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What do I have to do to put my house up for sale or rent?

An Occupancy Inspection is required when properties are offered for sale or rent. The fee for this service is $125.00 Inspection_Application.pdf

You may either drop-off the application in the "Court" drop-off box (to the left of the front door), mail it to City Hall or bring it into City Hall in person.  Payment must be included and please mark the envelope "Building Department".  We cannot accept payment over the phone.  

What items are covered with the Occupancy Inspection?

The Occupancy Inspection is not a performance inspection, but rather a Property Maintenance Inspection. The Occupancy Inspection Report is not all inclusive, but rather a good starting point.

What is an Occupancy Permit and is it necessary?

The Occupancy Permit informs our City of the person or persons living in the home. An Occupancy Permit is issued to all new residents and is required per City Ordinance. Before an Occupancy Permit is issued the home must be inspected and approved. A Certificate of Code Compliance is issued after the inspection has been approved. Occupancy Permits are issued only in City Hall in the Building Department. A Driver's License or State-issued I.D. is required for all adult occupants and Birth Certificates are required for all minor children. The fee for this permit is $40.00.

When should I update my Occupancy Permit?

The Occupancy Permit should be updated when there is a change in residency at that address. Only the Head of Household or Spouse is permitted to Update an Occupancy Permit. A Driver's License or State-issued I.D. is required for all adult occupants and Birth Certificates are required for all minor children. The fee for this permit is $20.00.

What type of home repairs require permits?

• Electrical work (this permit is obtained from St. Louis County)
• Roofs & Siding
• Heating (furnace)
• Air Conditioning
• All Concrete work
• Fence
• Storage Shed
• Swimming Pools
• Plumbing (this permit is obtained from St. Louis County)
• New Building, additions or accessory building
• Signs
• Demolition or Excavation
• Basement Remodeling

Permits may be applied for in person at City Hall and payment can be made by cash, check or credit/debt card. Some permits can be downloaded and mailed to City Hall, 9641 Bellefontaine Road, St. Louis, MO  63137.  Payments for mailed in permits must be by check.  Building_Dept_Fees_   

Are there any specific roof regulations?

On February 3, 2011, the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors adopted and enforces the following codes from the IBC 2009 for roofing replacement. A Roof Permit is also a requirement and strictly enforced for roofing replacement in Bellefontaine Neighbors.  The permit cost is $60.00.

International Building Code:

1507.1 Scope. Roof coverings shall be applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section and the manufacturer's installation instructions.

1507.2 Asphalt shingles. The installation of asphalt shingles shall comply with the provisions of this section.

1507.2.9.3 Drip edge. Provide drip edge at eaves and gables of shingle roofs. Overlap to be a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm). Eave drip edges shall extend ¹/₄ inch (6.4 mm) below sheathing and extend back on the roof a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm). Drip edge shall be mechanically fastened a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) o.c.

1507.2.8.2 Ice barrier. In areas where there has been a history of ice forming along the eaves causing a backup of water, an ice barrier that consists of at least two layers of underlayment cemented together or of a self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet shall be used in lieu of normal underlayment and extend from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point at least 24 inches (610 mm) inside the exterior wall line of the building.

Is a permit needed for a dumpster at my address?

Per Section 302.9A of Bellefontaine Neighbors' Code of Ordinances, a permit is required before installing, depositing, parking or leaving any storage trailer, "PODS" unit, trash or construction debris "roll-off" container/dumpster, a soft-sided dumpster/"bagster" or similar device on any residential zoned property with the City. The dumpster must be parked or placed on a paved surface and not in the street or a fire lane. A permit fee of fifty ($50.00 shall be collected. The permit is good for thirty days.

What are the trash regulations?

Trash service is required, by ordinance, for every occupied residence. The trash service must be contracted through Waste Management (314-506-4700).  Trash, yard waste and recyclables are allowed at the curb from 5pm the day before collection to 5:00pm the day after collection. Please store your trash totes at the side or the rear of your house. Storing trash totes in front is an ordinance violation.
Yard waste carts may be filled with grass trimmings, leaves, branches, and twigs, but should not be loaded over one foot above the rim of the tote. Waste Management cannot empty overloaded carts and will leave the full carts at the curb. Larger branches should be cut into four foot lengths and tied into bundles, no more than 24 inches across and weighing less than 50 pounds. Yard waste can be put in personally owned cans or kraft paper bags. Plastic bags can not be used for yard waste.

What are the regulations regarding leaves & grass?

Excess leaves shall be removed to avoid rodent harborage. Raking into streets, sewers, creeks is prohibited. Leaves raked into streets and washed down the sewers can cause sewer back-ups in your home and your neighbor's homes. Please place leaves in cans or paper yard waste bags (No Plastic Bags) and set out for removal.

All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six (6) inches. Weeds are defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, but does not include cultivated flowers and gardens.

Does Bellefontaine Neighbors recommend Contractors?

The City of Bellefontaine Neighbors does not recommend contractors.  The City does have a list of contractors that have worked in our City. We strongly recommend that you also contact neighbors, friends, and the Better Business Bureau, refer to the Yellow Pages or any other informational source available to you. Please refer to the City's Property Maintenance Code for questions you may have. Property_Maintenance_Code_Dec_6_2012.pdf

Does the City participate in the Lateral Sewers Repair Program?

The City will contract for the repair of a defective lateral, if after investigation, it is found to be defective due to causes beyond the control of the property owner. A sewer lateral is defined as the
portion of the pipe which carries household wastes to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District sewer main and which lies between the house connection and the sewer main. Before
submitting the Sanitary Sewer Lateral Application, it is the responsibility of the Homeowner to have the lateral in-line video inspected and marked by flags or paint marks. The video must have
audio narration describing the problem and location of the problem on the lateral, name and address of the house and the date the video was made. The Homeowner must also furnish a report
and/or receipt from the plumbing or sewer service that cabled or jetted the lateral in an attempt to clear the lateral. The cost of the in-line video and locating of the lateral is to be paid by the
Homeowner.A fee to cover these services for the City will be assessed at the rate of $28.00 per year. The fee is included on the resident’s annual St. LouisCounty Real Estate Tax Bill.