WHAT DO ST. LOUIS COUNTY INSPECTORS LOOK FOR?
The Inspector performs a visual inspection of the premises based on the International Property Maintenance Code (2000).
The Public Works Department then issues a report detailing code violations that require correction prior to the issuance
of a new re-occupancy permit. The following is a list of the more common items that are included in the inspection:
EXTERIOR INSPECTION
DERELICT VEHICLE/TRAILERS SECTION 302.8
Remove derelict and unlicensed vehicle from premises.
EXTERIOR RUBBISH AND DEBRIS SECTION 302.1, 305.1
Remove and dispose of all rubbish, garbage, tree limbs or yard waste.
TALL GRASS SECTION 302.4
Cut grass over 8 inches in height.
EXTERIOR PAINTING SECTION 303.6
Scrape and paint all exterior surfaces where there is
chipping and flaking paint.
HOUSE NUMBERS SECTION 303.3
Install missing house numbers. Numbers shall be
visible from the street and be at least 4 inches in height.
SIDING REPAIR SECTION 303.6
Repair siding by replacing all loose, missing, or deteriorated siding
and new trim necessary to complete the work.
ACCESSORY BUILDING SECTION 302.7
Repair or remove deteriorated accessory building.
GUTTERS SECTION 303.7
Repair or replace all loose or missing sections of guttering and
downspouts; replace missing end caps or elbow, and seal leaks.
clean out leaves, debris , and other foreign matter from all gutters
and downspouts.
DRIVEWAY AND SIDEWALK REPAIR SECTION 302.3
Repair deteriorated driveway or sidewalk by patching all cracks
and voids and replacing damaged sections. Eliminate ¾ inch
or more of differential in height of slab section by mud jacking
or feather out with mortar.
PORCH AND DECK REPAIR SECTION 303.1
Repair wood porch or deck by securing loose wood and replacing
deteriorated sections with new lumber.
EXTERIOR CONCRETE REPAIR SECTION 302.3
Repair existing concrete steps, patio, walks, or porch by
re-cementing all cracks, holes, and voids. Eliminate ¾ inch
or more of differential in height of slab section by mud
jacking or feathering out with mortar.
ROOF REPAIR SECTION 303.7
Repair existing roof by replacing any loose or missing
shingles. Repair existing roof by sealing leaking section.
Repair deteriorated or loose flashing to chimney and
rooftop vents.
WEATHERPROOFING SECTION 303.15, 303.2
Eliminate air and water infiltration by pressure caulking cracks
joints, and caulking around all windows, door, and other openings.
EXTERIOR MASONRY REPAIR SECTION 303.6, 303.11, 303.5
Tuck-point masonry walls or chimney. Repair loose areas by removing
mortar and masonry and replace.
RETAINING WALL SECTION 302.7
Repair deteriorated retaining walls.
GRADING SECTION 302.2
Properly grade premises where soil erosion and accumulation of
stagnant water exist.
FIREWOOD SECTION 302.1
Stack all firewood neatly 12 inches above ground.
FENCE SECTION 302.7.1, 302.7.2, 303.2
Repair damaged or deteriorated fence section Paint fence where
paint is peeling or metal surfaces that are rusted. Fences around
swimming pools must maintain four foot height and use gate latch
hardware that is not accessible to small children.
GENERAL INSPECTION-ALL AREAS
STAIRS AND PLATFORMS: BALUSTERS SECTION 303.12.
Secure loose balusters and replace those that are missing. New
baluster installation require four inch maximum opening between
Balusters, and their configuration must not present a ladder effect
STAIRS AND PLATFORM: TREAD AND RISERS SECTION
303.10.1, 303.10, 304.4
Repair/Replace deteriorated or damaged stair treads and risers.
Stair risers and treads shall maintain the same height and depth
for the length of the stairs so as to avoid a tripping hazard.
