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The following is a list of questions frequently asked by citizens. You may search for specific words or phases, or shorten the list by selecting a specific category.
Athletic Fields
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Contact Curt Wright, 314-505-8613 with the following information:
1.) What type of field - football, baseball, softball, t-ball or machine pitch you want.
2.) What park would you prefer and time.
3.) Do you play with University City Sports Association or University City Soccer Club or another organization?
4.) Practice or game usage?
5.) Please leave your name and phone number and the best time to contact to you. |
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Outdoor field rental are 90 minutes (Jack Buck field rentals are 2.5 hours). |
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Lights are $30 per field rental period. |
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Coaches may contact our front desk at Centennial Commons (314-505-8625) for field status. |
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Yes, during the months of August thru November. |
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Restrooms are located near our Heman Park Tennis courts and east of Jack Buck Baseball fields. These facilities are available from early spring to late fall (weather permitting). Restroom facilities are always available at Centennial Commons during hours of operation. |
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Contact the University City Sports Association, 314-505-8740; leave your name and phone number and best time to contact you. |
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Contact the University City Soccer Club, 725-6567; leave your name and phone number and best time to contact you. |
Building and Mechanical Permits
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A building permit is required to: construct, alter, enlarge, repair, replace, move, remove or demolish a structure including accessory structures such as decks, fences, retaining walls over 24 inches in height and storage sheds more than 50 square feet in area. Permits are also required for non-dish radio or television antennae more than 12 feet in height or dish type antenna more than two feet in diameter. |
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The application for a building permit requires an estimate of building costs, along with two copies of a site plan drawn to scale (with sufficient clarity, detail and dimensions) showing the location of the proposed construction and the existing structures on the lot. The site plan must include the distance from the new construction to the adjacent property lines, and all zoning requirements must be met. For fence permits the location of the proposed fence must be indicated on the site plans. Residential fences are limited to six feet in height and may not be placed in front of yards. In some instances, it will be necessary to have the plans prepared by a licensed architect or engineer. In addition to the plot plan, two copies of construction drawings must be submitted for review. The construction drawings must be extremely detailed in nature, drawn to scale or fully dimensioned. These drawings must accurately reflect the project which is to be constructed and clearly depict that information. |
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Mechanical permits are required for the modifications to piping systems for steam or hot water heating systems, installation of a fireplace or wood stove, repair or replacement of a chimney, installation or replacement of a boiler, installation or modification to the natural gas piping system, and installation or replacement of central heating and cooling units. Exterior air conditioning equipment must be at least one foot from side property lines. |
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Mechanical work is not required to be performed by a licensed contractor or individual. Permits will be issued to any competent individuals. Whether mechanical permits are issued to the property owner or contractor, it is the property owner's responsibility to verify the permit has been issued and see it is posted on the job site. |
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Building permits require seven to ten working days for processing. Mechanical permits should be applied three to four days before starting the work. The permits may be applied for in the Department of Community Development on the fourth floor of City Hall, 6801 Delmar Boulevard, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. |
Business Licenses
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Both a business license and commercial occupancy permit are necessary for doing business in University City. Business licenses are needed for tax and city revenue purposes. |
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After your business has been inspected and the commercial occupancy permit has been approved, the Department of Community Development will forward your information to the Collector's Office on the first floor of City Hall, 6801 Delmar Boulevard. You will receive notification that you may pick up your permit and pay for your business license. |
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The cost of the license for the first year is a flat fee of $30. |
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You must renew your business license by April 30 of each year. The renewal fee will vary depending upon the type of business, the amount of your gross receipts for the proceeding calendar year and/ or the number of employees. |
