City Chat
by Gary Beverlin, Building Inspector
Building codes and ordinances are put into effect to ensure that homes, schools, workplaces and other buildings in our community are as safe as possible.
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Codes address all aspects of construction including structural integrity, electrical, mechanical, plumbing systems and property maintenance. Building and code officials are here to help the public understand building safety issues. The codes currently adopted by the city of Trenton are the 2006 International Codes. Pamphlets containing the building guidelines are available at city hall.
Building permits are issued by the building inspector and are required for any project over 120 square feet. If you are replacing an existing structure (often decks) and you are not changing the dimensions of the original structure, you will not need a building permit. We are often contacted about the building of fences. If you construct a fence 6 feet or less, you do not need a building permit. The fee for a building permit is based on the cost of the project. It is important to remember to call Dig Rite before you begin any project that involves excavation. Excavation is defined as; any operation in which the earth, rock or other material in or on the ground is moved, removed or otherwise displaced. Once Dig Rite is contacted they will notify all utilities to mark any underground lines. To contact Dig Rite call 1-800-DIG-RITE or go online to submit your request at mo1call.com.
The city of Trenton also has a sidewalk program that is designed to help homeowners replace damaged sidewalks within in the city. With this program the city of Trenton will pay for the concrete and the homeowner is responsible for the labor and materials. A building permit is required for this project and may be picked up by the laborer or the homeowner. The cost of a concrete permit is $15.
Unfortunately, this is also the time of year that our department is busy writing tickets to citizens who are in violation of city ordinances. Weeds and grass that has been allowed to grow past 8 inches on any property within the city limits, is in violation of the city ordinance. Tall weeds and grass are not only eye sores, they are also a haven for insects and rodents, which causes a safety issue for the surrounding neighbors and any pedestrians. Brush piles standing on your property will also be the cause of a ticket to be issued. Like weeds and grass, brush piles provide shelter for many unwanted rodents, pose fire hazards, block views if near roadways, and are unsightly. Putting yard waste in the streets whether it be intentional or unintentional is also in violation of city ordinances. Yard waste will not be picked up by the trash company. Indisposed yard waste gets carried off by weather elements and ends up in the city storm drains and causes severe flooding damage. You are allowed to burn yard waste as long as you follow a few simple rules; it must be on your own private property, during daylight hours only, you must have a water source near the burning sight, and you must contact the fire department before burning to make sure they have not issued any burning bans. The other common ordinance violation is abandoned vehicles on properties. Any vehicle damaged, disabled or dismantled that is left unmoved for seven or more days is considered a nuisance. A ticket for this nuisance will be issued. If you are issued a ticket for any of the aforementioned nuisances, you will be facing a fine of $100.
The city of Trenton strives to provide a safe and desirable community to live in. These permits, codes and ordinances are designed for that purpose. If you have any questions regarding the information provided in this article or questions in general about building codes, inspections, permits or nuisances, please feel free to contact me by calling 660-359-4310.