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Code Compliance
Goals
Our goals are to eliminate blights, improve the appearance of business and residential areas, and create a community where all those who live, work, or visit can experience a sense of pride and well-being. While our goals may sound simple, your partnership and participation are needed to make them a reality.
Responsibilities
Code compliance is responsible for enforcing codes that address health and safety issues. This includes regulations related to trash and debris, high grass and weeds, restrictions of view, zoning, and inoperable vehicles on private property. Enforcement is proactive and also occurs in response to requests by citizens. These services provided by Code Compliance help to improve and stabilize neighborhoods, protect property values, and promote a healthier and safer environment.
As always, the City of Ozark strives to resolve all code compliance issues voluntarily and with goodwill towards all citizens. For more information, contact the Planning and Development Department at 417-581-2407 or by fax at 417-581-0353.
Before submitting a Code Violation Request
Are you submitting a request for:
- Lack of Yard Maintenance.
- Debris, Junk, & Rubbish on the property.
- Inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicles are on the property.
- Motor vehicles parked in/on non-designated spots.
- Illegal dwelling units on the interior or exterior of the structure without proper permits
- Or other Code violations
Yard Maintenance
Yard maintenance standards are the responsibility of every property owner and include the maintenance of plant material in any right of way around the property. Grass must be maintained at 10 inches or less.
Debris, Junk & Rubbish
Junk and rubbish cannot be left in the yard and must be properly disposed of. This includes junk, such as auto parts, appliances, furniture, building materials, and tires; trash, such as discarded paper, cardboard, plastics, etc.; and debris, such as tree trimmings and fallen limbs.
Inoperative or Unlicensed Motor Vehicles
Inoperative motor vehicles cannot be stored except in a fully enclosed structure. An inoperative vehicle is a vehicle that does not display a current license tag and/or is not equipped with all the parts that are required to legally and safely operate on a public street and/or cannot be driven under its own power.
Parking
Parking is permitted for passenger cars and motorcycles on residential lots only on a legal driveway or in a garage. Other areas of residential lots may be utilized for parking as long as vehicles are parked on a paved surface.
Illegal Dwelling Units
Dwelling units that have been added to the interior or exterior of the structure without proper permits are illegal, regardless of how long the units have existed.
Enforcement Steps
These steps are followed when a complaint is filed with code compliance.
1. Complaint Filed -
The process begins with an action request submitted by a citizen or a proactive inspection by a city employee.
2. Initial Inspection
An on-site inspection will be conducted to verify that a violation exists.
3. Violation Observed
If the violation has occurred, the documentation process of photographs and official notices will begin.
4. Notice of Violation
After documentation of the violation has been gathered, a 15-day courtesy letter will be sent to the owner and occupant of the property outlining the violation. If, after 15 days, compliance is not met, an official notice is sent. The official notice is sent by personal delivery, certified mail, or first-class mail.
5. Re-inspection for Compliance
After the number of days given for the violation to be corrected has passed, the property in violation will be reinspected to see if it has come into compliance.
6. Citation Sent if Needed
If the violation has been corrected, the case will be considered resolved. However, if the violation still exists and no extension has been granted or requested, a citation will be sent to the owner and the occupant of the property in violation.
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James Cervi
Code Compliance OfficerPhone: 417-581-2407
- I received a letter for trash and debris but I didn’t put it there. Am I still responsible?
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Yes. A property owner is responsible for any violations that may exist on their property.
- Can I remain anonymous when reporting code enforcement violations?
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Yes. We do not require that you provide any personal information. Remember that all information you choose to provide to the city, including names, phone numbers, or email addresses, is subject to the Public Record Laws. In other words, we must provide this information to anyone who asks for it. If you wish to remain completely anonymous, do not provide your personal information.
- What do I do if I’ve received a notice of violation from Code Enforcement?
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If you have any questions about what is required of you to achieve compliance with Ozark Code Enforcement, please contact the investigator assigned to your case. The investigator’s name is listed at the bottom of the notice you received. You can also call our main number at (417) 581-2407 and speak to anyone in the department. The goal of Code Enforcement is to preserve the quality and value of public and private property and maintain a high standard of living by eliminating conditions that threaten the life, health, safety, and general welfare of the public. The department recognizes that this goal is most effectively achieved through the education of and cooperation with the citizens of Ozark.