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Please contact the Building Department,
at 636-938-5233, for information regarding building regulations, permits, code
enforcement and zoning districts.
Residents are reminded to apply for building permits whenever new
construction or enlargements of existing structures are planned, such as
room additions, decks, etc. An application is also required when erecting a
fence and installing a water sprinkler system. In addition to building
permits and fence applications, some subdivisions regulate the installation
of fencing, satellite dishes, swimming pools, or the construction of
free-standing buildings. Building and site plan requirements vary with each
type of construction.
If you are in doubt as to whether a permit is needed, please contact City
Hall. Also, check your subdivision regulations to determine if
your subdivision restricts what you propose to build.
Building
Department Staff.
Building Commissioner,
John Boggs
Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer, Dave Smith
Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer, Scott Waggoner
Office Assistant, Barb Griffin
Applications & Forms
Not all applications & forms are currently available for download including
building permits.
City of Eureka Zoning Map
The Zoning Map was last revised October, 2008 - As Zoning Map amendments
may have been adopted after the revision date, you may wish to contact City
Hall to ensure the most recent zoning of a property. Warning: Depending on the speed
of your internet connection, these maps may be slow to download due to large
file size.
Guide To Establishing A Business & Property
Development
Municipal Code & Amendments
Municipal Court
Building Department News & Notes
ROOF STAINS - WHAT'S CAUSING THEM
AND HOW DO I REMOVE THEM?
Have you noticed black stains on your
roof? Most people believe that these black stains are caused by the natural
process of the roof shingles breaking down over time. A majority of roofs
are replaced not because of structural damage or deterioration, but because
they are unsightly. These black stains are caused by algae that is eating
the crushed limestone granules used to provide strength to the fiberglass
backing of the shingles. The algae is retaining moisture and eventually the
limestone granules will lose their adhesive properties and fall off. Loss of
the limestone granules will cause the shingles to fall apart exposing the
roof structure. The stains are caused by the waste material released by the
algae, mold, and fungi.
There are several remedies available to
homeowners who are experiencing this unsightly problem. One possible
solution is to install zinc or copper strips on the roof. The theory behind
this is that the copper or zinc ions will wash down the roof during a
rainstorm and kill the algae, mold, and fungi. The drawback to this method
is the fact that it is expensive and is only a short term solution. Another
solution would be to clean the roof using a deck cleaner, an oxygen based
cleaner, a sodium per carbonate compound, or common laundry bleach. There
are also a number of commercially available roof stain removing chemicals
available for use. Never use a power washer to clean your roof, as this
could result in substantial damage to the shingles and may lead to
replacement. When washing your roof, you should always use a low pressure
garden hose and disperse any chemicals using a garden sprayer attachment.
Always read the directions and be aware that certain chemicals may be
harmful to plants, pets, and children. Always use extreme caution while
working on the roof and never try to walk on a wet roof surface, as serious
injuries can occur. Another possible solution would be to hire a roofing
contractor that specializes in roof cleaning.
If you plan on having
your roof replaced, you may want to consider using an algae resistant
shingle. The shingles are available from most shingle manufacturers.
ELECTRICAL PERMITS
The City of Eureka will now be issuing permits for
all residential electric work. As was the requirement with St. Louis
County's Department of Public Works, a licensed St. Louis County electrician
must apply for the permitted work. In the event that a homeowner wishes to
perform any residential electric work on their own residence, an electrical
test will be available for the homeowner to take. All electrical work
performed must comply with the 2003 International Residential Code. If a
homeowner wishes to take the test, they may call City Hall at 636-938-5233
and ask to speak to a representative in the Building Department for more
details.
ANNUAL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE INSPECTION
A number of households and businesses have backflow prevention devices
installed as part of their plumbing system. This device prevents outside
contaminants from being introduced into the water system as a result of
certain types of water usage. While there are a number of instances in
commercial plumbing systems where a backflow prevention device is required,
the most common use in residential installations is in conjunction with a
lawn sprinkler system. For those of you who have a backflow prevention
device installed at your residence or business, please note that an annual
inspection by a licensed tester is required by Missouri State law. If you
have such a device, you need to coordinate your annual inspection as soon as
possible and provide the results to the St. Louis County Public Works
Department. You may
wish to check with a local plumbing professional who may either be licensed
to perform the inspection or may be able to recommend a licensed tester.
St. Louis County also issues the permits for installation of the backflow
prevention devices. If you have any questions regarding the program,
you may call the St. Louis County Public Works Department at 314-615-2559.
BASEMENT FINISH PERMITS
If you are considering finishing your basement, keep in mind that you will
need to obtain building, plumbing and electrical permits from the City and a permit from
the Eureka Fire Protection District. Under the current building code regulations, a finished basement is
required to have a second emergency means of egress. Also, any bedroom that
is constructed in a basement is required to have its own emergency means of
egress directly to the outside. Our Code contains the minimum size and
placement of a second emergency egress. Basement windows normally used in
today's construction do not meet these requirements, so such means would
need to be a door or a larger window.
The number of deaths every year of residents and firefighters in basements
has been rising. This is the reason for building codes becoming more
restrictive where basements are concerned and having one of our inspectors
review the work as it is being done will prevent hazardous situations and
questionable construction techniques. If you have any questions regarding
your basement finish or any construction project, please feel free to call
or stop by City Hall and talk to one of our Building Department inspectors.
EXTERIOR APPEARANCE CODE
For those residents who may not be familiar with the regulations, the City
has an Exterior Appearance Code to ensure that structures and property do
not become or remain in a deteriorated condition. Should the Building
Department determine that your structure or property is not in compliance,
you will be notified and given a reasonable period of time to address the
identified deficiencies. In the event the issues are not addressed within
the time period given, the potential exists for the issuance of a summons.
The intent of the Exterior Appearance Code is to promote sanitation, to
prevent neighborhood deterioration, and to preserve property values. All
property owners need to work together to maintain high standards.
ADDRESS NUMBERS
Just a reminder, as required by City Code, all residential property located
within the City limits shall have address numbers, a minimum height of 4",
affixed to each residence or placed on the property so as to be clearly
visible by emergency and City vehicles from the street in front of the
residence.
DRIVEWAY EXTENSION
With the exception of a single driveway limited to a width and length
necessary to serve only the capacity of the principal garage or carport
operated in connection with a single residence, no driveway or driveway
extension may be constructed or utilized unless approval is received by the
City as stated in Ordinance No. 1742.
WEED CONTROL
All weeds or vegetation which have attained a height of 12 inches or more,
growing or existing upon land within the City, with the exception of land
used for farming or gardening purposes, are considered a public nuisance and
prohibited per Ordinance No. 862.
Whenever private property abuts a public right-of-way or easement which
consists of a tree, lawn or grassy area between the private property line
and the edge of the street pavement, landowners are responsible for
maintaining the grassy area up to the edge of the street pavement, as noted
in Ordinance No. 993.
To report weed violations, call the Weed Violation Line at 938-5233 (Ext.
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