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The business license must be carefully preserved and displayed in a prominent area of your business. |
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Call the Missouri Department of Revenue at (513) 301-1660. Please be sure to state "University City" as the city location to ensure accurate accounting of your sales tax. |
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You can begin your business as soon as you have received your commercial occupancy permit and have paid for your business license. |
Centennial Commons
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Each room can seat approximately 40 people at tables? |
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The only events allowed at Centennial Commons are: business meetings, birthday parties for children 11 and under, baby showers and wedding showers. All other events need to be held at the Heman Park Community Center. |
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No, we only have resident and non-resident rates. |
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The facility is available for rent during busines hours of operation (see brochure for Centennial Commons hours of operation). If you would like to rent after hours, there is an additional fee - and the event needs to be scheduled more than a month in advance. |
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Yes, but all food needs to stay in the rooms, and is not allowed in the rest of the facility. |
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No, you need to include your decorating and clean up time in your fees. |
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No, we do not have a kitchen available at Centennial Commons. |
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Yes, but you can not sell alcohol at your event. In order to have alcohol on the premises, you just need to fill out a separate form at the time of reservation. |
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Contact Tom McCarthy at (314)505-8612. |
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Youth may use the fitness area at the age of 12 and 13 after successful completion of our Parent/Child Fitness Orientation Class. A parent must accompany youth ages 12 and 13 at all times when they are working out. The free weight area is open to youth ages 14 and 15 after successful completion of our Youth fitness orientation class. Youth 16 and older are exempt from taking either fitness orientation class. |
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There is a minimal fee of $10 for both Parent/Child Fitness Orientation and the Youth Fitness Orientation. |
Commercial Occupancy Permits
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The commercial occupancy permit verifies that the proposed business is located within the proper zoning district and is using a building that meets all structural, fire and health codes and is safe for occupancy. |
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Each time any part of a commercial building changes tenants or owners, or anytime a new business is being proposed for a site, the new tenant or owner is required to apply for a commercial occupancy permit in the Department of Community Development on the fourth floor of City Hall, 6801 Delmar Boulevard. |
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The first step to obtaining a commercial occupancy permit would be to submit an application to the Department of Community Development. You will need to know the number of square feet your business will occupy, the name of the business owner and/or corporate officers, number of parking spaces available to your business, name of the building owner, including address and phone number and the number of employees your business will hire. This application must be accompanied with the appropriate fee. This is a one time fee so long as your business occupies the same address. The fee covers the city’s costs for inspection of the proposed business premises. Fees are $28.50 for an office smaller than 3,000 square feet, $57 for a non-office space smaller than 3,000 feet and $100.50 for all spaces 3,000 feet or more. Upon receiving your application, the Zoning Administrator will verify whether or not the type and location of the proposed business is permitted under the University City Zoning Code. If it is not a permitted use, you will be notified in writing. Certain businesses must go through special procedures to obtain zoning approval. (See information on conditional uses). However, if it is a permitted use, the Zoning Administrator will forward your application to the Commercial Building Inspector for an inspection. |
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The inspector will check for adequacy of exits, fire protection equipment, fire resistance, sanitary facilities, property maintenance code compliance, parking facilities and landscaping in accordance with health and safety standards. A commercial occupancy inspection of a residence deals with the space being used, the bathroom which serves it and the general utilities. If the business meets all zoning, structural, fire and health standards, a commercial occupancy permit will be issued. You will then be notified by mail to pick up the commercial occupancy permit and pay for your business license at the Collector's Office on the first floor of City Hall. (See information on business licenses.) NOTE: If food will be served or sold you will need to call the St. Louis County Health Department at (314) 854-6900. |
Community Development
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Fences are permitted up to 6 feet in height above grade and may be located in the side or rear yards. Fencing in the front yard is limited to 18 inches in height.
