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PLANNING AND ZONING
Summer Projects
With warmer weather here, the Building Department is preparing for a busy building season and the associated questions that many homeowners have when starting a new project. Three building projects that we receive many questions about are pools, fences and decks.
There are many issues related to additions to your property that may include set back requirements, lot coverage, code requirements and inspections. Building permits are required on many projects to assure your construction is up to current codes and is performed in a sound and safe manner.
Pools
 A building permit is required for swimming pools, both above ground and in-ground. There are significant code issues that apply to all pools, particularly as they relate to life safety. Two of the most important issues are proper grounding and ground fault protection of electrical equipment, and maintaining a 48” barrier for the protection of small children. Due to the potential for drowning of small children, the
City of O’Fallon strictly enforces this code.
Fences
 Fences do not require a building permit unless they are over six feet high. It is highly recommended that you have your lot surveyed for proper property line identification. Placing fences in utility or drainage easements may cause a problem for you or your neighbors. We recommend reviewing subdivision drainage plans to ensure that placement of your fence does not obstruct a drainage way.
Decks
 Decks, whether attached or detached, require a building permit. Decks are a wonderful addition to your property and will yield years of great service when constructed soundly and safely.
Easy to read handouts explaining the requirements for pools, fences and decks are available at City Hall and on our web site at www.ofallon.org.
We encourage anyone having questions or concerns about these types of projects or any other building related issue to call our department at 624-4500, extension 4 for assistance. You may also reach us via our Builder E-Mail Answer Line at building@ofallon.org.
Yard Sale & Miscellaneous Signs
We recently received several calls from residents inquiring about the City’s policy on the display of temporary signs such as yard sale, baby shower, advertising, real estate or charitable events.
While our desire is to allow residents to advertise their events, we also want our beautiful City and clean neighborhoods to remain uncluttered and picturesque. These types of signs, when improperly placed, can also create a safety hazard for those driving on our streets, particularly at intersections. For example, several signs recently appeared at the State Street roundabout, creating a safety hazard for drivers in that area.
 Temporary signs can never be placed in public right-of-way, but can be placed on private property. There are several designations for these signs, which dictates where they can be placed. For example, real estate signs can be placed off-site as directional signs between noon on Friday and 6 p.m. on Sunday. Signs for charitable events can also be placed off-site. Both types of signs
can only be placed with permission of the property owner. All other signs are only allowed on the property of the event.
Public right-of-way is typically defined as the area that includes the street and sidewalk. Therefore, the area between the sidewalk and the street is public right-of-way. No signs are permitted in this area. If there are no sidewalks in your neighborhood, approximately five to ten feet from the edge of the road pavement is about where your private property line is located. In some areas, this may be hard to determine.
Before placing any temporary signs, please view the City’s Sign Ordinance, which is located on the City’s web site at www.ofallon.org under Planning & Zoning. The ordinance contains detailed requirements for all signs. If you have questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact Planning & Zoning at 624-4500, extension 4.
Please help us keep our City looking beautiful and our streets and intersections safe.
The Mayor and City Council place great value on O’Fallon residents’ opinions and ideas and invite citizens to attend City Council meetings to take part in the planning and development of our great City. |
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