Property Maintenance Codes

Division Contacts

• Ray Draper – Codes Enforcement Officer, 816.847.6227

Click Here for information about Property Maintenance Codes

Codes Enforcement FAQ:

Q.   What is an inoperable vehicle?

A.   Any vehicle that is not currently licensed, has an expired or missing license plate, flat tire(s) for five days or more, on jacks/stands/support for five days or more and/or has defects that make the vehicle unable to legally be driven on the street.

Q.   Where can I park my vehicle?

A.   Passenger vehicles are required to be parked on paved driveways or other approved driveways that lead to a garage or carport. No portion of the vehicle can block any public sidewalk, extend into the street, or be parked on any grass.

Q.   What’s the maximum height grass/weeds can be before it’s in violation?

A.   Grass and weeds are in violation if exceeding ten (10) inches.

Q.   What am I responsible to mow?

A.   In addition to mowing the lawn, all right of way adjacent to your property and easements included within your property lines are required to be mowed which includes everything up to the street.

Q.   What can I store outside?

A.   Outdoor lawn furniture, grills and children’s toys. Play equipment must be located in the rear yard.

Q.   Can I keep my existing gravel driveway?

A.   If the original driveway was gravel and legally permitted at the time of installation, it would be legal, but non-conforming with current regulations. You may keep the existing gravel drive, provided you maintain it however, you may not increase the size.

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

A.   The Codes Enforcement 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 Enforcement Officer. 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 Enforcement Officer can take additional action either through abatement of the violation with the cost being assessed to the property or through a “notice to appear” in Municipal Court. If you are issued a “notice to appear”, 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.

Q.   What is the code on trash container(s)?

A.   Trash containers cannot be at the curb side/pick up area 12 hours prior or 12 hours after pick up time.

Q.   What is the code on storing trash outside?

A.   Trash being stored outside must be in a container with a lid.

Q.   What is the code on the sidewalk being blocked?

A.   Anything that blocks the free use of a sidewalk is not permitted. Examples are vehicles, trailers, trees, etc.

Q.   Can you park on grass?

A.   Parking of automobiles, trucks, boats, trailers, recreational vehicles, or any motorized vehicle is not permitted on unimproved surfaces.

Q.   What is the code for grass clippings?

A.   Grass clippings cannot be blown into the neighboring yards or the street.  If this occurs, the grass clippings need to be blown/raked/pushed back into the yard.

Q.   What can be installed in the right-of-way by the road?

A.   Mailboxes, utilities, driveways, and sidewalks are the only allowable items allowed to be installed in the right-of-way by the road.

Q.   What is the code for the maintenance of an accessory structure, detached garages, fences and walls?

A.   It shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.