Special Investigations Unit
The investigators in the Special Investigations Unit and the Dangerous Building Demolition Program work together to investigate and enforce City ordinances that pertain to vacant properties and dangerous buildings. Additionally, Special Investigations Unit investigators will issue citations for any violations of City ordinance, as part of a Dangerous Building Demolition Program.
The Special Investigations Unit also works with the demolition program and the Abatement Program to remove abandoned vehicles found on vacant properties; conducts property investigations for the Vacant Property Database; and manages the Salvage Yard Program.
Salvage Yard Program
The primary focuses of the Salvage Yard Program are to identify salvage yard properties and to ensure their compliance with City codes. The purpose of these codes is to set standards that protect neighborhoods against blight and deteriorating influences; to promote legal and ethical business practices at salvage yard operations; and to assist City and State law enforcement agencies in the reduction of chop-shops and the recovery of stolen vehicles.
Currently, 11 chapters of the Kansas City Code of Ordinances are applicable to salvage yards. The Salvage Yard Program is authorized under Chapter 54, Article IV of the code of ordinances. The program is designed to be proactive, as its cases are self-initiated rather than complaint-driven. Special Investigations Unit investigators search for salvage yards and upon locating them, they create a case and follow it through to its conclusion.
For more information about the Special Investigations Unit or the Salvage Yard Program, contact
James (JT) Taylor
Supervisor and program manager
(816) 784-4041
E-mail: james_a_taylor@kcmo.org
Online forms and links
Frequently Asked Questions
Salvage Yard Permit Application Process Instructions
Salvage Yard Permit – Required Documents Checklist
Application for Salvage Yard Permit
Consent for Applicant Representation
Landowner Consent to Property Use
Salvage Purchasing
Fire permit/Certificate of compliance
City business license
Retail sales tax license
Certificate of salvage business
Federal tax identification number
