|
The City of Merriam is committed to providing a clean and attractive community by working with residents to encourage compliance with the City's Municipal Code of Ordinances. Every citizen has a responsibility to keep his/her own property and neighborhood clean and attractive.
For specific ordinance information on the code and regulations referred to on this site, you may contact Merriam's Community Development Department at (913) 322-5520. To view a complete listing of Merriam's Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinances, and Comprehensive Plan, click here.
Exterior Building Maintenance:
All exterior building maintenance surfaces including doors, soffits, eaves, windows, porches and trim must be maintained in good condition. Peeling, flaking or chipped paint should be eliminated and the surface repaired. Sidewalks, driveways and parking areas must be free of hazardous conditions. Accessory structures, fences and walls must also be maintained in good repair.
House Numbers:
All houses and other buildings must display street address numbers in an area easily readable from the street. The numbers must be at least 4 inches in height and of contrasting color to the building.
Uncontrolled Vegetation:
Lawn mowing is required. Weeds, grass and other controlled vegetation must be kept below 10" in height on all properties. Property owners are required to mow any area between their property line and the adjacent curb or street pavement line of any adjacent street, including the ditch area.
Tree Maintenance:
Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of trees on their private property and trees located in the adjacent right-of-way areas. Any dead, diseased or damaged tree limbs must also be removed. If you are planning to replace or add trees on your property, please be aware that there are specific regulations governing plantings in right-of-way areas. This information can be obtained from the Community Development Department by calling (913) 322-5520.
Outside Storage:
Most household items can not be stored outside. The only items allowed outside without restrictions are lawn furniture, barbecue grills, arbors, trellises and flagpoles. Some other items may be stored outside such as trash cans, boats, trailers, campers and firewood, but there are restrictions associated with the storage which include placement, screening, paving, and other specifics. For more information contact the Community Development Department by calling (913) 322-5520.
Trash Containers and Collections:
Trash must be collected at least once weekly in all neighborhoods. On trash collection day, containers, filled bags and bundled tree branches or newspapers may be placed outside on private property for pickup. On other days, sealed containers and bags must be either stored indoors or may be placed outside behind the front of the house and screened by solid fencing. All trash, when stored outside, must remain in a sealed container.
Storage of Firewood and Compost Bins:
Firewood and compost bins may be stored outside if they are located behind the front of the house and not within three feet of any property line. Firewood must be neatly stacked and should be raised to deter rodent activity. Compost bins should be maintained to prevent them from becoming a nuisance to close neighbors.
Boats, RV's, Trailers, Campers & Camper Tops:
These items may be stored outside if they are located behind the front building line and not within 7 feet of any side property line. They must be located on pavement (asphalt or concrete) as required for off-street parking. In the case of a corner lot, other requirements must be met. Please call City Hall at (913) 322-5520 for specifics.
Off-Street Parking:
All off-street parking surfaces must be graded and paved with asphalt or concrete. Parking of vehicles on the grass or other non-paved parking surfaces is not allowed. Driveways and other parking areas should be maintained free of cracks, potholes, and other defects by the property owner. Some homes in Merriam have gravel driveways and parking areas that were existing before current regulations requiring paving were put in place. These driveways or parking areas can not be extended and must be maintained free of bare spots and vegetation. The outdoor storage or overnight parking of a truck, bus or trailer having a manufacturer's rating greater than 15 MR is prohibited in residential districts.
Inoperable Vehicles:
As a general rule, the outside storage of inoperable vehicles is not allowed. However, one inoperable vehicle may be temporarily stored outside for ten consecutive days or less. If the vehicle is not repaired or properly licensed in ten days, it must be either removed from the property or stored inside a garage.
Parking After Snowfall:
All vehicles parked on the streets must be removed within two hours after any snowfall of two or more inches. All vehicles remaining two hours after the snowfall and obstructing snow removal operations may be towed at the owner's expense.
Building Permits :
Some home repairs and alterations may require that you obtain a building permit, including fence and roof installation, and driveway replacements. You may obtain a permit from the Community Development Department at City Hall, 9000 W. 62nd Terrace. For more information call (913) 322-5520.
Burn Permits:
Residential burning permits may be obtained at no costs; a small fee is charged for commercial customers. Burning permits may be obtained Monday through Friday at the Merriam Fire Department, 9000 W. 62nd Terrace. For more information call (913) 322-5530.
Dog & Cat Licenses:
All dogs and cats six months or older must be licensed. The license fee is $30; if the animal is spade or neutered, the fee is $5. Beginning in June 2006, the license period will run concurrent with the animal's rabies vaccination (for example, if the rabies vaccination expires in March, so will the city license). License applications are available by clicking here, and must be filled out and returned along with proper licensing fee and a copy of the current rabies vaccination receipt from your veterinarian's office. Residents are not allowed to have more than two dogs. Anyone who desires to keep more than two dogs must go through a petition process. For additional information call (913) 322-5500.
Garage Sale Permits:
A permit secured from the Administration office at City Hall must be posted on the premises where it can be seen from the street. There is no charge for the permit, but a record is kept so no more than two sales are held at the same location during a 12-month period. Signs to advertise the sale should be confined to private property with the owner's permission. No signs can be placed on utility poles, trees or on any City rights-of-way. Permits may be obtained at the Administration offices at City Hall, 9000 W. 62nd Terrace. For additional information call (913) 322-5500.
Subdivision Regulations:
To download a copy of Merriam's Subdivision Regulations, click here (PDF file, approx. 74KB)
|
