Community Development
The City Council has committed to maintaining quality commercial corridors and an excellent business community environment, which is an expectation or our business owners. We know that achieving this goal relies on the cooperation of everyone with in the community. Keeping Gladstone, a great place to live, work and play is the responsibility of every business owner. It is a responsibility that goes beyond basic ordinance requirements, reaching instead to a higher community standard that will reduce crime and increase the livability, workability and playability of our commercial corridors. The City's Property Maintenance and Nuisance Regulations provides minimum requirements pertaining to all premises and structures. Its intent is to ensure the public health, safety and well-being of those who chose to live, work and play here.
How do I report a code violation?
Code violations can be reported as follows:
> Walk-in,
> Phone: (816) 423-4111, or
> City Website: Code Compliance Request.
Reports are anonymous. In all cases, the complete address of the property being reported must be provided.
How does a complaint get handled?
Code compliance must provide due process when requiring abatement of violations. The Residential Relations and Maintenance Coordinator must:
> Verify a violation exists.
> Issue a written notice to the property owner and/or resident by letter and/or yard sign with a compliance date.
> If a violation exists upon reinspection, a 2nd notice may be written and/or a court summons.
> Continued non-compliance may result in a court summons.
Does the City abate any violation?
Yes, the City will abate the following nuisance violations:
> Dead trees.
> Grass and weeds in excess of seven (7) inches.
> Inoperable/wrecked motor vehicles.
> Rubbish and garbage.
The City will recoup its costs by billing the property/business owner for the abatement. If not paid, the cost is applied to the property's annual tax bill.
What are Some violations?
Building Numbers: The address shall be legible and in a position that is visible from the street fronting the property. Address characters shall contrast with the background. Numbers/letters shall be Arabic and each character shall be not less than eight (8) inches high with a minimum stroke width of 1/2".
Equipment Noise: Exterior work/noise may be performed between the hours of 10:00 am and 7:00 pm. Work before or after these hours must have prior written approval from the Community Development Department.
Exterior Surfaces: All exterior surfaces, including windows and doors, shall be maintained in good, clean and sanitary condition. Peeling, chipping, flaking or abraded paint shall be repaired, removed or covered. Cracked or loose plaster, decayed wood and other defective conditions shall be corrected.
Fire Safety: Safe unobstructed pathways shall be maintained to all exits to a public way. Aisle width and exit capacities should be in conformance with the International Fire Code. Emergency escape openings should be operational from the interior of the building. All means of egress shall be indicated with and approved Exit Sign.
Garbage, Grease and Recycling Bins: All commercial containers should display the name and contact information of the company responsible for servicing the container. Rubbish, garbage and debris should not be allowed to accumulate. All commercial containers shall be screened and gated.
Graffiti: If a property is defaced, it is the owner's responsibility to restore surfaces affected by graffiti, tags, etc. to an approved state of maintenance and repair.
Grass, Hedges, Shrubs and Trees: Hedges, shrubs, trees, bushes, vines or any planting used as a property line shall not extend into any public walkway, obstruct any fire hydrant or public utility valve. Trees shall be trimmed to clear paved walkways by a minimum of ten (10) feet and streets a minimum of thirteen (13) feet. All dead trees shall be removed. Grass and weed growth shall not exceed seven (7) inches.
Inoperable or Dismantled Vehicles: No inoperative or unlicensed vehicles shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, except as provided for in other regulations. Vehicle repair of any kind is not allowed, except as provided for in other regulations.
Lighting: Means of egress, including exterior egress, shall be illuminated at all times the building is occupied, with a minimum of one (1) foot-candle at floors, landings and treads.
Overhang Extensions: All overhang extensions, including but not limited to: canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, fire escapes, standpipes and exhaust duct, shall be maintained in good repair and properly anchored. Weather coating materials should be applied to protect exposed surface from the elements.
Parking and Loading Areas: All loading areas, auto service stations, drive-in's, and other commercial and industrial parking areas shall be paved with concrete or bituminous concrete or it equivalent; and maintained in a proper state of repair.
Sidewalks: Commercial property owners or tenants must keep sidewalks clean, clear and in a proper state of repair.
Signage: Signage shall be maintained so at not to become unsafe, insanitary, deficient, constitute a fire hazard or otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare.
Vacant Structures and Land: All vacant structures and land should be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition so as not to cause blight or adversely affect public health.
Are Business Required to Have a Business License?
Yes, most businesses are required to have a business license and renew their license annually; for more information contact the Finance Department at:
City Website: Finance.
Phone: (816) 436-2200
Helpful Numbers
Animal Control: (816) 436-1810
Clay County Public Health: (816) 595-4200
Public Safety (non-emergency): (816) 436-3550
Public Works: (816) 436-5442
What International Building Codes Have Been Adopted by the City?
The City of Gladstone is currently under the ICC 2018 Construction Code Series, which includes the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code; and the 2017 National Electrical Code. These code books are kept on file in Community Development for viewing.
Building and Construction Regulations, Chapter 1000 Property Maintenance and Nuisance Regulations
Property Maintenance & Nuisance Guidelines (Commercial) Brochure
If you have further questions feel free to call our office at (816) 423-4111 or click here.