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Following is a listing of some of the most commonly asked questions about City of St. Joseph services:

Planning and Community Development questions
Building Development questions
Human Resources questions
Fire Department questions
Health Department questions
Historic Preservation questions
Customer Services questions
Community Development questions
City Clerk's Office questions
Code Compliance questions
Parks, Recreation, and Civic Facilities questions
Public Works and Transportation questions
Police Department questions

Planning and Community Services questions

Where can a privacy fence be located and how tall can it be? 
A privacy fence for a residential property may be located only in the side yard or back yard.  Privacy fences cannot be constructed in the front yard, that is, from the front line of your house forward to the street.  The part of the privacy fence located in the rear yard may be up to 8 feet tall; in the side yard they may be up to 6 feet tall.  If you are placing a sight-obscuring fence (privacy fence) near a driveway, street or alley, you should contact the Planning Division at 271-4648 or 271-4773 to discuss additional requirements.

Owners/Occupants of commercial properties can construct a privacy fence from the front of the building to the back of the property line. As discussed above, if you are locating a privacy fence adjacent to a street, driveway or alley, you should contact the Planning Department prior to installation.

NOTE: You need a building permit to construct any fence.

Where is my property line located?
The best way to locate your property lines is to hire a licensed land surveyor who can provide you with a boundary survey drawing and/or mark your actual lot corners.  The Department of Public Works and Transportation has unofficial records that indicate lot lines, easements, City right-of-way and location of City sewer.  Additional private easements should be detailed on your property title.  However, we will not be able to show you where the road or your building is located within the right-of-way

What zoning district is a property located in and what are the permitted activities?
Contact the Planning Division at 271-4648 or 271-4773 and staff will gladly provide you with this information.

What are the requirements for swimming pools?
Swimming pools must be located at least ten feet from a rear or side property boundary (15 feet if you have a corner lot), 30 feet from a front property boundary and 15 feet from a street line. Swimming pools cannot be located in the front yard. A swimming pool area must be entirely enclosed by a fence or other permanent structure at least four feet in height and must have locked gates or entrances.

Can a manufactured home be placed on any residentially zoned lot in the City?
If the manufactured home is manufactured after June 15, 1976 and has minimum width of not less than 22 feet, chances are it is possible to locate the manufactured home on a residentially zoned lot. There are several other requirements that must be met prior to placing the home on the lot. Contact the Planning division at 271-4648 or 271-4773 for the additional information.

Historic Preservation questions

What incentives are available for historic renovations? CLICK HERE!

What is the NRHP? CLICK HERE (National Register of Historic Places)

Building Development questions

What are the requirements for installing a gas fired HVAC system in an attic?
The unit must be in a sheet metal pan (with a float switch); service plug, light switch, access opening and furnace disconnect.

What is the normal distance for a setback (re: residential construction)?
30’ from property line

Where are fire dampers required?
Where air distribution systems penetrate assemblies that are required to be fire-resistant rated.

Human Resources questions

Where do I apply for a job with the City?
Applications are accepted for employment in the Human Resources Department Room 403, City Hall, ONLY if the position is posted. Positions are posted outside the Human Resources office.

What about Police and Fire positions?
Preference will be given to Police applicants who successfully complete the testing requirements who are POST certified. A new process is in place for Firefighter applicants. Firefighter applicants must have Firefighter I and II certifications as well as the First Responder certification before they can apply. The Fire Department sponsors a Fire Academy at Hillyard Technical Center in St. Joseph, which starts in September. The positions are advertised in the News-Press. Please go here for more information.

How do I know what jobs the City has open?
Positions are posted outside the Human Resources Office, Room 403, City Hall. We also put information on the City's cable access Channel 40, on the City's website and send announcements to various agencies around town such as the Missouri Career Center and Missouri Western State College.

What jobs do you have available for teenagers?
In the summer we hire lifeguards, cashiers, head guards, pool cleaners, seasonal laborers and recreation leaders. All must be at least 16 years of age (except for the cashiers) and bring in a copy of their birth certificate if they are under 19 as well as lifeguard and CPR certifications if they are applying for lifeguard or head lifeguard positions.

In the fall/winter we hire scorekeepers, referees, adult league referees and gym supervisors. All must be at least 16 years of age (except for the scorekeepers) and bring in a copy of their birth certificate if they are under 19.

