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Building Department

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1. When am I required to upgrade my home's smoke alarm system?

Whenever you make interior alterations or additions that require a building permit.

2. Where do I need to install smoke detectors in my home?

1. In each sleeping room


2. Outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms


3. On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements

3. What is a habitable basement?

A basement used for living, sleeping, eating or cooking.

4. Why am I required to have an emergency escape and rescue opening in my habitable basement?

Basements with only one unprotected interior stairway as an exit are dangerous in a fire. If the staircase becomes blocked due to fire, smoke or heat, someone could become trapped in the basement.

All other habitable spaces of homes have at least two ways out. An emergency escape and rescue opening eliminates this issue.

5. What is the average cost to install an emergency escape and rescue opening in a basement wall?

The cost may vary from $3,500 to $6,500.

6. How long will it take to install an emergency escape and rescue opening in a basement wall?

It typically takes 2 – 3 days.

7. My home is more than 25 years old and I want to put a bedroom, home theater, play room or office in my basement. Will I have to cut a hole in my foundation wall?

Yes, unless you have an existing opening in the basement wall that is compliant with the 2003 IRC requirements.

8. I have an existing home with a basement bedroom that has a code-compliant emergency escape and rescue opening. Will I need to cut another hole in my foundation for a home office in the basement?

No. You may add additional habitable spaces to your basement without providing another emergency escape and rescue opening.

9. Does the required emergency escape and rescue opening need to be installed within the habitable space?

No. The emergency escape and rescue opening should be placed in an easily accessible area.

10. Who do I contact to schedule an electrical, plumbing or commercial mechanical inspection?

St. Louis County at (314) 615-5000.

11. What are the most common reasons footing and pier inspections fail?

• There is mud and/or water in the footing or pier excavation.


• The steel reinforcement is not the grade, type or size specified in the approved plans.

More...

12. What are the most common reasons why foundation inspections fail?

• Form oil has dripped onto the steel reinforcement or top of the footing.


• There is mud on top of the footing

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13. What are the most common reasons why framing inspections fail?

• The relevant St. Louis County electrical, plumbing or mechanical rough-in inspections have not been made or approved.


• The penetrations through the top and bottom of plates of walls have not been properly fire stopped or fire blocked.

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14. What are the most common reasons why drywall inspections fail?

• The drywall tape and joint compound have been applied prior to approval of the drywall inspection.


• The drywall and fasteners have been installed per the UL Design Number specified on the plans.

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15. What are the most common reasons why ceiling cover inspections fail?

• The relevant St. Louis County electrical and mechanical inspections have not been made and approved.


• Fire separation assemblies have not been installed per the UL Design Number on approved plans.

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16. What are the most common reasons why final inspections fail?

• The electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire district final inspections have not been approved and signed-off on the record of inspections card.


• The Life Safety Systems have not been pre-tested or installed according to the approved plans.

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Community Development, Planning Division

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1. How do I find out the zoning of my property?

You can determine what zoning district you are in by finding your property on the Zoning Map.

2. When does the P&Z Commission meet?

The first and third Mondays of the month, except in January and February meetings are held on the first and second Tuesdays.

3. How do I know if my proposed use is permitted at a particular location?

First, determine what zoning property the district is in by finding your property on the Zoning Map. Then look up the district Regulations in the Zoning Code.

4. Can I run my business out of my house?

Yes, subject to specific limitations that can be found on home occupations
page.

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Home Page

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1. What is Allied Waste's phone number?

636-947-5959

2. Where do I pay tickets?

Tickets are paid at the finance department window in the main lobby, on the upper level of the government center.

Tickets that are payable without a court proceeding may also be paid online at www.trafficpayment.com or by phone by calling 1-800-444-1197.

3. How do I email the Mayor and City Council?

mayor-council@ci.creve-coeur.mo.us

4. What is the sales tax rate in Creve Coeur?

7.425%. April 1, 2011 an additional 0.25% will be added to the sales tax rate, increasing it to 7.675%. The sales tax rate in the Olive Boulevard TDD is 7.925% and in the Graeser TDD the sales tax rate is 8.425%.

5. What is the address of the Creve Coeur Government Center?

The address for the Government Center is:
300 N. New Ballas Rd.
Creve Coeur, MO 63141

6. When am I required to upgrade my home's smoke alarm system?

Whenever you make interior alterations or additions that require a building permit.

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Legislative

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1. How do I get the nominating petition to run for office?

The petition is available online or in the City Clerk's office (300 N New Ballas Road). 2011 Candidate Petition

2. How can I address the Mayor and Council at Council Meetings?

Residents wishing to speak at Council meetings should fill out a speaker card and give it to the City Clerk. Comments should be directed to the Mayor and Council and not third party attendees. Mayor and Council will not answer questions and/or comments during Comments from the General Public but will take note of the question for a later response.

