All areas of Joplin now eligible for building permits

(From the City of Joplin)

As the City opens up building in all areas of the tornado-damage area, residents and volunteers are reminded to include only appropriate items when moving items to the public rights-of-way and curbsides for debris removal. Items remaining from new construction or repair projects are NOT allowed to be placed on the right-of-way.

Yesterday, the City announced that all areas of the City are now eligible to obtain building permits for new construction, lifting the ban in the final area including properties east of Main. Building permits were opened for areas west of Picher Avenue on July 8, and on July 22, the area from Picher Avenue to Main was opened for permits.

In addition, general household items from the interior of the home that were not damaged during the tornado should NOT be moved to the curbside for removal. Property owners who have household items they want to dispose of, should contact the City’s residential trash contractor Allied Waste Services to learn about their bulky item disposal policy. They can be reached at 800-431-1507.

City officials noted that many of the debris piles have been cleared, but some of those remaining, or possibly even new piles being established, have construction items. These materials will not be picked up during the debris removal process, nor will non-related tornado-damaged household items disposed of by residents, such as items typically in garage sales, or neglected closets.

“We appreciate residents wanting to make a clean start, but this is not the appropriate time or place to rid your household goods you may no longer want,” said Lynn Onstot, Public Information Officer. “We encourage residents to use the City’s trash service for these purposes, if appropriate.”

Reconstruction waste is defined as anything that results from repairing, rebuilding or building anew such as: pieces of drywall, structural materials like wood or metal 2x4s, carpet or vinyl flooring scraps, fixture remnants, etc. Most importantly, shingles resulting from a roof repair or tear-off must be hauled away to a proper landfill.

These remaining items from reconstruction, as well as the non-related tornado damaged household objects, are not eligible for pickup by government-funded contractors because the costs associated with that removal are not eligible costs for debris removal under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines.

Typically, hauling off your leftover reconstruction materials is included in rebuilding costs so it’s important for property owners to ensure that their contractor or builder takes care of the disposal of these items. The same is true for home, property or business owners who are making their own repairs. Reconstruction debris on commercial properties also must be hauled to a proper landfill.

The City’s contract with Allied Waste for residential trash service does include bulky item pick-up, but residents must call 1-800-431-1507 to schedule a pick-up time.