Does the City give out photo IDs?
The City does not provide ID cards. Identification Cards are available at the State Department where you go to get your driver's license.

How do I get a reduced fare to ride the City buses?
Contact St. Joseph Transit at 233-6700 or visit the Transit facility at 702 South 5th Street.

What is the job service's (unemployment office's) number?
It is now called the Missouri Career Center and can be reached at 387-9675.

Once I have applied for a position, will I be contacted?
Only if you are on the referral list. Parks & Recreation seasonal applicants are contacted as needed by the Parks Department. Police and Fire applicants are given notification of testing dates and times at the time they apply. Successful completion of a physical agility and written tests are required (for Police and Fire positions) before the applicant can go further in the hiring process. Certain other qualification/certifications may be required as well.

How do you get on the referral list?
We take applications for positions until the closing date. Once the position has closed, we review all the applications and generally refer about 10 people to the department.

The process works differently for Parks & Recreation seasonal employees, as well as Police Officers and Firefighters. If you applied for a seasonal position, those applications are screened first. Once approved and all information has been received (e.g., birth certificate for those under 19, lifeguard/CPR certification for those applying for lifeguard positions), they are forwarded to the Parks Department.

If you applied for a Police or Fire position there is a physical agility test, written test as well as background checks and other criteria, which must be met prior to a referral list being established. Certifications may also be required before hiring such as a P.O.S.T. certification for police officers and Firefighter I and II certifications and First Responder Certification for firefighters.

How does the interview/hiring process work once you get on the referral list?
The referral list is sent to the department. The department will review the applications and may do some preliminary interviews by telephone. They will then bring in some or all of the applicants for a face to face interview. Applicants could be asked to return for another interview if they department requires it. Once the interviews are complete, the department may make a selection or request additional applicants if necessary. Once an applicant has been selected, the department will call and make them a contingent job offer. The applicant will then be contacted by the Human Resources Department to schedule them for a drug screen. If the drug screen comes back negative, the department will contact the applicant, and a start to work date established.

Police and Fire applicants are initially ranked according to written scores. The number on the referral list depends on how many the department requests. Oral interviews are conducted and an eligibility list is established for hiring. However, successful completion of other criteria such as a background check and once a contingent job offer is made a physical and drug screen are required prior to actual hire.

How do I file a claim against the City for property damage, personal injury, etc…?
There is a Liability Claim form available at City Hall Room 403 (Human Resources). The form must be filled out and submitted along with two estimates of any damages being claimed. The information is then submitted to the City’s insurance carrier for review. The City makes no promise/guarantee of payment of any claim. For further information, please contact the Risk Management Coordinator at 271-4671.

Fire Department questions

Does the Fire Department get cats (or other pets) out of trees?
No, they do not. You might contact the Humane Society at 232-6955 for assistance.

Does the Fire Department fill swimming pools for residents?
No, they do not. The pool owner is responsible for filling their swimming pool.

When do the open burning periods begin?
There are two periods – one in the spring and one in the fall. The dates are determined by a request from the Health Department to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Missouri DNR then grants the request for a three-week period in the spring and in the fall. The Fire Department is only responsible for enforcing the open burning rules and regulations.

Does the Fire Department fill air cylinders for breathing apparatus?
Yes, for volunteer Fire Departments and industrial customers only. The cost is $3.00 per cylinder for industrial customers. Volunteer Fire Departments are not charged.

Does the Fire Department repair breathing apparatus?
We do not repair breathing apparatus for anyone other than our own.

Does the Fire Department loan fire hose for private use?
No. Some exceptions may be made for non-profit group use.

Health Department questions

Where do I get my Missouri birth Certificate? How much does it cost?
If you were born in Missouri, you can go to the Health Department at Patee Market Health Center, 904 S. 10th. They can print you one at a cost of $10.00 per certificate which is the same as what you would pay if you sent to Jefferson City for it and had to wait for it to be mailed back. Please call 271-4636 for more information.

What do I need to install an on-site sewage disposal system (septic system)?
The requirements depend on a number of factors including the type and extent of installation or repairs needed, the location of sanitary sewer lines, the property location, and other site specific factors. You will need to call the Health Department for the information necessary for your particular location. Please call 271-4636 for more information.