STAIRS AND PLATFORM: HANDRAILS SECTION 303.12
304.5, 304.5.1
Repair or replace deteriorated, loose, or missing handrails. New
handrail shall be 34 to 38 inches above the stair tread or floors
STAIRS AND PLATFORMS: GAURDRAILS SECTION
303.12, 303.12.1, 304.5, 304.5.1
Repair or replace deteriorated, loose or missing guardrails.
Guardrails are required at 36 inches minimum height, where
walking platforms are 30 inches or more above adjacent
walking surfaces.
STAIRS AND PLATFORMS: STAIR STRINGERS SECTION
303.10, 304.4
Repair/Replace deteriorated or missing stair stringer.
DOOR REPAIR SECTION 302.1
Fit and adjust door to operate properly, and close snugly.
Repair/Replace deteriorated or defective door. Repair or
Replace deteriorated wood jamb. Replace or repair deteriorated
threshold and hardware.
WINDOW REPAIR SECTION 303.13, 303.13.1, 303.13.2
Replace all crack or broken windows. Repair all broken sash
cords, chains, missing windowsill, or window weights. Repair/
Replace torn or missing screens. Replace deteriorated or missing
window putty. Loosen windows that have been painted shut, to
operate properly.
WINDOW SCREEN SECTION 303.14
Window screens must be provided for each habitable room
between April 15 and November 15.
EXTERMINATION OF PESTS SECTION 302.5, 306.1
Exterminate health hazard by thoroughly treating affective areas
for insects, pests, and rodents according to standard practices
of the trade regard ing extermination and termite prevention.
STRUCTURE: JOISTS, GIRDERS, POST SECTION 303.4, 304.2
Reinforce, level and repair sagging floor joist. Remove sagging
girder and install new girder. Replace deteriorated support post.
INTERIOR INSPECTION
SMOKE DETECTORS SECTION 704.1
Install and maintain smoke detectors: on the ceiling or wall in the hall outside
separate sleeping areas within 15 ft. of bedrooms; in each bedroom; and in
each inhabitable story of the house, including basements, but not in
uninhabitable attics or crawlspaces.
FIRESTOPPING SECTION 703.1
Install fire stopping at openings in ceilings or floors, or openings where
pipes or wires enter through walls, ceilings, or floors. Fire stops may be
22 gauge steel sheet metal, ¾ inch plywood, or ½ inch sheetrock.
GARAGE/HOUSE FIRE SEPARATION SECTION 703.1
Install, or repair holes in the gypsum board (sheetrock) fire separation
wall between living space and garage or openings where pipes or wires
enter through walls, ceilings or floors.
INTERIOR PAINTING SECTION 304.3
Scrape and repaint all areas with peeling and flaking paint.
SUBFLOORS SECTION 304.2
Replace deteriorated sub-floors.
FLOOR COVERING SECTION 304.3
Repair existing floor by securing any loose flooring and replace all
deteriorated or missing sections of flooring covering. Replace damaged
tile or deteriorated carpet.
EMERGENCY EGRESS DEADBOLTS SECTION 702.3
Replace interior key operated deadbolts with interior thumb latch.
APPLIANCE REPAIR SECTION 603.1
Repair or replace defective or inoperable appliance.
INTERIOR: BASEMENT WALL LEAKS SECTION 304.1
Repair leaking basement walls.
INTERIOR: FIREPLACE REPAIR SECTION 603.1
Repair defective fireplace damper, gas burners, or ash dump. Tuck-point
firebox or chimney mortar where deteriorated.
INTERIOR CONDITION SECTION 304.1
The interior of the structure must be maintained in good repair and
structurally sound.
BATH TOILET REPAIR SECTION 504.1
Repair toilet flush mechanism by adjusting or replacing defective
mechanisms to insure proper water level. Anchor toilet to floor.
Replace deteriorated toilet seat.
BATH: TOILET BASE SEAL SECTION 504.1
Install new seal at base of toilet to prevent leakage at floor.