3. When are the Council Meetings?

Council meets the second and fourth Monday of each month beginning at 7:00 pm. Council usually has a work session prior to the meetings beginning at 6:00 pm and it is held in the multi-purpose room.
City Council

4. What is a public hearing?

Public Hearings are held on matters when required by law. Persons who wish to speak at public hearings will be heard after the applicant has made their presentation and the Council has been given an opportunity to question the applicant. Speakers at a public hearing are asked to complete a speaker card located at the back of the Council Chambers, and present to the City Clerk. When called upon, the speaker must swear of and affirm the truth of their testimony to the reporter that transcribes the hearing.

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Municipal Court

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1. What is a red light violation?

A red light violation occurs when a vehicle is present in an intersection while the traffic control signal for the intersection is emitting a steady red signal.

The City of Creve Coeur has adopted regulations for the automated enforcement of Creve Coeur City Traffic Ordinance 16-398, Violation of Public Safety at Intersection. A vehicle may not be present in an intersection when the traffic control light is in the red phase. In the absence of a right turn on red restriction, a vehicle can make a right turn on the red, only after making a complete stop, and assuring that it is safe to proceed.

2. How does the red light violation system work?

Each intersection is outfitted with a high resolution, high speed digital camera. The cameras are activated by sensors that are located at the intersection and are only activated when a vehicle is detected by the sensors after the light has turned red.

The cameras take two digital photos that document the violation and are mailed with a violation notice to the registered owner of the vehicle. The program operates 24 hours a day seven days a week in all weather conditions.

The camera is only activated when a vehicle violates a red light and all intersections with red light cameras are clearly marked with photo enforcement signs. A Creve Coeur Police Officer reviews every violation before the notice is issued. Violation notices contain images of the violation vehicle before it enters the intersection, while it is in the intersection and the license plate of the vehicle.

3. Aren't most citizens opposed to automated enforcement?

No. In late 2005 a survey commissioned by the Missouri Insurance Coalition of more than 600 voters showed 8 of 10 Missourians favor using red-light cameras at intersections and more than 90% of those polled in Metro St. Louis and Kansas City were in favor. Statewide support for red light cameras increases to almost 90% if funding for the cameras comes from violator fines and not from taxpayers.

A 2001 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety collected data from 10 cities (5 with automated systems, 5 without automated systems) and determined there to be overwhelming support for automated enforcement. The average approval rate for the 10 cities was 77.8% in favor of such systems, with only a 12% variance between the highest and lowest approval. Other polls have shown similar results. Citizens overwhelmingly support automated enforcement to make our roadways safer.

4. Doesn't the city have to prove that I was the driver of a red light violation?

No. The courts have upheld that the owner of a vehicle can be held responsible for violations.

5. Are Red Light Cameras effective?

Yes. Red light cameras have been proven to be effective in reducing red light violations and right-angle crashes. Cities using these systems consistently report safer roads with fewer intersection collisions. Some cities have reported a 40-50% decline in red light violations and a 25-30% decrease in injury accidents.

6. Who receives the red light camera citation?

Citations are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. Liability is based on ownership, without regard to whether the owner was operating the motor vehicle at the time of the violation. This is similar to how parking violations are handled.

7. What if I receive a red light camera citation, but had a valid reason to be in the intersection at that time?

If at the time and place of the violation, the motor vehicle was in the intersection due to a recognized exception, the Owner may submit information to that effect by affidavit, on a form provided by the Court under oath at the Municipal Court proceeding. If an Owner furnishes satisfactory evidence pursuant to this paragraph, the City Prosecutor may terminate the prosecution of this Notice of Violation. The recognized exceptions are:

• The Traffic Control Signal was not in proper position and sufficiently legible to an ordinarily observant person


• The operator of the motor vehicle was acting in compliance with the lawful order or direction of a police officer


• The operator of the motor vehicle violated the instruction of the Traffic Control Signal in order to yield the right-of-way to an immediately approaching authorized emergency vehicle


• The motor vehicle was being operated as part of a funeral procession pursuant to Section 194.503 RSMo.


• The motor vehicle was being operated as an authorized emergency vehicle as defined and in compliance with Section 304.022 RSMo.


• The motor vehicle was a stolen vehicle and being operated by a person other than the Owner without the effective consent of the Owner (but this shall not be a justification for such an operator) and the theft was timely reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency


• The license plate and/or tags depicted in the Recorded Image(s) were stolen and being displayed on a motor vehicle other than the motor vehicle for which they were issued (but this shall not be a justification for the operator of the motor vehicle) and the theft was timely reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency


• Ownership of the motor vehicle had in fact been transferred prior to the violation (provided state records substantiate this statement);


• The motor vehicle was present in the intersection because it was inoperable

8. What is the amount of a red light camera violation fine?

The fine for a Red Light camera violation in Creve Coeur is $100.