What is required for a dog or cat license?
All dogs and cats at three months of age are required to be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Proof of the vaccination must be presented to obtain the city license for your pet. Many veterinarians issue licenses at the time of the vaccination at their clinics. The license cost is three dollars for a spayed or neutered pet and five dollars if not. The veterinarian sets the cost of the vaccination. For more information please call the Animal Control and Rescue Shelter at 271-4876.

What is WIC?
WIC is short for the Women, Infants, and Children program. It is a USDA sponsored food supplemental program offered to qualifying families. Women, infants and children may qualify for WIC when falling below income, medical, and nutritional guidelines. For more information please call 271-4769.

Where can I get vaccinations?
The Immunization Clinic at Patee Market Health Center, 904 S. 10th Street provides immunizations. For more details and for clinic hours, please call 271-4725.

Where can I go for HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted disease information?
For HIV/AIDS information please call 271-4684 or 271-4659. For sexually transmitted disease information please call 271-4729.

Who do I call to file a complaint regarding a restaurant or grocery store?
You may call 271-4694 to contact the Environmental Services Division, who will address hotels & motels, swimming pools, on-site sewage disposal systems, environmental concerns, tattoo establishments, and other public health complaints.

Where can I call for information on lead?
Please call the lead program at 271-5328. Information is available for the proper and safe handling of lead hazards in the home. There is also information on blood lead testing and lead based paint testing.

Customer Services questions

Where do I purchase a garage sale permit? How much do they cost? How many days can my garage sale be? How many garage sales may I have per year?
You purchase garage sale permits at City Hall, 1100 Frederick, Room 107 at a cost of $5.00. Garage sales can last no more than four consecutive days and can only be held two times per calendar year at the same location. For more information please call Customer Service at 271-4751. NOTE: You are only allowed one garage sale sign. It is to be displayed at the place of the sale only. They are prohibited from being displayed on utility poles, etc.

When and where did I get this parking ticket? Who do I call for information on it? Where do I pay this ticket?
For information regarding a parking ticket please call Finance Customer Service at 271-4751. To pay for a parking ticket either mail it or bring it to Director of Finance, 1100 Frederick, Room 107, St. Joseph, MO 64501.

Does this business have a business license? When is my license fee due? How do I figure my license fee?
License fees are due June 30th of the current year. For information on whether a business has a business license or on how to figure your license fee, call Finance Customer Service at 271-4751. Direct license fee payments to Director of Finance, 1100 Frederick, Room 107, St. Joseph, MO 64501.

How much do I owe for this year on personal property or real estate? Why did you increase my assessment?
For both of these questions please contact the Buchanan County Collector’s office at 271-1402. They now handle personal property and real estate taxes. They also handle the tax assessments.

Do I owe any taxes on my personal property or cars?
For tax years 1998 to current please call the Buchanan County Collector’s office at 271-1402. For tax years 1997 or prior, please call the City of St. Joseph’s Financial Services Department at 271-4751.

What work was performed for the Special Assessment billing I’ve received?
For information regarding the specifics of the Special Assessment billing you’ve received, please contact the Community Property Maintenance Division, Planning and Community Development Department at 271-5342.

Can I make partial payments on my Special Assessment billing?
Yes, if the billing has not been turned over to the Buchanan County Collector’s office.

Why do I need an alarm permit when I pay an alarm company to monitor my system?
This is a cost recovery mechanism for the Police Department’s cost of excessive false alarms at a residence or business passed on directly to them.

What does my alarm fee give me?
You are allowed 6 free false alarms within a 12-month period before excess charges are assessed.

Community Development questions

Is there any help available to make repairs to our home?
The Community Development Division has several programs to assist homeowners. These programs are: the Low Interest Loan Program and the Emergency Assistance Program.

How do I qualify for these programs?
The applicant must meet the income guidelines set by HUD, which is adjusted yearly. For example, a family of four may have a combined income of $30,150 or below and be income qualified. The house must be the primary residence, and you must have lived in the home for at least 6 months. You will need to submit proof of ownership and proof of income with the application.

What happens if I qualify?
If approved, your name goes on a waiting list. A rehab manager will do an inspection of your home and do a work-write up for the repairs that need to be made. Community Development advertises for bids, prepares the contracts, and monitors the work for the homeowner.