A building permit shall be required for the erection of a new fence, a replacement fence or replacement of a section of a fence that is greater than ten feet in length. Minor repairs to sections of existing fences less than ten feet in length shall be considered minor repairs and shall not require permits. |
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If the addition will be part of the home, it must be located at least 5 feet from the side property lines and at least 30 feet from the rear property line. However, if it is an accessory structure (i.e. deck or a shed), it may be located as close as 5 feet from the rear property line. Corner lots have an increased side yard setback of 15 feet for the side along the side street. |
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Two copies of a site plan, drawn to scale, showing distances from the closest point of the proposed structure to all property lines and to all other structures on the property. Most people turn in a copy of the survey they had done when they purchased their home. The survey is usually found with the important house papers such as the deed and title. City Hall does not have copies of surveys. |
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Yes, the Zoning Administrator requires neighborhood trustee signatures on the site plan submitted for final review. Check with the subdivision trustees on the number of signatures required by them. |
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Sign size is determined by the length of the building occupied by the applicant along the street where the sign is to be erected. Each business or institution occupying the ground floor of a premise shall be permitted primary signs with a total gross sign area of not more than twenty-five (25) square feet. This total gross sign area may be increased to forty (40) square feet if the building frontage of the portion of the building occupied by the business or institution exceeds nineteen (19) feet, increased to eighty (80) square feet if the building frontage of the portion of the building occupied by the business or institution exceeds ninety (90) feet, and increased to one hundred twenty (120) square feet if the building frontage of the portion of the building occupied by the business or institution exceeds one hundred twenty (120) feet. |
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At least two feet at its closest point. |
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First, contact the Zoning Administrator to determine whether your proposed construction even needs to be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission. If review is required, meetings are held the third Thursday of each month. Eleven copies of the application, plans and supplemental materials must be submitted to the office of the Director of Community Development at least two weeks before the meeting. Application forms may be obtained and submission questions may be answered by talking to the Director of Community Development. |
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Every business in University City is required to have a commercial occupancy permit and business license prior to opening. That process involves zoning review and a commercial occupancy building inspection. In addition, certain businesses may require a conditional use permit, which involves review by the Plan Commission and City Council. It is recommended that the matter be discussed directly with the Zoning Administrator to determine exactly what processes are required for your particular type of business. |
Finance Department FAQ's
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No. Although you can make arrangements to pay your bill, you will not be allowed to receive an occupancy permit until the bill has been paid in full. |
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Regardless of whether your property is rented or leased, the responsibility of paying refuse charges belongs to the property owner. |
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No, all interest accrued on your bills has to be paid in full. |
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If you inherited the property, you inherited the bills associated with the property. The bills must be paid in full. |
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The bills were charged against your property and must be paid. They will not go away until they are paid in full. The City of University City will not ask you for payment; however, if you sell the property or the ownership changes, the bills must be paid before a clear title can be obtained. |
For Residents
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Under the Government tab or Finance Department sections. You can also get to them from here. Budget.. |
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Notaries are available in the Finance department, City Clerk's office, City Manager's office and Community Development department. |
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An occupancy permit enforces the city’s property maintenance code standards. It requires an inspection to ensure that the house or apartment is safe for occupancy. The maintenance code standards not only
protect residents’ well being, but also protect financial investments and property values. Occupancy is illegal without an occupancy permit. |
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U. City Library, 6701 Delmar
Register from: 9-10am
2008: 3rd Saturday of month (except July & December):
January 19
February 16
March 15
April 19
May 17
June 21
August 16
September 20
October 18
November 15More info: 448.7373 |
Forestry
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The city is responsible for the removal of limbs from publicly owned trees only. Property owners must dispose of any debris from privately owned trees at their own expense. Limbs less that three inches in diameter may be cut into 4-foot lengths and bundled for collection by the Sanatiation Division |
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No, the subdivision is responsible for the care and maintenance of all streets in their right of way. Home owners should contact their subdivision trustee directly with any forestry related matters. |
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Yes, the city makes every effort to replant when a tree is lost. |
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An easement is given by the property owner to the utility companies to maintain power lines and retains ownership of the property. The city only owns the property on street right of ways and maintains these trees accordingly. |
