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Frequently Asked Questions

The material in this question and answer series is for your information only. It is not legal advice and is not designed to be used in place of legal advice. You should consult your own attorney for legal advice. The St. Joseph Legal Department provides this series to provide a general summary of procedures concerning violations of city ordinances in the City of St. Joseph, Missouri. It is issued to inform generally, not to advise of specific rights. As with any general information, the answers given here may not specifically apply to you.
What are your summons procedures?
The failure of a property owner to abate a code violation may result in the inspector issuing a summons to appear before the Municipal court Judge. The inspector sets an arraignment date five weeks in advance. The Judge will set a trial date if the property owner pleads "not guilty."

Any person who has been found guilty of violating this section shall be required to pay a minimum fine of $25.00 for the first offense. Any person who has been found guilty of violating this section a second time during the same 12 month period shall pay a minimum fine of $50.00. Any person who is found guilty of violating this section a third time during the same 12 month period shall be fined a minimum of $150.00. Any person who is found guilty of violating this section four or more times during the same 12 month period shall be fined a minimum of $300.00 for the fourth offense and each subsequent offense. If a person is charged and found guilty of more than one offense on the same day, then all such offenses on that day, for purposes of this section, shall be counted as one violation.

Show All Answers

1. What do I do if my neighbor has a code violation?
2. What are the inspection and notification procedures?
3. What are the billing and abatement procedures?
4. What are your summons procedures?