What are the interest rates?
Loans will be at an interest rate of 0% to 4% based upon the property owner’s ability to pay not to exceed a 30-year term. A deferred payment loan (DPL) may be offered to applicants’ 62 years of age or older and/or permanently disabled whose incomes do not permit the repayment of an amortizing loan. Mortgage of said property would be filed as security for the loan.

What is the Emergency Assistance Program?
Emergency assistance is provided to eligible property owners with spontaneous situations that would be considered life threatening, such as electrical hazards, structural failure, hazardous plumbing, etc. Emergency assistance for work that required up to $5,000.00 would be in the form of a grant. Emergency assistance for work over $5,000.00 will be in the form of a deferred payment loan for qualified applicants age 62 or older or permanently disabled, or a low interest loan (0-4%) with the interest rate based upon the property owner’s ability to pay not to exceed a 20 year term.

City Clerk's Office questions

When are Council meetings held?
Every other Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1100 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, Missouri.

When was City hall built?
City Hall was built between 1925 and 1927.

What kind of City (government) is St. Joseph?
St. Joseph is a home rule (Charter) city with a “Council-Manager” form of government.

When was the first Council meeting held?
The Trustees of the town of St. Joseph held its first meeting on May 8, 1845.

What Council district do I live in, and who is my district Council member?
The district you live in is based on address. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 271-4730 or 271-4731. They will ask your address and look on the district map to determine your district and council member. You may also go here.

Code Compliance questions

Code of Ordinance, City of St. Joseph
Purpose of property maintenance requirements Sec.15- 26:
The City of St. Joseph finds that unkempt, unsafe, unsanitary and otherwise improperly maintained properties, structures, sidewalks and easements within the city materially and adversely effect the use and habitability of nearby property and of property within the city as a whole in addition to the hazards which these conditions could pose to the public health, safety and welfare.

How tall can your grass be before it is in violation?
It shall be the duty of each owner, occupant, or person in possession, charge or control of the property, together with one half of the platted right of way abutting thereon, to cut all weeds, grasses and nonagricultural plants which are seven inches or more, in height. Sec. 15-29 Maintenance of property (footnote: noxious weeds as defined by the State of Missouri are not permitted.)

How often should my trash be hauled away?
It shall be the duty of the owner, occupant, of every residence, the owner of every commercial or industrial establishment to provide for not less frequent than weekly disposal of all solid waste generated by either: (Sec 24-8 Solid Waste Ordinance)

1. employing the services of a solid waste collection service and disposal service; or
2. providing such disposal services themselves.

What are the restrictions on having vehicles in my yard?
On licensed vehicles they are as follows; All parking areas in all districts shall be paved with an impervious surface such as concrete, asphalt or such other material. (Sec 31-053 # 9 of Zoning Code)

On unlicensed vehicles they are as follows; (Maintenance of property Sec 15-29)
Prohibited vehicles

1. Elevated vehicles. Elevated vehicles shall be prohibited and are a nuisance. An elevated vehicle is any vehicle, licensed or unlicensed, which is raised, but not supported under the axles, or is raised to a height where the tires are more than two inches off the ground.
2. Junk vehicle. Junk vehicles shall be prohibited and are a nuisance. A junk vehicle is any type of or part thereof, designed to be self-propelled device, located outside of an enclosed structure that is moved by power, other than human power, is designed to travel along the ground, is located on private property and is damaged, stripped, wrecked or has missing wheels or tires, flat tires, broken or missing window glass. A junk vehicle can be all terrain vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, tractors, trailers, trucks and wagons.
3. Unlicensed vehicle. Unlicensed vehicles shall be prohibited and are a nuisance. An unlicensed vehicle is any type of self propelled device or part thereof, located outside of an enclosed structure that is moved by power, other than human power, is designed to travel along the ground, is located on private property and does not have a current licensed showing, or is improperly registered or licensed pursuant to any state or local laws or regulations. Unlicensed vehicles shall include, but not be limited to: automobiles, motorcycles, trailers, and trucks. An unlicensed vehicle shall not be allowed to exist on private property for more than ten days.

