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The City Council of the City of Arnold, Missouri will have multiple ordinances on the Council Agenda for adoption on Thursday, August 13, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at 2101 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold, MO.

The following previously adopted codes are to be modified as part of amendments to Title V (Buildings and Construction) of the Code of Ordinances:

• 2021 International Building Code (IBC)

• 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)

• 2021 International Fire Code (IFC)

• 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)

At least one copy of the amendments referenced above are on file in the City Clerk’s Office and will be available, pursuant to RSMo 67.280, for public use, inspection and examination for a period of ninety (90) days prior to the adoption of the Ordinance, and will remain available to the public upon adoption of the Ordinance.

See the full PDF

Stay up to date with your local trash and recycling services!

The latest flyer from Republic Services includes important information on:

•Holiday pickup schedules

•Bulk item guidelines

•Yard waste collection

•Recycling dos and don’ts

View the flyer for full details.

General Advice and Tips:

HIRING A CONTRACTOR

Get multiple estimates

Talk to several contractors and get written estimates from at least three. Make sure you’re comparing. Apples to apples when you get multiple estimates. Look at building materials, work methods, timelines. Other factors that may vary by contractor. Be cautious of estimates that are too high or too low.

Hire local, licensed contractors whenever possible

Local contractors are easier to contact if problems develop with the work in the future, and they are more likely to be familiar with building codes in your area. Ask the contractor for their local, physical address. Be suspicious of anyone who goes door-to-door or refuses to leave a contract overnight.

Check their past work

How has their worked turned out in the past? Do they specialize in the kind of work you want done? Check references about the quality of their products, their workmanship and their customer service. Inquire about their professional reputation and years in business with the Better Business Bureau. A contractor with more than five years of experience is preferable.

Take your time making a sound decision

Get multiple bids before making a decision. Don’t be pressured into making an immediate decision, particularly with regard to signing a contract. Be cautious when asked to pay a large deposit up front. Make sure to read the fine print on all estimates and contracts. If you’re having emergency repairs done and don’t have time to thoroughly research a contractor, ask neighbors, family or friends to see if they have had a good experience with an emergency services contractor.

Check their insurance and bonding

Make sure the contractor is properly insured and bonded. Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance (COI), which should provide the name of the insurance company, policy number and policy limits the contractor carries. You can contact the insurance company directly to verify the coverage and make sure the policy is still in effect. Do not do business with a contractor who does not carry the appropriate insurance coverage. If the contractor is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.

Get everything in writing

Secure a comprehensive contract before work begins. Get everything in writing, and make sure the contract is clear and well written. Consider having a lawyer review the proposed contract for your protection before you sign it if the project involves substantial costs. The contract should include:

• A detailed description of the work to be completed and the price of each item.
• A payment schedule – for example: one-third down, one-third when work is partially completed, and the balance due upon completion of repairs.
• The estimated start date and completion date on larger projects.
• Any applicable guarantees, which should be written into the contract and clearly state what is guaranteed, who is responsible for the guarantee, and how long the guarantee is valid.
• Signatures from both parties. You should never sign a contract containing blank sections.

Changes to the contract should be acknowledged by all parties in writing. Ask the contractor for confirmation that he or she has obtained all applicable building permits. If you decide to cancel a signed contract, you should follow the contract’s cancellation clause. Written notification of the cancellation should be sent by registered mail to ensure you have proof of the cancellation.

Understand your right to cancel

Federal and Missouri law may require a “cooling off” period, in which you can cancel the contract without penalty. Check with the Federal Trade Commission and the revised statutes of Missouri to understand your rights. For example, Missouri may provide some cancellation rights when a home improvement contractor solicits business at your residence and you sign a contract during that visit [Missouri Home Solicitation Sales Act, RSMo §§ 407.700–407.720 (2024]) and there are some protections provided for repairs related to insurance claims [RSMo § 407.725 (2024), Work and services for insured persons—contractors not to induce sales—cancellation of contracts—requirements—contractor duties—violations—penalty.]. Be sure to follow applicable rules during any permissible cooling off period. If you do cancel, consider sending the notice of cancellation by registered mail to ensure you have proof of the cancellation. In any case, it may be a good idea to consult an attorney in such matters.