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No, the Missouri Court of Appeals has held that the tree itself is not a nuisance except to the extent that the branches overhang the adjoining land. The property owner must engage in self-help to cut the overhanging branches at the property line. |
Heman Park Community Center
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Seated at banquet tables, 125 for one half of the hall and 250 for the whole hall. |
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No, only non-profit organizations can raise funds on city property. |
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The Community Center can be rented until 1:00am. |
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6-8 people at each table-for both round and long tables. |
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Yes, but you can not sell alcohol at your event. In order to have alcohol on the premises, you just need to fill out a separate form at the time of reservation. |
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No, you need to include your decorating and clean up time in your fees. |
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Yes, the South side of the hall has a kitchen available for $65. |
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You may use what ever catering service you choose. |
Heman Park Swimming Pool
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Yes, after regular hours of operation to University City residents only. |
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Contact Tom McCarthy at 314-505-8612, he will be happy to assist you with our pool rental procedures. |
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Pool hours are as follows:
6:00 - 8:00 am Lap Swimming - Weekdays
7:00 - 9:00 am Lap Swimming - Weekends/Holidays
Public Swim: Noon - 8:00 pm - Please contact Centennial Commons (314-505-8625) for pre-season operational hours. |
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There is no indoor pool at Centennial
Commons. An indoor pool is available for lap and open swimming at the University City Natatorium, located at 7420 Shaftesbury (adjacent to University City High School). |
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The hours of operation at the Natatorium are as follow:
Public Swimming at the Natatorium is available throughout the school year from September 8, 2008 to May 22, 2009. Lap Swim: Mon/Wed/Fri 6:00 - 7:00 am
Public/Open Swim: Tues/Thur/Fri 7:30 -9:00 pm and Sat noon - 2:00 pm.Based on University City School District calendar, swimming sessions will not be available: November 27-29, December 24-27, January 1-3, January 19, February 16 and March 20-21. In case of inclement weather or emergency situations, swimming session cancellations will be posted at the Natatorium entrance. |
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Admission to the Natatorium is limited to individuals with Centennial Commons memberships (residents and nonresidents), or University City residents with a Daily Visit Pass or combined Swim Pass. All passes and memberships may be purchased at Centennial Commons. |
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Yes, swim lessons are available during the summer at Heman Park Swimming Pool. A complete listing of swim lessons, activities and programs are available in our summer brochure or on our web site. |
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Non-residents may use the Heman Park Pool two(2) ways: they can become a Centennial Commons member which gives full access to Heman Pool, or they may come as the guest of a University City resident with a current University City ID card or Centennial Commons membership. Guest fee: $6 (regardless of age). |
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Discount guest cards are available for residents to purchase for out-of-town visitors who are here for extended periods. For 10 guest visits, the cost is $56. Resident must accompany the nonresident. contact Centennial Commons (314-505-8625) for more information. |
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Yes and you must be dressed in appropriate swim attire while in pool facility. |
Human Resources
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You may view opportunities and download and print employment applications for completion by clicking the jobs link at the bottom of this page. You may also visit the Human Resources office in person at 6801 Delmar, 2nd floor, 63130. Please follow job announcement instructions carefully. |
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Of course, you may always continue to visit the employment/job page on this website. You may call our Job Line at (314) 505-8580 or visit the Human Resources office in person at 6801 Delmar, 2nd floor, 63130. Job announcements are posted internally in the Human Resources office and in local newspapers/websites, such as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the St. Louis American. |
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Applications are accepted for posted positions only. |
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Unless you are advised you are on an eligibility list, you must complete a new application for the position in which you are interested during the recruitment period for that position. |
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Yes—All applicants must submit a completed a University City employment application. Failure to submit a completed application may eliminate you from consideration for the position. Resumes may be included, and are often required, as an addition to your employment application, but not in lieu of completion of any portion of the application. |
Municipal Court
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Yes, we accept Visa and Mastercard. |
Occupancy Permits & Inspections
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Anyone who is moving into University City must apply for and receive an occupancy permit before moving in. This permit is also usually needed before a mortgage company closes on a home loan. |
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An occupancy permit enforces the city's property maintenance code standards by requiring that an inspection be done to ensure that the house or apartment is safe for occupancy. The maintenance code standards not only protect residents' well being, but also protect financial investments and property values. Occupancy is illegal without an occupancy permit. |