9. Will points be assessed to my driving record if I receive a red light camera violation fine?

No points will be assessed.

10. If I see a white light flash while I am in a red light camera intersection, am I getting a ticket?

Not necessarily. The white flash is similar to the flash on a camera. The flash can be triggered by the computer sensing that a vehicle might be a violation. It does this because a photo must be taken before a vehicle enters the intersection. Two reviewers must review the video to see if a vehicle actually was in violation.

A violation notice is mailed only after both reviewers agree. The flash can be triggered by many things, including automatic system checks. The flash often happens when vehicles make a right turn on red. After making a complete stop, as the vehicle begins to turn, the system takes the photos in case the vehicle just goes straight through the red light. The human reviewers see this and reject the violation.

11. Where can I read the complete red light camera ordinance?

All Creve Coeur Ordinances can be found online. The Violation of Public Safety at Intersection ordinance can be found under Chapter 16, Article VI, Sec. 16-398.

12. How do I pay my fine?

Online Payment: The fastest and easiest way to pay your Notice is online. Go to the Violation Info website and log on with your Notice number and Pin number shown in the red box on the front of the notice. Choose the Pay Button.

Payment by Mail: Mail your check or money order (payable to the City of Creve Coeur) in the enclosed envelope with the coupon at the bottom of the notice, to the address on the reverse side of the notice. DO NOT MAIL CASH. Be sure to put the Notice number (see reverse) on the face of your payment. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service at (866) 790-4111.

Payment in Person: You may pay your fine in person at the Courthouse on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, and on Wednesday between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm. The courthouse is located at:
300 N. New Ballas Rd.
Creve Coeur, MO 63141

13. What intersections have red light cameras?

Eastbound Ladue Road at Coeur de Ville.

Eastbound and westbound Ladue Road at Emerson.

Olive at I-270 (Since 12-3-07).

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Parks and Recreation

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1. What do I need to prove residency for ID card?

Two forms that show current Creve Coeur address such as a drivers license, unpaid utility bill, bank statement, voter registration card, etc.

2. Is the Dielmann Recreation Complex open year round?

Both the Ice Arena and Golf Course are open year round.

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Police Department

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1. How do I commend or complain about the actions of a Creve Coeur Police department employee?

The Creve Coeur Police Department is committed to providing an exceptional level of quality and professional police services to the public.
We want to hear about your experience with the men and women of our agency. The below link provides directions for complimenting or filing a complaint regarding an officers actions. Citizen’s Guide to Making Inquiries, Commendations

2. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

Copies of Creve Coeur Police reports are available to interested parties 5 to 7 business days after the date of the incident. Request may be made in person at the records counter between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Accident reports can be purchase online. Follow the link Private Citizen Purchase. You will need the agency name and date of the accident.

For additional information contact the Police Department Records Room at 314-872-2528. Purchase an accident report.

3. How do I get fingerprinted?

Fingerprinting is done by appointment only Monday-Friday from 1 pm - 4 pm. You can call 314-872-2528 to schedule an appointment and obtain additional information. There is a $4.00 fee, payable by cash or checks only, per fingerprint card. If you are not a Creve Coeur resident a photo ID is required.

4. How do I get a criminal record check?

The general public can obtain a criminal record check of conviction information from the Bureau of Central Police Records in Clayton for $9.00. You are required to bring your Social Security Card plus one of the following types of identification: Missouri Drivers License, State I.D., Military I.D. or birth certificate. For detailed information on obtaining a record check, contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 314-615-5317/(TDD 889-2345).

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Public Works

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1. There is a dead animal in the street or yard. Will the city remove the animal?

Yes. Please call the Public Works Department at (314) 872-2533, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am - 3:00 pm and we will promptly remove the animal.

2. What should I do if I see an animal running loose in my neighborhood?

Please contact St. Louis Animal Control at (314) 726-6655 between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm or call (314) 889-2341 after hours and on weekends.

For wildlife, please call the Missouri Conservation Department, Powder Valley, at (314) 301-1500, as most other animals are protected by State or Federal law.

3. I have geese, coyotes, and/or deer on my property. What can I do?

Geese, coyotes, and deer are protected through State and Federal law. Please call the Missouri Conservation Department, Powder Valley, at (314) 301-1500 for instructions on what can be done.

4. I have squirrels (other rodents) in my house (attic). Will the city remove them for me?

No, please contact a pest control company for help.

5. I have raccoons and/or opossums in my yard getting into my trash. Will the city remove them for me?

Please contact St. Louis County Animal Control at (314) 726-6655 during normal business hours between 8:00 am - 5:30 pm; and (314) 889-2341 during off hours and weekends.

6. I have a hornet, bee and/or wasp nest on my property. Will the city remove it for me?

No, please contact a pest control company for help. Please do not attempt to remove a hornet's (or bee or wasp) nest as it is very dangerous and must be handled by a qualified specialist.