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.

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.

Look at your home, your yard and your street, and plan for any needed repairs or improvements.  Keep litter picked up.  Report violations to City Hall at 355-0400, ext 104.

·        All of the following areas of your residence must be kept in sound condition and good repair:

·        doors, windows and screens                            ·        accessory structures

·        roofs, guttering and downspouts                      ·        Chimneys and towers

·        brick, siding and shingles                                 ·        Overhang extensions

·        soffit and trim                                                    ·        Decorative Features

·        porches, decks and stairs                                  ·        Handrails and guardrails

·        sidewalks and driveways                                  ·        fences

     *** Grass and weeds must not be allowed to grow in excess of seven (7) inches.

·        All exterior property areas must be maintained in a clean and safe condition, free from any accumulation of trash, junk, lumber (woodpiles), tires, etc.

·        Dead or dying trees and shrubs must be removed.

·        All households must subscribe to trash service with the wastehauler under contract with the city.  Currently we contract with Allied Waste 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, place curbside no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day before pickup and removed no later than 6:00 p.m. on the day of pickup.

·        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.

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

·        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.

·        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.

·        Tree limbs and branches can be disposed of at the Recycling Center, call 355-2542 for more information.