Community Development
The City Council has committed to maintaining quality neighborhoods and an excellent community environment, which is an expectation or our residents. 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 resident. 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 neighborhoods. 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. In some cases, the Residential Relations and Maintenance Coordinator may need to enter your property to view violations in the backyard of the neighboring property.
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 owner/resident 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 visible from the street. Address characters shall be a contrasting color with the background. Number/letters shall be Arabic and each character shall be not less than four (4) inches high.
* Composting: Each property may have one covered bin. The maximum size is 600 cubic feet and cannot exceed four (4) inches in height.
* Minimum Building Standards: All wood, siding, shingles, roof coverings, railings, walls, decks, porches, doors, gutters, windows, screens and any other exterior parts of residential structures must be maintained weather-tight, rodent proof, sound condition and in-good repair.
* Open Storage: Unsheltered storage of personal property is prohibited. This includes abandoned, discarded or unused objects or equipment or any kind, appliances, vehicle parts, tires, scrap metal, toys in disrepair, furniture and barrels as well as firewood and landscaping or building materials..
Exceptions:
1. Firewood stacked neatly in the backyard.
2. Landscape and building materials being used in a current project.
* Rubbish and Garbage: All exterior property and premises shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish, garbage, litter and debris that have been thrown away and that are laying on the ground.
* Vehicles: No inoperable 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. Vehicles may not be parked on the grass or block the City sidewalk. Note: If the vehicle is parked on the street, is inoperable or nut currently licensed, call the Traffic Division of the Public Safety Department at 816.423.4048 to report.
* Vehicles for Sale: Only one (1) vehicle may be for sale at any time. Vehicles must be parked on a paved surface. Vehicle sales are limited to four (4) per calendar year.
* Yard Maintenance: Grass and weed growth should not exceed seven (7) inches. Dead trees or shrubs must be removed. Trees, shrubs and vegetation may not obstruct the street view or City sidewalk. Blowing, raking or dumping leaves or grass clippings into the street, ravine or stream is prohibited. No burning of tree limbs or yard waste is allowed. Poison ivy, oak, sumac and thistles must be removed.
Helpful Numbers
* Animal Control: (816) 436-1810
* Clay County Public Health: (816) 595-4200
* Clay County Senior Services: (816) 455-4800
* Donate Cars: 1-800-237-5714
* Household Hazardous Waste: (816) 784-2080
* Northland Neighborhoods, Inc.: (816) 454-2000
* Public Safety (non-emergency): (816) 436-3550
* Public Works: (816) 436-5442
* Rebuilding Together Kansas City: (816) 781-8958
* United Way: 211
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 (Residential) Brochure.
If you have further questions feel free to call our office at (816) 423-4111 or click here.