Don’t pay upfront

Don’t pay for the entire project before it is completed. Make sure you make checks payable to a company, not an individual, and do not pay in cash. For larger projects, it is standard practice to pay one-third of the estimated costs as an initial payment. That way, you can retain your cashed check as a receipt.

Anticipate delays

Delays happen and may not be the fault of your contractor. In spite of the timeline outlined in your contract, circumstances such as weather may prevent the work from remaining on schedule. Be realistic and prepare to adjust your plans accordingly.

Keep a job file

Keep your contract and all the supporting documents in one folder. Your file should also contain any change orders, plans and specifications, bills and invoices, canceled checks, and certificates of insurance and any letters, notes or correspondence with the contractor.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is intended as general advice and tips for property owners considering hiring a contractor for repairs. It is not intended as legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is established by reading this document. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a comprehensive guide for making decisions regarding contracting or legal matters. The City makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information provided. By using this information, you agree that the City is not liable for any damages, losses, or issues arising from the use or reliance on the information contained herein. Always consult with a qualified professional or legal advisor before making decisions related to contracting or property repairs.

City of Arnold Community Development Department – Building Division

2101 Jeffco Boulevard • Arnold, MO 63010 • (636) 282-2378

Arnold residents are coming together to support those impacted by recent storms. A Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) will be open on March 31, 2025, at the Arnold Recreation Center, offering essential services such as insurance guidance, legal assistance, food stamp replacement, and emergency financial aid. Residents affected by the disaster can stop by from 1:00 – 7:00 pm for help—just bring proof of address and a photo ID. Meals will be provided. Let’s stand together and show that Arnold is strong!

Flyer

RESIDENTS IN CITY OF ARNOLD WITH BUILDING DAMAGE REMINDED OF PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

As property owners in City of Arnold contemplate clean up and repairs following recent storms, they are reminded to obtain City permits before repairing or rebuilding damaged structures. Please note that the City of Arnold has chosen to waive all Building Permit fees for storm-related repairs.

For properties located in the Floodplain, additional permits are required as part of city-participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which provides eligibility for flood insurance, flood disaster assistance, state and federal grants and loans, and buyout funds for flood-prone property. Please note that there are no fees for these permits as well.

As required by FEMA, local floodplain management ordinances require that permits be obtained for any construction or development within the City of Arnold’s Floodplain areas, to include the repair or reconstruction of structures damaged by storm, flood, or any other means.

Special conditions apply to substantially damaged buildings, i.e. those in which the total cost of repairs is fifty-percent or more of the structure’s pre-flood (or any damage) market value. If a building is found to be substantially damaged, regulations require that repairs not begin until compliance with the local floodplain ordinance is demonstrated. In some cases, that may require repairs that include elevating or flood-proofing the structure to reduce the potential for future flood damage.

The cost to repair must be calculated for full repair to “pre-damaged” condition, even if the owner elects to do less. The total cost to repair includes structural and finish materials as well as labor. If labor and materials have been donated they must still be assigned a value. If local building codes require the structure to be repaired according to certain standards, these additional costs must be included in the full repair cost for the structure.

State and federal assistance may be available to property owners to reduce the chances of future flood damage. Mitigation assistance may cover costs of relocation, or for elevating or purchasing flood-damaged structures. Flood insurance may also provide up to $30,000 to protect a structure from future flood damage.

Property owners and residents with flood-damaged buildings should call 636-282-2378 for questions about repairs, reconstruction permits, or their floodplain property.

Due to tree damage from Friday night’s storm, the City of Arnold will begin our city-wide brush cleanup early, starting Wednesday, March 19.

Please place tree debris at the edge of the street for pickup, but do not block the roadway to ensure safe traffic flow. Given the circumstances, the usual size limits on tree debris collection are waived.

Cleanup will take longer than usual, so we appreciate your patience as we work to clear the debris. For questions, please contact City Hall at 636-296-2100 during normal business hours.

The City of Arnold will offer a Fall Brush Pickup on October 26, 2024. All brush must be on the street curb by the start date.

Residents should have brush on the curb with the cut ends facing the street. No more than a pick-up truck load at each residence will be picked up. Limbs must be less than 6” in diameter and no longer than 6 feet long. DO NOT bag, bind or tie the brush pile. No leaves will be accepted.

The Memorial Day, Republic Services® drivers and staff will be celebrating the Memorial Day holiday with their families. They will be CLOSED Monday, May 27, 2024, and services will run one day behind.