The following shall be exempt from this section and must meet all the following requirements:
One unlicensed vehicle stored on the vehicle owner’s premises, provided the vehicle meets all of the following requirements:

• It is totally intact (i.e., no missing parts);
• It has all tires properly inflated;
• It has all window glass intact; and
• It is parked upon and over a hard surface (concrete, asphalt, brick, and gravel), which is free of vegetation.

Parks, Recreation, and Civic Facilities questions

Are the games going to be played tonight?
For information concerning cancellation of softball or basketball games due to inclement weather call 271-5503 after 4:00 p.m or you may go here.

Can I reserve a shelter for a picnic?
Yes. Shelter reservations for Hyde Park, Wyeth Hill, and Krug Park shelters can be made by calling 271-5500, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reservations are for the period of April through September and will be accepted beginning on the first working day of January. Reservations must be made at least 10 working days before the date of your event.

Do you sell tickets to Worlds of Fun?
Yes. The Parks and Recreation Department can sell discount tickets for: Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun, Silver Dollar City, White Water, Six Flags and the Renaissance Festival. Information can be received by calling 271-5500.

What are the pool hours and how much will it cost me to swim?
The three public swimming pools are open from the first Saturday after school lets out for the summer until shortly before school resumes. The daily sessions are 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cost for admission is $1.50 for children (12 & under), $2.00 for adults. Each pool is closed one day each week for maintenance… Hyde Pool is closed each Monday, Noyes Pool each Tuesday, and Krug each Wednesday. Information can be received by calling 271-5500.

Can you give me information about Boys or Girls Baseball?
Although both organizations use our facilities, the Parks and Recreation Department does not have an active involvement with their operations. Information for each (as well as other activities) can be obtained by calling: BOYS BASEBALL at 279-2511, GIRLS SOFTBALL at 233-9515, YOUTH SOCCER at 232-6313, or YOUTH FOOTBALL at 387-9344.

When does registration for softball leagues begin?
For Adult summer leagues, registration begins in March of each year. Fall league registration would begin in July. Information can be received by calling 271-5500.

When can my child register for City Recreational Basketball?
Registration for our Recreational Youth Basketball Leagues begins in October. Information will be sent to your child’s school.

When is the Parkway Run and how do I register?
Each year the Parks and Recreation Department hosts two Parkway Runs. The Spring Parkway Run is held on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend and The Fall Parkway Run is held on the 2nd Saturday of October. Registrations will be taken at the Parks Offices located at 1920 Grand Avenue. Information concerning the runs can be received by calling 271-5500.

When will the grass in _________ Park be mowed?
Under normal conditions we operate on a seven day mowing cycle for mowing, trimming and weeding etc. in our parks.

Is the ice on Corby Pond or Krug Lagoon thick enough to skate on?
Skating on Corby Pond or Krug Lagoon is not recommended or approved by City Staff. Skaters would be assuming any and all liability in case of an accident.

There is a tree down on the boulevard; can I cut it up for firewood?
Signed, written permission from the Director of Parks is required to do any cutting on Parks property. However, any firewood cut and stacked by City crews are “first come, first served basis” and free for the taking. We ask also, that the City crew be allowed to completely finish cutting and clean up of the area before anyone enters the area for wood pickup.

Public Works and Transportation questions

How do I get a stop sign at a certain intersection?
The Traffic Division has a directive to put stop signs at every uncontrolled intersection. We don’t have the funding to make it a Project so we install them as requested. Call 271-4848 and ask for the Traffic Division for further information.

A certain intersection is currently a two way stop. How can we make it a four way stop?
A four way stop has to be requested in writing to the Director of Public Works, 1100 Frederick, Room 204, St. Joseph, MO 64501. We then look at traffic volume, accident history, line of vision, etc. This will determine the need and you will be notified by letter of the outcome.

How do I get handicapped parking in front of my residence?
You need to call the Street Division Office at 271-4848. You will be furnished with a form that you must fill out. You will also need a letter from your Doctor confirming your disability and need. We need to know if you have off street parking and if you have, why it isn’t sufficient. We will then go to your residence for an inspection. You need 22 feet for the handicapped stall. The information then goes to Public Works for approval.

How can I get No Parking signs in a special area?
The request should be sent to the Traffic Division at 271-4848 explaining why you feel the area should be restricted to parking. After staff review the request will go to the Traffic Commission and City Council for approval.

