The Codes and Planning Department is responsible for ensuring quality construction practices in the private sector. In order to accomplish this goal, building plans are reviewed, and construction activity is inspected. In addition, the department is responsible for the enforcement of the City's Zoning Ordinances and for coordinating rezoning changes. Condemnation and demolition of properties is the responsibility of this department, as well as property maintenance inspections for the City. This includes addressing weeds, trash, unlicensed vehicles, and nuisance issues within the city limits. The department also handles rental housing and property complaints, management and enforcement of the sanitary waste disposal ordinance, water and sewer connection inspections, flood plain management, subdivision platting, and subdivision plan reviews.
For a guide on the most common codes and permits, see this pamphlet prepared by department staff.
To report unsafe buildings or any other code violations, please complete a Citizen Service Request, or contact the Codes Department at 660.627.1272.
Contractor Testing
The City of Kirksville requires contractors to pass comprehensive testing before they can be approved to be a general contractor, electrician, and/or plumber within the City of Kirksville. Each specialty test is 25 multiple-choice questions catered to the field specialty. Study guides are available to be checked out once your business license paperwork has been submitted to the Finance Department. Verification of payment will be required before the study guide can leave City Hall.
There are several ways to get the testing requirement waived. Check out the municipal code for all the conditions available for test waiving. You will want to refer to item (f), number (4).
The first test is included in your business license fee; however, if you fail, a second test is required for an additional $25.00 testing fee that must be paid before the test is issued. This is for each specialty. For example, if you are a general contractor in addition to an electrician and a plumber, and you fail two of the three tests, you will have to pay $50 to retake the two tests you failed.
If you fail the second round of testing, you will be required to wait two weeks before testing again. After two weeks, you can come back in and pay another $25.00 per test to take the first test(s) over again. If you fail again, you can turn around and pay an additional $25.00 per test to retake the second test(s). If you fail that round, it is required to wait another two weeks before starting the process over again.
Lot Split
To divide any parcel of land within the City of Kirksville, one must submit four field surveys, the lot split application, and the application fees to the Plat Officer. The lot split application contains all the necessary information to determine if your property is a suitable candidate for consideration.
When the applicant provides the surveys, application, and fees, the Plat Officer will determine if the lot split meets City requirements. If it does, it will go to the City Manager for approval. If the City Manager approves, it will be filed with the Adair County Recorder. If the lot split does not meet all City requirements, the City Manager will not approve the lot split. The applicant has the option to present the lot split before the City Council to see if they will approve it. If so, the Plat Officer will then place the proposed lot split on an upcoming City Council Agenda. If the City Council then passes it as an approved lot split, the City will file the lot split with the Adair County Recorder.
The Application Fees consist of a flat fee of $250 plus $2.00 for each lot, including the parent lot. Again, these fees are due at the time the field surveys and the lot split application are submitted to the Plat Officer.
A lot split located within the Kirksville city limits is not legal unless submitted to and approved by the City Manager or the Kirksville City Council and filed with the Adair County Recorder of Deeds.
Click here to open the Lot Split Application. For further assistance and any questions, please contact the Plat Officer at 660.627.1272.
Lot Combination
To combine any parcel of land within the City of Kirksville, the applicant must submit four field surveys, the lot combination application, and the application fees to the Plat Officer.
When the applicant provides the surveys, application, and fees, the Plat Officer will determine if the lot combination meets City requirements. If it does, it will go to the City Manager for approval. If the City Manager approves, it will be filed with the Adair County Recorder. If the lot combination does not meet all City requirements, the City Manager will not approve the lot combination. The applicant has the option to present the lot combination before the City Council for approval. If so, the Plat Officer will place the lot combination on an upcoming City Council Agenda. If the City Council then passes it as an approved lot combination, the City will file the lot combination with the Adair County Recorder.
The Application Fees consist of a flat fee of $250, due at the time the field surveys and lot combination application are submitted to the Plat Officer.
A lot combination located within the Kirksville city limits is not legal unless submitted to and approved by the City Manager or City Council and then filed with the Adair County Recorder of Deeds.
Click here to view the Lot Combination Application for your convenience. For further assistance and any questions, please contact the Plat Officer at 660.627.1272.
Permits
Various permits are required from the City to do different projects within the City. This protects residents by ensuring work is done safely and properly. Below is a list of those permits, with links to greater detail on each.
Property Maintenance
The City of Kirksville Code of Ordinances requires properties within the city to maintain a clean and well-maintained appearance. The Codes Department has an inspector who serves as the primary enforcement officer for our main violation complaints, including excessive trash or rubbish, unlicensed vehicles, excessive height of grass or weeds, and exterior display or storage of household items.
The specific code for the enforcement of these violations is:
- Sec. 24-2 (of the City Ordinances) Exterior display or storage of household items
- Sec. 24-3 (a) (of the City Ordinances) Grass and Weeds ordinance
- Sec. 24-3 (b) (of the City Ordinances) Accumulation of rubbish or garbage
- Sec. 24-4 (of the City Ordinances) Wrecked, damaged, demolished, disabled, disassembled, inoperative, or currently unlicensed vehicles
If you observe violations of the above ordinances or any others in your neighborhood, please call the Codes Department at 660.627.1272 and report your concerns or complete a Citizen Service Request. It will be investigated, and if verified, we will take steps to bring the property into compliance.
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