard Waste Collection Center, located at 37910 E Pinkhill Road, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or (816) 847-7050 for more information.  Time periods for burning residential yard waste consisting of leaves and brush less than three inches in diameter from vegetation grown on a residential property is permitted during the following calendar periods and times of day within the city limits are March 1st through April 30th and November 1st through December 31st between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:30 pm.  First, you MUST obtain a burn permit from the Sni Valley Fire Department for no charge.  No burning of any combustible matter of any kind on an asphalt, concrete or brick paved street, alley, or public place within the city limits.  Burning of paper, garbage, tires and other kinds of wastes is prohibited.

7. Can leaves and yard clippings be forced in to the street?

No.  Discharge of any materials or substances that is capable of causing an obstruction to the flow of the stormwater system or interfere with its proper operation or pollute the natural creeks or waterways is prohibited from being forced into the street.  This would include any waste materials, liquids, vapor, fat, gasoline, benzene, naphtha, oil or petroleum products, mud, straw, lawn clippings, tree limbs or branches, metal or plastic objects, rags, garbage or any other such substance.

8. Where is the proper place to keep trash containers?

Trash containers can be curbside for collection after 6:00 pm on the day before collection day and should be removed from the curbside no later than 8:00 pm on the day of collection.  On other days, containers must be stored either indoors, outside behind the front building line, or screened from view.  All containers, including bags, shall be leakproof and waterproof, fly-tight and properly covered, tied or enclosed.  They should be in good repair and the area surrounding them in a clean, neat and sanitary condition at all times.

9. Can recreational vehicles be stored at home?

Boats, RV's, trailers, campers and camper tops may be stored at home in the driveway or if they are located behind the front building line and not within seven feet of the side property line; however, they must be located on either concrete or asphalt as required for off-street parking.  In the case of a corner lot, other requirements must be met.  You may not use the recreational vehicles for living or sleeping purposes while on the premises.  Please call the Codes Officer for more information (816) 690-3773 ext 1006.

10. What will happen if I have a code violation?

If you receive a notice of code violation, correct the violations listed on the notice promptly.  The Codes Officer will notify you of the violation and provide you a specific time frame to comply.  These time frames are determined by code.  If you need additional time, please contact the Codes Officer in the letter.  If circumstances prevent your ability to make the corrections, an extension of time may be granted.  Our goal is to achieve voluntary compliance through communication and cooperation.  If compliance is not achieved, the Codes Officer can take additional action either through abatement of the violation with the cost being assessed to the property or through a summons in Municipal Court.  If you are issued a summons, you will be given an arraignment date to appear in court and have the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty.  The Municipal Court Judge will determine guilt or innocence and the appropriate penalty.