How do I get a culvert installed in my driveway?
The property owners must purchase culverts. Culverts may be purchased from the Street Department at the City Price Agreement Cost. The Street Department will install the culvert and cover it with aggregate at no cost to the Property Owner. The culvert must be for a driveway exiting onto Street Right of Way. The City does not sell culverts for private installation or for installation on Private Property away from the Right of Way. Please call the Street Department at 271-4848 for more information.

How do I get my culvert cleaned?
Call the Street Department at 271-4848. The Supervisor will place you on the culvert-cleaning list and clean your culvert as soon as time permits.

How do I get the ditch in front of my property cleaned?
If you call 271-4848 and request ditching, a Supervisor will check your request. If your ditch does indeed need cleaning, and the cleaning will not create a water problem for your Neighbors, we will place the ditch on a cleaning list and do the work as soon as time permits.

My neighbor is running water onto my property. What will the City do to help me?
Water runoff is a civil matter between property owners. The City does not become involved in this issue.

How do I get my street plowed?
During Winter Storms the Street Department DOES NOT plow streets unless there are two or more inches of accumulated snow on City Streets. The Street Department does apply de-icing chemicals during snows up to 2 inches. During de-icing operations, all streets in St. Joseph are de-iced in the following order. Emergency Routes, Secondary Routes, Secondary Follow-up Routes, and Residential (District Route 1 through 9). When the City does plow, we plow streets in the following order. Emergency Routes, Secondary Routes, and residential (District routes 1 through 9)

My wife is pregnant and is due any day. Can you plow or salt my street?
The Street Department adheres to its Route Policy under all circumstances. However, we do assist the Ambulance Services if the request comes from the Ambulance Dispatcher. We will get the ambulance to its call and then to the Hospital.

How do I get my street resurfaced?
We resurface streets according to their pavement condition rating and available funding. We can look up your street and its condition rating and tell you what type of maintenance is planned for it.

When will my street be swept?
By Ordinance, the City is not responsible for keeping curbs and gutters clean.; that responsibility is the property owners. However, the Street Department does sweep streets as a Public Service. We sweep streets according to Work District. Call the Street Division at 271-4848 to check the schedule.

You swept every street in my area but you didn’t sweep the curb and gutter in my block. How come I was missed?
You probably were not missed. Operator’s Sweep from a route sheet, which has all the streets with curb and gutter listed. They are required to check off each street as they are completed. Problems we encounter while sweeping are parked cars. We can’t get along the entire curb if there are cars parked along the curb. If you want the street cleaned in front of your property please remove your car during the day when we are sweeping in your area.

How do I know when the sweeper will be in my area?
If you call the City Yards, at 271-4848, they can tell you what Work District and Sweeping Area that the Sweepers are working.

How do I get a Slurry Seal or a Micro Seal on my street?
Streets are selected for a Micro Seal or a Slurry Seal according to their condition. When a street is resurfaced, it falls under the crack-sealing part of our Preventative Maintenance Program. It is crack-sealed over the next five years or until it gets more cracks than we can economically seal with crack sealing. At that time, if the street has no base problems, it will be placed on the list for a Micro or Slurry Seal. We also seal those streets with ratings between 65 and 90, if there are no base problems.

They are resurfacing all the streets around me, but not mine. How are the streets rated for resurfacing?
Our Street Maintenance Division assigns all the streets in St. Joseph a "rating level" based upon several objective criteria such as number and severity of problems, amount of traffic, and street classification. The rating level is then used to determine which streets are to be resurfaced. Streets are placed in the yearly project based on the rating, a logical progression and available funding.

My alley needs some improvement. How do I get my alley repaired? Does the City repair alleys?
The City does not maintain alleys. The Street Maintenance Division will do some repairs to the alley provided the property owners pay for the materials. Some alleys in poor condition will require that the neighborhood group form a Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) and have the work completed through the City and tax billed to the members. Handouts are available on both the alley policy and the Neighborhood Improvement District in Room 204, Public Works Administration, City Hall.

I’d like to get the inlet in front of my residence cleaned. Who can I call?
Call 271-4848 and ask for the Sewer Maintenance Division. Your request will be placed on a cleaning list and be done as soon as time permits.

Where is my private sewer lateral connected to the City sewer?
We do not have records that show private connections to the City sewer, either residential or commercial. We can show you on a map in the Engineering Office approximately where the City sewer is located in relation to your property.

