Occupancy Permits & Inspections

Occupancy Permits

An occupancy permit enforces the city's property maintenance code standards by requiring that an inspection be done to ensure that the house or apartment is safe for occupancy. The maintenance code standards not only protect residents' well being, but also protect financial investments and property values. Occupancy is illegal without an occupancy permit.

Occupancy permits can be obtained only after a building inspection is complete. You will have to come into City Hall to apply for an occupancy permit see requirements below.  For further information on obtaining an occupancy permit, contact the Clerk’s Office at 314-355-7406 or email.

OCCUPANCY INSPECTION FEES - NEW FEES EFFECTIVE 4/1/2020

Home

First Inspection                                    $125.00
Second Inspection                                  $  30.00
Third and thereafter                               $  50.00
Missed appointment                              $  50.00

APARTMENTS

1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments

First Inspection                          $  70.00
Second Inspection                                $  30.00
Additional Inspections                          $  50.00
Missed appointment                            $  50.00

Requirements

Anyone who is moving into City of Black Jack must apply for and receive an occupancy permit before moving in.

How to Apply

Applications can be made in person at the City Hall. Fees are not refundable. The occupancy permit will not be issued until the city inspects the dwelling and it is found to be free of any health, safety, and welfare issues. Pursuant to Ordinance 729, a conditional certificate of occupancy is not allowed unless it is for exterior seasonal repairs.
 

Requirements for Residency in the City of Black Jack

Family Definition:    

1.   An individual living as a single non-profit housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit; or

 2. Two (2) or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption or foster care relationship living together as a single non-profit housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit; or

 3.  A group of not more than three (3) persons who need not be related by blood, marriage, adoption or foster care relationship, living together as a single non-profit housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit; or

 4.  Two (2) unrelated individuals plus the biological, adopted or foster children of either such individuals, living together as a single, non-profit housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit.

Required Original Documents for Proof of Relationship:  The certificate of occupancy applicant must provide valid proof of the relationship between the family members to be listed on the certificate of occupancy, which proof may be by original or sealed copy of a marriage license, birth certificate(s), legal custody papers, adoption orders and/or other state supervised documents.  Bldg Code Sec 118.1.6#4 

Space Requirements:   Every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one (1) occupant shall have a minimum floor area of seventy (70) square feet; and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one (1) occupant shall have a minimum floor area of fifty (50) square feet for each occupant thereof.  Sec. 6-82 (1)

No sleeping room may be used by two (2) children of opposite sex beyond the age of five (5) years nor may a minor child sleep in the same room as their parents on a permanent basis over five (5) years of age.   Sec. 6-82 (6)   

Required Fees:  If an occupant is buying the dwelling unit, the cost for the occupancy permit is $40.00.  If an occupant is renting or leasing the dwelling unit, the cost for the occupancy permit is $65.00.  If the head of household is updating the occupancy permit for the first time, the cost is $10.00.  For any subsequent update, the cost will be $25.00.

Required Lease Documents:  If an applicant is renting/leasing a dwelling unit, a completed and signed lease between lessee and lessor must be provided at the time of application.

Inspections

Anyone who plans to sell their home or who plans to rent out an apartment or home should make arrangements to have it inspected upon changing use or occupancy.  Inspections can be arranged by calling the receptionist at  314-355-7406.  Fees are listed above. 

What They Cover

During an inspection, housing inspectors check to ensure compliance with the current property maintenance code and the city‘s Code of Ordinances. These are minimum standards set to preserve the health, safety, and general welfare of the public. All inspections are conducted by housing inspectors who are trained to inspect the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, as well as general preexisting building conditions.

Failed Inspections

If the property fails inspection, correction work will be required. The property owner is allowed 30 days to complete repairs on the building while residents live there, and change of occupancy is not permitted during this time. If the work is completed within that time period, an occupancy permit will be issued to the resident. However, if work is not completed within the 30 days, the city will allow an additional 30 days. A conditional occupancy is not allowed. If residents occupy the property after being notified, the city can take legal action against the property owner and its occupants.

Note

•   We will no longer accept checks. Our method of payments will be cash, credit cards, money orders, or cashiers’ check, effective February 1, 2010.
• In order to get an occupancy permit for rental, you must provide a copy of a signed lease agreement and proof of relationship along with a photo ID.