Code Enforcement

International Property Maintenance Code

The City of Crestwood - in coordination with St. Louis County - has adopted use of the International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 edition, as published by the International Code Council as the official property maintenance code of the City of the control of buildings and structures.

The IPMC regulates all building codes for the City including the interior and exterior of the property, including grading and drainage, decks, roofs, sanitation, walls, handrails and much more.  

Copies of the IPMC are also on file in the City Clerk’s Office at the Crestwood Government Center.

• 2014, Ordinance 5023, National Electric Code (NEC)
• 2015, Ordinance 4806, International Fire Code 
• 2015, Ordinance 5023, Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
• 2015, Ordinance 5066
  • International Building Code
  • International Existing Building Code
  • International Mechanical Code
  • International Residential Code
• 2015, Ordinance 5067, International Property Maintenance Code
  

Crestwood City Code, Sect. 7-32 & 7-33

Excessively noisy animals—such as those that bark, howl, or meow continuously—can be a serious nuisance in residential neighborhoods. Due to limited staffing, the City of Crestwood Code Enforcement and Police Departments often cannot respond quickly enough to witness these disturbances firsthand. To help address this issue, the City has established a structured complaint process for residents.

• Download the Excessive Animal Noise Incident Log

What Qualifies as Excessive Animal Noise?

Under City Code Sect. 6-19, noise from an animal is considered excessive if it:

• Occurs for more than 10 consecutive minutes between 8 a.m.-10 p.m., or
• Occurs for more than 5 consecutive minutes between 10 p.m.-8 a.m.

A public nuisance is declared when:

• Noise incidents occur on three or more separate days within a 30-day period, and
• The incidents are verified and documented by affected neighbors.

Complaint Process

Successfully addressing excessive animal noise requires resident involvement. Your detailed documentation and cooperation are critical to helping maintain a peaceful community.

Step 1: Document the Disturbance

Use the Excessive Animal Noise Incident Log to record three (3) or more separate disturbances within a 30-day period. Each log entry must include:

• Date and time the noise started and stopped
• Location of the animal (exact address)
• Your address
• A note indicating whether the noise appeared unprovoked

You must also include a witness statement for at least one of the incidents. This can be a different person each time. Witnesses must sign under penalty of perjury.

Outcome: A Courtesy Notice is mailed to the responsible party.

Step 2: If the Noise Continues

Continue documenting. Record three (3) additional disturbances within any 30-day period after the courtesy notice was issued. Include at least one new witness statement.

Outcome: A Notice of Violation (NOV) is issued.

Step 3: If the Noise Still Continues

Repeat the process: log three (3) additional disturbances and provide at least one new witness statement.

Outcome: The case is referred to Crestwood Municipal Court.

Important Notes

• If one year passes without any further disturbances after a courtesy notice, NOV, or court referral, the process resets.
• A Code Enforcement Officer or Police Officer may also issue a violation if they observe or have probable cause to believe a disturbance occurred.
• Supporting evidence (e.g., date-stamped audio or video recordings from your property) is strongly encouraged.
• Noise complaints are stronger with multiple witnesses.

Submitting Your Packet

Make copies of everything for your records before submission. Submit your completed forms via email, by mail or drop-off Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Code Enforcement
1 Detjen Drive
Crestwood, MO 63126 

• Crestwood City Code, Sect. 6-19

Fence Permit Required

A permit is required for all new fence installations. Fence repairs do not require a permit.

• Click here to apply for a fence permit.

Fences help define property lines and provide privacy, but they must meet City standards to ensure safety and consistency throughout the neighborhood.

General Fence Requirements

• Fences must be made of standard materials like wood, vinyl, chain-link, wrought iron, composite wood, or masonry. Materials must be consistent and visually complementary along each property line.
• Fence posts must match in material and appearance from bottom to top. Up to two different materials may be used on separate property lines.
• Painted fences may use up to two compatible colors, aligned with the color of the home.
• All fences must be kept in good repair and maintained in a sound, safe, and attractive condition. Repairs must match the existing fence.

