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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. Proper structural attachment to the home is critical on deck construction. The building permit process and the related inspections will ensure that the contractor doing the work does so in a code compliant manner.
Inspections by our well-trained staff provides you with the assurance and confidence that your home improvements were done correctly and will provide years of enjoyment for your family and friends.
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.
Signs of Life
 Home construction in O’Fallon, which has been down significantly in the past 18 months, took a move upward in March 2010 with 19 new single-family home permits being issued by the Planning and Zoning Department, which compares with only nine being issued in March 2009.
For the period January through March 2010, 24 permits have been issued for new single-family homes, up slightly from the 22 issued during that same period in 2009.
During 2009, 100 permits for new single-family homes were issued in O’Fallon, which is down from the all-time high of 384 in 2005. Having said that, O’Fallon retained its position as the 5th fastest growing city in the St. Louis Metro region during 2010, as well as the fastest growing in the Metro-East. O’Fallon has held this ranking for the past several years during both the peak home construction period from 2002-2007 and now during the economic recession.
New Local Historic Landmarks
At the request of the owners of two properties, the City Council approved two new local historic landmarks during their May 3 City Council Meeting.
Both homes, one at 305 N. Cedar Street and the other at 118 Ruth Drive, were designated for their embodiment of elements of design, detailing, materials or craftsmanship that renders them architecturally significant or innovative. Both represent a sense of time and place unique to the City.
Following designation as a Landmark site, any demolition, new construction or alteration to the property or to any building or structures within the property, the owner must refer plans for the alteration to the Historic Preservation Commission for review and comment. The Commission is responsible for suggesting alterations to Landmark sites which require minimal alterations and which meet the Secretary of Interior’s Standards.
Congratulations to these property owners for their new Local Historic Landmark designations.
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