The code enforcement process includes the following:

• Enforcement of the property maintenance code (Chapter 56) and the nuisance code (Chapter 48), as well as sections of Chapters 50 and 62
• Complaints concerning possible code violations are turned in to the Neighborhood Preservation Division through three primary sources:
  • Resident complaints submitted to the 3-1-1 Action Center
  • Resident complaints submitted directly to the division, at (816) 513-9010 or neighborhood_preservation@kcmo.org
  • Code violations found in the field by inspectors

After a complaint is received, these are the next steps in the code enforcement process:

Property maintenance code violations

The inspector conducts an inspection of the property to determine whether or not a code violation exists. If a code violation is present, the inspector mails a legal notice letter to the property owner to request the code violation be corrected. The legal notice letter provides a 30-day period of time for the property owner to correct the violation in most cases; if the violation is an emergency, it only allows 24 hours. At the end of this time period, the inspector will re-inspect the property to determine whether or not the code violation has been corrected. If the code violation has not been corrected and the property owner has not requested an extension of time from the inspector, the inspector will proceed to issue a summons (ticket) or an administrative citation. Extensions of time to correct the code violation are limited by ordinance.

Property maintenance code violations identified in the legal notice letters may be appealed by the property owner to the Property Maintenance Appeals Board.

Property maintenance code violations include: maintenance deficiencies for residential properties pertaining to the structure interior and exterior, fence and retaining wall, sidewalk and driveways, and lack of utilities (emergency order legal notices). Also included are maintenance deficiencies for commercial properties (exterior only).

Nuisance code violations

There are two levels of action that can be taken based on a violation of the nuisance code.

Nuisance code violations that must be abated within 10 days include these conditions:

Nuisance code violations for which an emergency order can be issued include these conditions:

For information about a particular code enforcement case, call the Neighborhood Preservation Division, (816) 513-9010 .

To report a possible code violation on a property, contact the 3-1-1 Action Center, (816) 513-1313 or 311.