Program Overview
Frequently Asked Questions in regards to the City of Moberly’s Occupancy Inspection Program:
Who needs an inspection?
Whether you are buying, selling or renting property in the City of Moberly, an inspection by a City Inspector is required before an occupancy permit will be issued. You can obtain an application for an occupancy permit at City Hall. These inspections are intended to assist in protecting the health, safety and welfare of the general public. This inspection does not replace the purchaser’s/occupant’s own obligation to be satisfied with the premises and to undertake private inspections. The City is not liable for any deficiencies or defects on the premises. The inspection should not be considered a substitute for the inspections performed by private inspection agencies, which address the specific interest of prospective occupant or purchaser. Neither the inspection nor the inspection report constitutes a guarantee or warranty expressed or implied regarding the present or future condition of the house or the premises
What offices administer each step of the program?
The Inspection has to be paid for to be scheduled. The water department takes the payment and does the scheduling. Inspections may be scheduled within 48 hours of payment received. The Fire Department Occupancy Inspector will then come out and perform the inspection at the scheduled date and time. Once the occupancy certificate is granted, water to the structure can then be turned on. In the event that the water is to be maintained in the owner's name, Ordinance #8061 requires that the tenants name be submitted for emergency contact purposes.
What Code does the City of Moberly use:
2003 International Building Codes
2003 International Residential Codes
2003 International Fire Code
2002 National Electrical Code
2003 International Plumbing Code
2003 International Mechanical Code
2003 International Property Maintenance Code
What if the home was constructed prior to the current codes being adopted, are certain items grandfathered in with the age of the home?
Yes, they include items such as smoke alarms (current construction requires them to be hard wired), Arc fault outlets/switches aren’t required, GFI’s are not required to the extent of the current code and windows that have not been changed will be exempt from meeting the current code. These are only a few examples that are not required to be updated to meet the current code, for an extensive list of items, please contact the Fire Department at (660) 269-8705, ext. 2032 or 2033.
How often must you get an occupancy permit?
Change of occupancy, or one year.
What does the City look for, what are the items of concern?
Refer to the Housing Inspection Checklist on this website.
What does the inspection cost?
$45 for single family structures, with an additional $10 per unit if vacant at the time of inspection for multi-family structures. If a 3rd re-inspection is required, an additional $10 fee will be charged.
What are the most typical items to fail the inspections?
Smoke Alarms - A smoke alarm must be present in each room used for sleeping purposes, on the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, in each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars. Recommend-CO detectors in units with gas appliances.
GFCI Outlets - Must be within 6 ft. of a water source. Washing machine outlets must be grounded.
Electrical service - Panel box must be labeled. 100 amp min. required inside and out. If round meter base outside, verification from electrician will be required to verify 100 amp service. If 60 amps inside and out, load calculation by a City of Moberly licensed electrician, and fuse box will be required to have "fustat" in fuse box.
Window size – In sleeping areas the opening must measure 5.7 square feet unless 44 inches inside and out, then 5.0 square feet. Houses with original windows built before 1980 are not required to meet egress size in sleeping rooms. Replacement vinyl, aluminum, etc. windows must meet Code.
Bedroom - A bedroom is to have a minimum of 70 square feet and must have egress size window.
Water heater & furnace – If it’s a new installation, a permit is required (the City can inspect if a permit has been purchased). If the appliance is in a garage, it must be 18 inches off the floor, properly vented and installed.
Lead-off pipe – On the water heater, minimum 6 inches from the floor, NO PVC.
Dryer vent – This has to be metallic.
Outside must be properly maintained – House numbers are required (4 inches in height) to be present on the structure, no openings for animal infestation, the chimney and foundation must be tuck pointed, no chipping or peeling paint and the outbuildings must be maintained.
What if there are code deficiencies?
The City will issue a report listing the results to the person who requested the inspection. When the problems are remedied, you will need to contact the Fire Department for a re-inspection at 310 North Clark, or (660) 269-8705, ext. 2033 or 2032. Some of the corrective work which is required as a result of the Property Maintenance Inspection may require building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing permits. These are separate permits, and this work will be performed by Moberly Licensed Contractors. The Housing Inspector may not approve such corrective work until it is inspected and approved by the Building Inspector, or the Plumbing Inspector, in accordance with the type of permit that was issued.
Who can I call for more information?
Call the Fire Department Office at (660) 269-8705, ext. 2032 or 2033.