FAQs

What requires a building permit?: Anything that will alter the existing structure in any way and most accessory structures erected in your yard. Check with Public Works at 314-849-3400 for further detail.

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Public Works

1. What is a "right of way" and who owns it?: Rights of way are the area platted for public streets and utilities. The right of way associated with the street in front of your house is not technically owned by anyone. It is public land that is maintained by the respective jurisdiction. In the case of a city street, the City of Sunset Hills maintains this area and has jurisdiction over it that requires utilities and private entities to acquire excavation permits to maintain those services and associated improvements within those areas. Locate more detailed information by viewing the Street Division FAQ.

2. Where can I find information on junk issues for vehicle or machinery items.: Access Chapter 16, Article 2 of the City Code of Ordinances for more information.

3. What are the city's policies on animals?: Access Chapter 6 of the Sunset Hills Code of Ordinances.

4. What are the city's polices on weeds?: Access Chapter 27 of the city’s Code of Ordinances to find details on the subject of noxious weeds and more.

5. Can you address sewage issues in relation to city code?: Locate Section 23 of the Code of Ordinances to locate details on the subject of sewers and sewage disposal.

6. What are the rules in regards to junk, or general matter laying around a premises?: Reference Chapter 13 of the Sunset Hills Code of Ordinances for an in-depth look.

7. In regards to home maintenance, what are the general safety and maintenance requirements imposed by the city?: Chapter 7 of the City Code of Ordinances takes an in-depth look at buildings and building regulations.

8. What rules exist specifically regarding pools?: Article 3, Chapter 7, of the City Code details private swimming pool regulations.

9. Where can I find information on issues pertaining to trash?: Chapter 12 of the City of Sunset Hills covers this topic in detail.

10. What is the specific ordinance pertaining to dumping materials on roads.: Read through Chapter 24, Article 1, Section 4 of the city code.

11. Are there special ordinances that regulate RV and trailer-parking issues?: City Code, Chapter 26 provides details concerning RV Parking in Sunset Hills.

12. What are the city fence regulations?: City Code Appendix B Section 5.14 covers details concerning Sunset Hills requirements for fences.

13. How many sets of plans are required for a building permit?: Six sets need to be submitted to City Hall. Five will be returned to you to take to St. Louis County along with a zoning letter. St. Louis County actually issues all permits and does all inspections.

According to City Code Section 16-34, the time restrictions are:

15. How many dogs are allowed per household?: Two. The owner of 3 or more dogs, whether owned for pleasure or profit, breeding or exhibiting shall be deemed to be the operator of a dog kennel. Dog kennels are not a permitted use in a residential district. It is unlawful for the owner of any dog, whether properly tagged and certified by vaccination-registration or not, to permit or allow such dog to run at large within the city limits.

16. Are home occupations allowed?: Home occupations shall be permitted as an accessory use to a residential use in any district subject to several requirements as outlined in the Code of Ordinances Section 5.7 A 1-7. There is a license requirement and home inspection before business can be allowed.

17. What requires a building permit?: Anything that will alter the existing structure in any way and most accessory structures erected in your yard. Check with Public Works at 314-849-3400 for further detail.

18. Where can I address a utility or service outage issue?: The Utilities resource page of the City website will provide more information.

19. Is street parking allowed overnight in the city?: No. The City of Sunset Hills has parking restrictions on city Streets. According to Chapter 17 of the Code of Ordinances there are limitations on parking during certain hours throughout the city. Except on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, no person or persons shall stop or park a motor vehicle of any kind whatsoever on any street, roadway, drive, or highway, except in an emergency, between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., provided, however, that this parking limitation shall not apply to Monica Drive, Deane Court, Floralea Place, Rayburn Avenue, Homecrest Drive, and Windward Ridge Drive.
Also, no person shall park a commercial vehicle, except for emergency purposes, on any street in any district in the city zoned for residential use between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. on any day. There are also streets within the city where parking is not allowed at any time, these locations will be posted with a no parking sign that does not include the restriction between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Any questions relating to parking on city streets can be addressed to the Public Works Department at 314-849-3400.

20. Am I obligated to use a city licensed hauler for my trash service?: Yes.

21. What are the rules on garage sales?: You must obtain a permit from City Hall; this is at no charge. You are allowed to have 2 garage sales per year. Permits are good for 1 day only. One piece of advertising is allowed on the property as well as two directional signs provided permission is obtained from the property owner where placed and signs are removed at the end of the day. No garage sale shall commence before 8 a.m.

22. Who is responsible to maintain a driveway apron? This is located within a right of way.: The homeowner. Driveway aprons are private improvements and are considered the homeowner’s attachment of their driveway to the public street network. The City does not inspect driveway apron construction or repair, but an excavation permit is required for this work. Private contractors are responsible to the homeowner for the quality of this work.

23. Who do you contact for an illicit discharge of waste?: For material dumping, this is a dynamic scenario that can best be handled by the Police Department. For matters where a pipe is discharging putrid effluent, the Metropolitan Sewer District is best and they have a web portal for this at: https://msdprojectclear.org/customers/problems-tips/report-issue/

24. What is Rainscaping?: This is a means of reducing site pollution effluent via things like rain gardens. MSD has a lot of information on this topic at: https://msdprojectclear.org/what-we-do/rainscaping/