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Applications are made in person at the Department of Community Development on the fourth floor of City Hall, 6801 Delmar Boulevard. There is a $25 charge for the application which is not refundable. Forms of payment accepted are cash, check, Mastercard or Visa. The occupancy permit will not be issued until the city inspects the dwelling and it is found satisfactory for occupancy. |
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Anyone who plans to sell their home or who plans to rent out an apartment or home should make arrangements to have it inspected before it is put on the market. Inspections can be arranged by calling the Department of Community Development at City Hall, 505-8500. There is a charge of $60 per unit for the inspection on buildings with three or more units. The charge for single family and two family homes is $77 per unit. |
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Housing inspectors check to ensure compliance with the property maintenance code. These are minimum standards set to preserve the health, safety and general welfare of the public. All inspections are conducted by housing inspectors who are trained to inspect the electrical, plumbing and heating systems as well as general building conditions. |
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If the property fails inspection, correction work will be required. If repairs are minor, a conditional occupancy permit may be issued, giving the owner 60 days to complete repairs on the building while residents live there. If the work is completed within that time period, an unconditional occupancy permit will be issued to the resident. However, if work is not completed within the 60 days the City may notify both the owner and the residents that their occupancy is no longer valid. If residents continue to occupy the property after being notified, the City can take legal action against the property owner and residents. |
Police Department
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Bonds can be made by cash, real property, or professional surety at the Police Department. |
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Bring proof of ownership (Title, Bill of Sale, or Registration) and a picture identification to the Police Records Section. |
Public Relations
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We like you to visit the City's Main Calendar for events. You may also visit the Explore St. Louis County website for events in the county. [St. Louis County Website] |
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There are different ways to have our publications. Stop by for a copy, go to website or one can be mailed to resident. |
Public Works
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Newspaper, cardboard, magazines, junk mail, glass bottles and jars, aluminum, aerosol, steel/tin cans and plastics #1 through #5 and #7. |
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Follow the link below for more information regarding the project.
More information |
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Check the University City calendar for your specific collection date. The schedule is also available online. Enter "bulk item collection" in the search box. |
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St. Louis County Public Works Department administers the Water Service Line Program. Please visit |
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Contact Public Works at 505-8560 or email vlewis@ucitymo.org. Replacement or additional carts can be purchased for $25 each and are available after July 1, 2008. |
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Contact Public Works at 505-8560 or email vlewis@ucitymo.org. |
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Contact Megan in the Public Works Department at 314-505-8565 or email at mlindmark@ucitymo.org |
Regulations for Business Signs
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A sign permit must be obtained if you are erecting, repairing, altering, relocating, painting, repainting or replacing the face of, or changing the wording of, any sign within University City. Sign permits are also needed for displaying temporary banners in business windows. |
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To apply for a sign permit complete the application from the Department of Community Development on the fourth floor of City Hall, 6801 Delmar. You will need to submit two copies of the application and two copies of a sketch or shop drawing showing the location, height and dimensions of the sign. |
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Applications are reviewed by the Zoning Administrator, and can sometimes take up to ten business days to process, so apply as early as possible. After applying for and obtaining the sign permit, a sign can be installed. |
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You must specify if the sign will be attached to the building or freestanding. If the sign will be attached, include details on how the sign will be attached. If it will be freestanding submit site plans showing the location of the sign on the property, and state the length of the property line along the street (street frontage). Also for freestanding signs, submit structural plans which include footing details and wind load calculations to be reviewed by the Deputy Building Commissioner. |
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There are three categories of signs. Each category has its own size limitations. They are as follows:
| length of store frontage | maximum sign size | | under 19 feet 19 to 90 feet 90 to 120 feet more than 120 feet | 25 square feet 40 square feet 80 square feet 120 square feet | | length of street frontage | freestanding sign height | | 300 feet over 300 feet | 10 feet 22 feet | Primary signs are identification signs (either attached to the building or freestanding). The size of primary signs attached to the building is determined according to the length of the store frontage along the street. The height of freestanding signs is determined by the street frontage of the property. Secondary signs include bulletin boards, incidental signs, paper signs, public service message signs, temporary promotional displays and window signs. The total area these signs cover cannot excede 60 percent of the maximum primary sign size. Each sign type has its own regulations for size. Special purpose signs include directory signs, parking regulation signs, directional signs, shopping center identification signs and marquee signs. Each sign type has its own regulations for size. For any other questions contact the Zoning Administrator at (314) 505-8501.