Construction Rules

• The smooth side of the fence must face outward; posts must be placed on the inside.
• Building two fences on the same property line by the same owner is not allowed.
• Electric (invisible pet) fences installed after February 1, 2012, must be placed at least two feet from the front or side property lines and may not extend into the public right-of-way.
• Gates must be self-closing and self-latching per the City’s Building Code.

• Crestwood City Code, Sect. 7-35

To help maintain safe, clean, and comfortable neighborhoods, the City of Crestwood prohibits certain conditions on private property that may negatively affect the community. These rules cover issues such as overgrown grass, trash, stagnant water, and more.

Grass & Weeds

Grass or weeds must not exceed seven inches in height. Property owners are also responsible for removing weed cuttings, fallen or hazardous trees, and overgrown shrubs.

Logs & Firewood

Firewood must be stacked at least five inches off the ground and stored behind the front building line of the property.

Noises & Smells

Repetitive or intrusive odors, fumes, or loud sounds — including those from leaking sewer laterals — that carry beyond the property line may be considered a public nuisance.

Stagnant Water

Any standing pools of water on a property must be addressed promptly to avoid mosquito breeding and health risks.

Trash & Rubbish

The buildup of waste, debris, broken furniture, car parts, or other hazardous materials is not allowed. These items must be properly disposed of to prevent safety hazards and neighborhood blight.

• Crestwood City Code, Sect. 16-56

The City of Crestwood has specific rules for how and where recreational vehicles — including boats, trailers, campers, and related equipment — can be stored or parked in residential areas. These regulations help keep neighborhoods safe, uncluttered, and visually appealing.

Where You Can Park

• RVs, trailers, and boats must be stored behind the front building line in a side or rear yard, on a paved surface (asphalt, concrete, or pavers).
• On corner lots, the side yard is also considered a front yard and follows the same restriction.
• Motorized construction equipment and vehicle accessories (like racks or camper shells) must be stored indoors or properly attached to a licensed vehicle.

Temporary Parking

• Residents may park a licensed RV in their driveway or on the street for loading/unloading only, up to 72 hours at a time.
• Visitors may park a licensed RV in the driveway or on the street for up to seven days per calendar year.
• Trailers and boats on trailers may be parked on a street only if attached to a licensed vehicle, and for no more than 72 hours.
• Visitor trailers/boats may be parked in the driveway or on the street (attached to a licensed vehicle) for up to seven days per calendar year.

Grandfathered Exceptions

Residents who owned an RV, boat, or trailer prior to November 17, 2003, and registered it with the City Clerk by December 31, 2003, are exempt from some restrictions.

• Crestwood City Code, Sect. 14-167

Property Owner Responsibility

Property owners must maintain all landscaping on their land and in the adjacent right-of-way — except for trees planted by the City in public rights-of-way. City-planted trees are maintained by the City.

Vertical Clearance Requirements

To keep streets safe and accessible, trees and shrubs that overhang the street must be trimmed to allow:

• At least 14 feet of clearance above the street centerline
• At least 12 feet above the curb or pavement edge

Hazards & Obstructions

• Dead or Diseased Trees: Must be removed if they pose a risk to people, property, or utilities.
• Obstructions: Trees and shrubs cannot block sidewalks, traffic signs, streetlights, or other public areas.
• The City may order removal or pruning if these rules aren’t followed.

Stump Removal

Stumps must be ground down to at least 3 inches below ground level (or 6 inches if the area will be paved), with all chips removed and the area filled and leveled.

Tree Pruning

Pruning should follow standard horticultural practices and may be done to improve visibility or reduce storm damage risk.

Tree Replacement Requirements

• If required trees are removed, they must be replaced with approved species within six months.
• In C-1 or M-1 districts, replacements must match the existing landscape plan or receive new approval if changes are significant.
• Crestwood City Code, Sect. 26-21