How do I connect to a City sewer?
There is no tap fee to connect to the City sewer, but you will need to hire a licensed plumber to make the connection and obtain a permit from the Building Regulations Division, 271-4642.

The sewer inlet in front of my home is broken. How can I get someone to repair it?
Call 271-4848 and ask for the Sewer Maintenance Division. Your request will be checked and if the inlet needs only minor repairs, it can be taken care of quickly. However, if the repairs are major, it may take some time before a crew can get to that particular inlet since the major repair list is long and the crews to make the repairs are limited. Barricades may be installed if necessary to help eliminate possible injury to passersby.

My sewer bill is incorrect. How can I get it corrected?
Sewer bills are based on water usage at each residence. The sewer bill is calculated and sent out by the Missouri American Water Company. Any questions about sewer billings should be directed to them by calling 233-8844.

The bus doesn't stop at my stop any longer. How do I schedule a pick up?
For information about the system, a route map and brochure contact The Ride at 233-6700.

Police Department questions

Does the Police Department unlock vehicles for the public?
No, unless there is a child or animal in the vehicle.

Where do I go if I receive a traffic ticket?
Municipal Court is the basement of the Buchanan County Courthouse, 411 Jules, phone 271-4686, or State Court is on the 3rd floor of the Buchanan County Courthouse, 411 Jules, phone 271-1450. NOTE: If there is a question about the ticket, please contact the appropriate City or county prosecutor.

How do I make a complaint against someone?
Please call the appropriate telephone number listed at the end of this section and report the problem. You may have to sign a complaint card for prosecution to achieve the desired results.

What is the age distinction between adults and minors as it relates to the Police Department?
At the age of 17, a person is considered an adult, and under the age of 17 is considered a juvenile.

What is the time for curfew for juveniles?
11 p.m. is the time for curfew, unless accompanied with a parent or guardian, or gainfully employed.

What is the age a person can legally leave the house/residence?
17

How do I obtain an ex parte/order of protection?
Contact the office of the Circuit Clerk, Buchanan County Courthouse, 3rd floor, at 271-1462.

Where can I obtain information about programs, demonstrations, tours, speakers, crime prevention or crime analysis?
Please contact Support Services 271-4881 or 271-4882

How do I get property back that was booked by officers, check for lost, stolen, or recovered property?
Contact the Evidence Officer at 271-4784, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How do I make a complaint against an officer or Department employee?
Contact the Professional Standards Office, 271- 4780, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.

How do I make a complaint, other than officer complaints on Neighborhood problems or hazards?
Contact the Administrative Office 271-4701, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Does the Police department work private property accidents?
No, unless there is an injury involved or a hit and run has occurred.

How do I follow up on a hit and run case?
Contact the Traffic Division at 271-5359

How do I follow up on a case for prosecution?
Contact the Detective Division at 271-5336
Domestic Violence – Detective Fueston, 271- 5748
Financial Crimes – Detectives Howard or Shelton, 271-5345 or 271-4783
Auto theft- Detective Moore, 271- 4792
Sex Crimes – Detectives E. Wilson or T. Wilson, 271-5335 or 271-5337

How do I arrange for a ride along with the Department?
Contact Support Services at 271- 4881 or 271-4882

How do I contest a parking ticket?
Contact the Finance Department at City Hall at 271-4751

How do I set up a watch residence program while I’m away on vacation?
Contact Support Services at 271-4881

How do I receive copies of police reports?
Call or go to Records Division at the Police Station at 271-4704

What is the address of the St. Joseph Police Department?
The Police Department is located at 501 Faraon, St. Joseph, MO 64501

Frequently used Police Department telephone numbers:
Emergency Only: 911**
Non Emergency: 271-4777**
Chief of Police: 271-4700
Administrative Office: 271-4701
Professional Standards: 271-4780
Patrol Division: 271-4712**
Traffic Division: 271-5359**
Detective Division: 271-5336
Tele-serve: 271-4782 or 271-4692 (reports over phone)
Booking Desk: 271-4779**
Tips Hotline: 238-TIPS (8477)**
Street Crimes/Drug Strike Force: 233-3377**
Warrants Office: 271-4889
School Resource Officer: 232-7658
** Phones answered 24 hours a day