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Right of Way Permit Program
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Any work performed on, above or below the public right-of-way requires a permit from the Public Works Department, including the following: Improvements that disturb or occupy the street pavement, curb & gutter, driveway entrances, sidewalk, alleys, and bikeways, bridges, landscaping or grassed areas. Utility work, excavations, borings, repair & restoration, and new construction where heavy equipment may damage the City’s right-of-way.
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Yes! In many cases, you will need to obtain a permit from both departments, depending on the work planned. The Public Works Department has jurisdiction over all public rights-of-way. Generally, the Community Development Department issues permits for work pertaining to private property such as building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work.
Visit both the Public Works and Community Development Departments before commencing any construction work to ensure that you have obtained the proper permits.
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The permitting process allows Public Works to review your project and provide you the City’s specifications on how work can be performed. The permit ensures that: The work will be performed according to the City’s rules and regulations. The disturbed area is restored and repaired back to its original condition or better. The public’s safety and welfare are protected.
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Register your company with Public Works. Submit a complete permit application form, along with all required attachments for review by the engineering staff. The Department can take up to 30 days to review your permit. So, plan ahead! During the review process, be prepared to submit any requested project information such as a traffic control plan or project dimensions. Pay the necessary permit fees and provide a performance bond.
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Public Works has the responsibility of controlling and regulating the use of our right-of-way to protect public safety and welfare. City right-of-way includes public streets, curbs, alleys, sidewalks, bridges, and tree lawn or grassy areas adjacent to the street. Whether a job calls for replacement or repair of underground utilities, temporary equipment storage on City streets, or construction of any type that will use or occupy city streets, sidewalks or grassy areas, users must obtain a right-of-way permit from the Public Works Department.
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Why and When Do I Need a Permit?
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Very simply, "for your own protection." A permit guarantees the work will be inspected by the city. The inspector may discover shoddy work, faulty materials, deviations from approved plans, and violations of the code that may result in unsafe or hazardous conditions for you and your family. It is a violation of city ordinance not to have a permit when the work being performed requires one to be issued. Failure to obtain the necessary permits may result in prosecution with a fine of up to $500 plus court costs. |
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Generally, a building permit is required when any structural change, major alteration, or renovation is made to a building or when any new construction is undertaken. Normal maintenance does not require a permit in most instances. Separate permits for plumbing, electrical and mechanical work are required when applicable. You generally do not need a permit if you are doing: Minor tuckpointing, repairing plaster, painting, replacing gutters and downspouts, siding, replacing doors and windows, repairing or replacing sidewalks and driveways within the property line, and replacing shingles/roof surface materials. You generally do need a permit if you are:Constructing, enlarging, moving, removing, or demolishing a structure
Repairing fire, tornado, flood or earthquake damage
Repairing, cutting, removing or replacing any structural or bearing support (i.e. cutting away any wall or partition, or boarding up or otherwise closing an exterior wall opening)
Installing dropped ceilings or creating concealed spaces
Installing combustible wall paneling
Installing protective bars or grills on windows or doors
Altering, replacing or relocating any equipment which is regulated or required by code
Adding to, altering, replacing or relocating any sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent, standpipe, fire suppression, water supply or similar piping, as well as any electrical, mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety FENCES: A building permit shall be required for the erection of a new fence, a replacement fence or replacement of a section of a fence that is greater than ten feet in length. Minor repairs to sections of existing fences less than ten feet in length shall be considered minor repairs and shall not require permits.
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Mechanical, electrical and plumbing permits require two working days lead time. Building permits require seven to ten working days lead time for plan review in order to verify that the proposed project is designed in compliance with the code. When applying for a building permit two copies of detailed plans must be submitted which clearly indicate what work is to be done. When applying for permits to do construction work on multi-family, commercial or industrial buildings, all construction drawings must bear the original seal and signature of an architect or engineer registered in the state of Missouri. Also, two copies of a site plan are required, drawn to scale, showing distances from the closest point of the new structure to all property lines and to all other structures on the property. |
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