Code Violations
Take Note!
- This information has been taken from the Smithville, Missouri Develipment Department website located here.
- This page was last updated on 5/23/2019
Smithville Missouri Common Code Violations
The Board of Aldermen included in the 2018 Budget, the first full-time Code Enforcement Inspector. As a result, the Development Department now has a full-time employee dedicated to inspecting and working with property owners and tenants to ensure compliance with these codes. In addition to common conditions of weeds and grass height, this department also evaluates compliance of the property (including the house or structure) to ensure it meets our property maintenance standards. Other than weed complaints, common violations include peeling paint, cracked or dangerous sidewalks, trash and debris and abandoned or inoperable motor vehicles.
Often, when a complaint is generated, it is the result of the lack of maintenance over a significant period of time. It is our experience that when a complaint is generated, an inspection of the general neighborhood reveals several aspects of property maintenance/nuisance codes that are in violation. When a complaint is generated for a particular address, our inspectors will also canvas the general neighborhood to assess whether there are significant numbers of other violations. Depending upon the number and/or severity of the other violations, other property owners may also receive violation notices unrelated to the original complaint.
Our experience is that property owners who receive notices of violation are aware of the issue, and our letter works as a reminder to complete those tasks for the benefit of the entire neighborhood. In other cases, foreclosures, death or abandonment of property can quickly lead to an eyesore for a neighborhood, and can threaten not only property values, but the health and safety of its neighbors. It is important for property owners to notify this department immediately when a code violation is suspected, so that the lack of maintenance does not continue.
Protective Treatment §500.090 (304.2 IPMC)
All exterior wood surfaces shall be protected from the elements of decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. All surfaces that are peeling, flaking, chipping, weathered, fading, etc., should be eliminated and repainted.
Inoperable and Unlicensed Vehicles §500.090 (302.8 IPMC)
No inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle shall be parked, kept, or stored on any property. No vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. A vehicle that cannot be driven upon a public street for reason including but not limited to: wreckage, abandonment, flat tires, expired registration, missing license plates, on jacks or blocks, etc. Tarps are not acceptable vehicle covers and are not allowed.
Accessory Structures §500.090 (302.7 IMPC)
All accessory structures, including but not limited to: garages, sheds, carports, barns, pergolas, green houses, cabanas, boat houses, pool houses, etc, shall be maintained, structually sound and in good repair.
Fences §500.09 (302.7 IPMC)
All exterior fences shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair. Fences shall not lean, have broken slats, missing pickets, large holes, etc. Permits are required to build a fence on the property. The link to the permit applications are below.
Trash, Rubbish and Debris §500.090 (308.IPMC)
All exterior premises shall be free from any accumulation of trash, rubbish and debris. This includes but is not limited to waste, refuse, debris, dirt, dry grass, dead trees, tin cans, paper, waste material of every kind. Also included are abandoned or broken equipment or machinery or parts thereof, building materials not currently being used, appliances, household furnishings or equipment, tools, machines, garbage cans, packing boxes, broken or discarded furniture.
Sidewalks and Driveways §500.090 (302.3 IPMC)
All sidewalks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces, and similar areas shall be kept in a proper state of repair and maintained free from hazardous conditions. Sidewalks shall be free of cracks, dips, unevenness, breaks, etc.