BATH: VANITY SECTION 304.1
Repair or replace deteriorated cabinet vanity beneath existing lavatory.
BATH: TUB ENCLOSURE/SHOWER DOORS SECTION 504.1
Repair or replace deteriorated tub enclosure. Repair deteriorated joints
at the tub and wall by removing damaged caulk and re-caulking.
Repair or replace deteriorated/damaged shower door.
KITCHEN/BATHROOM: MECHANICAL VENT SECTION 403.1, 403.2
Provide adequate ventilation by installing mechanical ventilation fan with
necessary ductwork and properly tying to switch or by installing window.
KITCHEN CABINETS SECTION 304.1
Repair existing damaged or deteriorated wood cabinets or countertop
KITCHEN STOVE ANCHOR SECTION 603.1
Install anti-tipping anchor for stove according to manufacturer specifications.
BASEMENT BEDROOMS must offer egress by means of a door that opens
to the exterior, or a window of at least a 5.7 square feet opening that is no
higher than 44 inches from finish floor to window sill.
ELECTRICAL INSPECTION
ELECTRICAL: REWIRING SECTION 603.1
Remove existing deteriorated or improper/undersized electrical
wiring and replace with proper gauge wiring. Remove all extension
cords used as permanent wiring.
ELECTRICAL: GROUND WIRE JUMPER CABLE SECTION 605.1
Install ground-wire jumper cable with clamps on both sides of water
meter. Minimum wire size #8.
ELECTRICAL: REPAIR SERVICE BOX SECTION 605.1
Eliminate hazardous conditions by providing service box cover and
door at electrical service panel. Keep door closed as a fire prevention
measure. Eliminate hazardous condition by installing fuses, circuit
breaker, or blank covers in openings. Properly secure electric service
panel to wall.
ELECTRICAL: OVERFUSING SECTION 604.3
Eliminate potential hazard by replacing high amperage fuses with fuses
of 15 AMP rating.
ELECTRICAL: ADDITIONAL RECEPTACLE SECTION 605.2
Install additional electrical receptacle as needed. Two in each room
are the minimum required and one in the bathroom.. Any new
bathroom receptacle outlet shall have ground fault protection.
ELECTRICAL: DEFECTIVE RECEPTACLE SECTION 604.3
Properly wire open grounded or reversed polarity receptacles. Replace
defective receptacles. When replacing receptacles in ungrounded
circuits they must be of the two prong type, GFCI type, or have
connections made to the grounded circuit conductor system. Secure
receptacle to the structure. All floor-mounted receptacles must be an
approved floor-mounted type receptacle with approved covers.
ELECTRICAL: COVERPLATES SECTION 605.1
Eliminate hazardous condition by providing cover plates for light
switches, outlets and other electrical boxes.
ELECTRICAL: LIGHT SWITCH SECTION 604.3
Repair defective light switch . Secure all loose switches.
ELECTRICAL: LIGHT FIXTURES SECTION 604.3
Remove light fixtures where the weight of the fixture is supported
by the electrical cord. Replace with U.L. Listed light fixture. Repair
or replace damaged fixtures. Replace missing or damaged globes.
ELECTRICAL: OPEN SPLICES SECTION 604.3
Install all exposed wires splices in junction boxes with covers.
ELECTRICAL: LOOSE WIRES SECTION 605.1
Secure all loose and hanging wires by running wiring through the
floor joists, or secure wires to the structure.
ELECTRICAL: OBSOLETE WIRING SECTION 604.3
Remove all obsolete, unused, and dead wiring.
ELECTRICAL: GARBAGE DISPOSAL CLAMP SECTION 604.3
Install a wire clamp, suitable for the wiring method, on the garbage
disposal.
MECHANICAL INSPECTION
GAS PIPING: APPLIANCE CONNECTOR PIPE SECTION 603.1
Replace defective or damaged flexible appliance gas piping with an
approved material.
