Code Enforcement

We encourage you, as a resident of the City of Black Jack, to become involved in your community. We need your help in maintaining and improving our homes and neighborhoods, to make our city more attractive and a better place to live.

Exterior Appearance & Safety Items

City Hall often receives complaints about things such as high grass and weeds, trash accumulation, dead trees, buildings in disrepair, and derelict vehicles. 

Please review this basic checklist of exterior appearance and safety items, which are a part of the Black Jack residential exterior code. Also included are items from other sections of the City of Black Jack Code of Ordinances and the 1996 BOCA National Property Maintenance Code, which are common causes of complaints. Property owners and residents are subject to citations and fines for failure to comply with codes or correct code violations.

Complaints

Look at your home, your yard, and your street, and plan for any needed repairs or improvements. Keep litter picked up. To report a concern click here 


Home Maintenance

All of the following areas of your residence must be kept in sound condition and good repair:
  • Accessory structures
  • Brick, siding, and shingles
  • Chimneys and towers
  • Decorative features
  • Doors, windows, and screens
  • Fences
  • Handrails and guardrails
  • Overhang extensions
  • Porches, decks, and stairs
  • Roofs, guttering, and downspouts
  • Sidewalks and driveways
  • Soffit and trim

Grass & Weeds

Grass and weeds must not be allowed to grow in excess of seven inches.

Trees & Shrubs

Dead or dying trees and shrubs must be removed. 

Trash Service

All households must subscribe to trash service with the waste hauler under contract with the city. Currently, we contract with Republic at  636-947-5959. Trash must be stored in container with watertight, close-fitting lids. Trash containers must be stored behind the building line until pickup day, placed curbside no earlier than 6 p.m. the day before pickup, and removed no later than 6 p.m. on the day of pickup.

Exterior Property Areas

All exterior property areas must be maintained in a clean and safe condition, free from any accumulation of trash, junk, lumber (woodpiles), tires, etc.
  • The keeping of derelict vehicles are prohibited
  • It is against the law to litter by throwing paper, glass, cans, or any type of litter on public or private property
  • Posting of any type of signs on utility poles, traffic signs pole, or any public or private property other than your own property is prohibited

Permit Requirements

  • Permits are required for any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work for decks, concrete-poured patios, new fences, and driveways, and for alterations or additions to the interior and exterior of your home.
  • Inspections and occupancy permits are required whenever there is a new owner or new tenant. Any other change in occupancy requires you to revise your existing occupancy permit, i.e. marriage, divorce, birth, or death.

Animals

Pets (dogs and cats) must have rabies shots and may not be allowed to run loose.