Welcome to the Botanical Heights Neighborhood

As a reminder from the Botanical Heights Nieghborhood Association and the City of St. Louis, these are some of the individual responsibilities of residents within the Botanical Heights neighborhood. This "Good Neighbor Guide" was prepared by the Neighborhood Stabilization Team as part of the City of St. Louis' commitment to all city neighborhoods. It provides helpful hints and tips about the rules for city living, letting you know what the city is responsible for and what is considered your responsibility or that of your neighbors. The fine for a violation of these regulations may range from $5.00 to $500.00, depending on the circumstances.

Individual Responsibilities

General Parking Regulations

The City is responsible for the maintenance and repair of streets, curbs and street lights. All property owners are expected to keep their curb areas clean and free of potentially harmful debris, such as broken glass. The city cleans selected residential streets regularly, with dates and times being noted on "No Parking" signs along the street sides.

Parking on city streets is prohibited:

Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
Within 30 feet of a crosswalk
Where the curb or edge of the roadway is marked with yellow paint.
If you display a vehicle for sale
To repair or grease a vehicle, except in an emergency.
Street light outages can be reported for repair by calling 314-622-4800 during office hours or 647-3111 after hours.
Click here for more information on Parking Regulations

Playing in the street

It is against the law, as well as unsafe, to play ball, fly kites or participate in other sports in the public right of way.

Landlord / Tenant Duties

Landlords must provide an apartment that is safe and sanitary.
Tenants must pay rent and take care of the apartment.
This includes proper use of plumbing fixtures, electrical services, and other equipment.
If a tenant damages the apartment or allows someone else to damage it, the landlord can force the tenant to pay for repairs even after the tenant has moved somewhere else.
The Neighborhood Stabilization Team (NST) sponsors several Landlord Forums each year
The NST conducts tenant training seminars that focus on educating tenants about their rights and responsibilities.
Contact the NST in room 418, City Hall, 314-622-4628 for additional information
Click here for more NST information

Alleys

Property owners are responsible for keeping their half of the alleys free of litter, weeds, and overgrown trees, as well as in safe and sanitary conditions.
If you are a witness to illegal dumping in an alley, on a street or sidewalk, in a vacant lot or in someone’s yard, call 911 and give them the license number and description of the vehicle used. If the information you provide to police results in the conviction of the suspect, you may be eligible for a $100 reward.
Click here for more information on Alley Responsibilities

Permits

Before you begin any major project, whether it is new construction or alterations or repairs, you should be aware that a building permit or other permits may be required.
Also note that zoning laws prohibit some uses of property in certain zones, with most restrictions applying to residential dwelling zones.
Specific information concerning which work requires a building permit and which does not, can be obtained from the Permit Section of the Building Division, Room 426, City Hall, 314-622-3313.
Generally speaking, work which requires structural change to the building, complete rehabilitation or renovation, and any new construction will require a building permit.
Other routine maintenance and repairs such as painting, replacing a roof with a similar kind and tuck pointing do not require permits.
Any major work on either the plumbing or electrical systems requires a separate permit. The homeowner should be careful to select a qualified and licensed contractor to perform work on these systems in his/her home.
Information about installation or repair can be obtained by calling or visiting the Plumbing Section, Room 425, City ;Hall, 314-622-4356, or the Electrical Section, Room 425, City Hall, 314-622-3325
Click here for more information on Permits and Building Responsibilities

Lawn Areas

Trees located in the tree lawn, which is the grassy area between the curb and the sidewalk, are city property.
The Forestry Division will remove and hazardous limbs and dead trees in the tree lawn, and will plant new trees as necessary.
If roots of any of the trees in the tree lawn lift up the adjacent sidewalk, the Foresty Division will inspect the location to determine whether the uplifting root or the entire tree must be removed.
The City will not remove a healthy tree or root that has lifted the sidewalk unless the owner repairs the sidewalk at the same time through the 50/50 sidewalk program.
Maintenance of all lawn areas, as well as trees and bushes between the sidewalk and building, is the owner's responsibility.
Trees must allow an eight (8) foot clearance over sidewalks and alleyways.
Grass or weeds must not exceed seven (7) inches in height, and lawn areas must be free of litter and debris.
In certain instances, the City has authority to cut grass and clean debris from private property and bill the owners for the cost.

Job Training and Career Counseling

The St. Louis agency on training and Employment provides job search assistance at NO COST to City residents
Services include GED completion, job leads, on the job training, as well as classroom training.
For additonal information,contact One Stop Career Center @ 314-589-8000.
Click here for more information on Job Training and Career Counseling

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