GAS PIPING: SHUT-OFF VALVES SECTION 603.1
Install an in-line gas shut-off valve for gas appliance. The furnace
and water heater must have separate gas shut-off valves.
GAS PIPING: DRIP-LEG SECTION 603.1
Install missing drip-leg on water heater or furnace.
MECHANICAL: DUCT WORK SECTION 607.1
Replace deteriorated or missing sections of sheet metal ductwork.
install missing heat register suitable for proper airflow.
MECHANICAL: FURNACE OR WATER HEATER FLUE PIPE
SECTION 603.2
Install 3 sheet metal screws at each metal flue joint. Properly seal
opening around furnace flue at chimney. Replace missing or
deteriorated chimney cap.
MECHANICAL DRYER VENT SECTION 403.5
Install 4-inch smooth metal vent pipe to outside air with cover for
clothes dryer.
MECHANICAL: THERMOSTAT SECTION 603.1
Replace defective thermostat for HVAC system.
PLUMBING: FLOOR OPENING COVER SECTION 504.3
Install missing grate or cover for plumbing drain opening in floor.
MULTIFAMILY DWELLING INSPECTION
MULTIFAMILY: FIRE DOOR BLOCKED SECTION 702.1
Remove all blocks or chains from required self-closing doors.
MULTIFAMILY: FIRE DOOR REPLACEMENT SECTION 701.2
Repair or replace defective fire rated door.
MUTIFAMILY: FIRE DOOR CLOSER SECTION 701.2
Repair/Replace approved, defective door closer for fire rated door.
MULTIFAMILY: EXIT SIGNS SECTION 701.2
Restore/Replace missing or defective exit signs.
MULTIFAMILY: EXIT LIGHTING SECTION 402.2
Restore required exit lighting in halls and stairwells.
MULTIFAMILY: EXIT STAIR STORAGE SECTION 702.1
Remove all illegal storage from stairs.

PLUMBING INSPECTION
PLUMBING: FAUCET SECTION 505.1
Replace deteriorated water faucet. Repair leaking faucet by
replacing washers, rings, packing, and reseat valves if needed.
PLUMBING: TRAP AND VENT SECTION 504.1
Properly trap and vent all plumbing fixtures.
PLUMBING: P-TRAP REPLACEMENT SECTION 505.1
Replace defective, improper, or corroded P-trap to insure sanitary
operation. Plastic flex pipe in traps not acceptable.
PLUMBING: WATER HEATER RELIEF VALVE SECTION 505.4
Eliminate potential hazardous condition by extending hot water heater
blow-off arm within 2 to 6 inches of the floor. The blow-off arm must
be steel, copper, or galvanized, the same diameter as the
pressure relief valve opening, but at least ¾ inches. Replace relief
valve if deteriorated.
PLUMBING: SOIL STACK SECTION 504.3
Repair soil stack leak by removing defective sections of pipe and
fittings and installing new pipe and fittings.
PLUMBING: CLEAN-OUT PLUG SECTION 504.3
Install missing clean-out plug in soil stack.
PLUMBING: OBSOLETE FIXTURES SECTION 504.3
Remove obsolete unused plumbing fixtures. Cap obsolete water
And drain piping back at the connection to the main drain and stack.
PLUMBING: CLOGGED DRAINAGE SECTION 504.1
Repair slow drainage. Rod out the household waste drains and sewer line.
PLUMBING: WATER SUPPLY LINES SECTION 505.3
Remove plastic hot and cold water supply lines and replace with an
approved metal material.
PLUMBING: REPLACEMENT OF DETERIORATED WATER LINES
SECTION 505.3
Repair water supply lines by removing all deteriorated and leaking sections
of piping. Install new sections of water piping complete with all required
fittings, insulated connectors, and shut-off valves.
PLUMBING: SECURE WATER LINES SECTION 504.3
Properly anchor hot and cold water supply lines to prevent vibrations and
water pipe hammering. 11/5/07