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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.
Building Inspection
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Building permit applications are filed with the Building Inspections Division at City Hall (816-331-7916). Application forms are available at the city website on the Community Development Department page at www.raymore.com. Most residential permit applications require a 2-3 day review for residential property. |
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Building permits are required, and not limited to: New buildings Buillding additions Electrical upgrades Garages, sheds, accessory buildings Basement finishes Fences Swimming pools 24"in depth or greater Gas water heater replacements Commercial tenant finishes Any structural additions and/or changes. |
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Any swimming pool that can hold twenty-four (24) inches or more of water shall be enclosed by a barrier of at least four (4) feet in height above grade. Gates shall open outward, away from the pool, and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. In-ground, above-ground, portable, and inflatable pools are all included. Swimming Pool Brochure |
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Site excavation, site grading and site construction work, and any building construction not completely contained within an enclosed building shall only occur between the hours of 7:00 am and 8:00 pm. Building construction activity that is conducted within a completely enclosed building may occur between 8:00 pm and 7:00 am provided any noise generated is contained within the enclosed building. |
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A fence permit is needed for all new fences in the City of Raymore. Fences 4 feet in height or less may be built anywhere on a residential lot. On corner lots, fences between 4 and 6 feet in height may be built to the front building line in the rear of the home adjacent to the side street. Security fences in commercial and industrial areas may be 8 feet in height. Please check with the Community Development Department for regulations specific to your property. You may also want to check with your subdivision's Home Owners Association for covenant restrictions. Fence Brochure. |
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A permit is needed for all new decks and additions. Regulations vary depending on the character of the addition and the zoning district in which the property is located. Please contact the Community Development Department at 816-331-1803 for applicable regulations. |
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The Building Inspections Division, 816-331-7916, often has a copy of the plot plan that was filed when the residence was built. The Planning Division will have a copy of the subdivision plat that your lot is part of, and this will often provide property measurements. |
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The City of Raymore has no regulation prohibiting you from erecting a fence in an easement. Any company doing work in the easement cannot be held liable for damage caused to structures built therein. A storage shed or other accessory building cannot be erected in a recorded easement. The City recommends using the Missouri One Call System (1-800-DIG-RITE) to determine the location of underground utilities before erecting a fence or accessory building. |
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Yes for new single family dwellings, multiple-family residential, commercial and industrial projects. |
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A home owner may complete any work on the residence they live in. Permits are still required. |
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The best way to locate your property line is to hire a licensed land surveyor who can provide you with a boundary survey of your property and mark your property corners. You may review recorded plats of subdivisions, available for review in the Community Development Department, that will show lot dimensions and rights-of-way. |
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A permit is not required to add on to your driveway. A permit is required if the driveway width is expanded at the street to increase the width of the access. Driveways are required to be concrete or asphalt (except for properties in the agricultural and rural estate zoning districts). There are limits to the percentage of yard area that can be covered by buildings and pavement. You may contact the Community Development Department at 816-331-1803 to determine any limitations. |
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Yes. Dumpsters must be kept out of the street and right-of-way, and can not block the sidewalk. Dumpsters may be placed in driveways or yard areas. No permit is required. |
City Clerk
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Raymore is a Home Rule Charter City with a Mayor and eight City Council members, two from each of the City's four wards. |
Code Enforcement
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A complaint can be filed by contacting the Code Enforcement Officer at (816) 892-3027 or by using the Report a Concern Form |
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Contact Jason Allen, Code Enforcement Officer, at 816-892-3027 or at jallen@raymore.com to let him know you have corrected the violation. |
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A public nuisance exists if weeds and turf grasses reach a point in excess of eight(8)inches for developed property and twelve (12) inches for undeveloped property. Developed property is defined as any lot that includes a principal building upon the property, such as a house or business. Exceptions are allowed for agricultural property, cultivated gardens or native landscaping, greenways or stream corridors, and wetlands and wooded areas. |
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Solid waste containers, tree limbs, etc. can be placed at the curb for collection no earlier than 5:00pm the day before the regularly scheduled collection day. |
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No, but trash containers can not be stored at the curb. Trash containers should be moved from the curb after collection and placed beside the home or in a non-visible location |
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A vehicle is considered inoperable if it meets one (1) or more of the following criteria: 1. Does not display current valid license plates registered to the vehicle; 2. Does not display a valid inspection decal; 3. It has flat or missing tires or wheels; 4. It is wrecked or junked; 5. It is wholly or partially dismantled; 6. It is missing parts or equipment necessary to safely and legally operate on a public street; 7. It has mechanical or other problems that prevent the vehicle from being driven under its own power; 8. It has vegetation or debris collected in, on, around or under the vehicle; and/or 9. It is used to store auto parts, household items, lawn equipment or other types of storage. |
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Inoperable vehicles must be stored inside a closed building. |
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Contact the non-emergency number of the Raymore Police Department at 331-0530 to file a complaint. |
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By City Codes boats, trailers, campers and rv's can be parked on a driveway in the front yard or anywhere in the side and rear yard of a residence. Some homeowners associations place additional restrictions. You will want to check your subdivision covenants and restrictions. |
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Garage and yard sales signs can be erected on private property. No sign shall be affixed to a utility pole or placed in the street right-of-way. Signs shall not exceed two (2) feet in height or three (3) feet in width, and shall not be placed out more than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the date of the event, and must be removed immediately after the event. |
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No. Subdivision covenants are private land use restrictions that must be enforced through the homeowner's association or by individual home owners. |
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You may display a vehicle you own in your own driveway or upon your property. You may not park the vehicle on property you do not own and offer it for sale. |
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A permit is required from the South Metropolitan Fire District. Property must be zoned agricultural; only trees/leaves/brush can be burned; and fire must be at least 200 yards from the closest residence. |
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Yes. Dumpsters must be kept out of the street and right-of-way, and can not block the sidewalk. Dumpsters may be placed in driveways or yard areas. No permit is required. |
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The City can not stop the delivery of any newspapers. Residents can try contacting the newspaper directly and request that delivery be stopped. |
Community Development
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A citywide zoning map can be found on the City's website under 'Maps' on the Community Development page at www.raymore.com, or you can contact a member of the Community Development Department at 816-331-1803. |
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Building permit applications are filed with the Building Inspections Division at City Hall (816-331-7916). Application forms are available at the city website on the Community Development Department page at www.raymore.com. Most permit applications require a 2-3 day review. |
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A complaint can be filed by contacting the Code Enforcement Officer at (816) 892-3027 or by using the Request Tracker form |
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A public nuisance exists if weeds and turf grasses reach a point in excess of eight (8) inches for a developed property or twelve (12) inches for an undeveloped property. A developed property is any lot, tract or other parcel of land that includes a principal building upon the property (i.e. home or commercial building). |
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Solid waste containers, tree limbs, etc. can be placed at the curb for collection no earlier than 5:00pm the day before the regularly scheduled collection day. |
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No, but trash containers can not be stored at the curb. Trash containers should be moved from the curb after collection and placed beside the home or in a non-visible location |
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Inoperable vehicles must be stored inside a closed building. |
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A vehicle is considered inoperable if it meets one (1) or more of the following criteria: 1. Does not display current valid license plates registered to the vehicle; 2. Does not display a valid inspection decal; 3. It has flat or missing tires or wheels; 4. It is wrecked or junked; 5. It is wholly or partially dismantled; 6. It is missing parts or equipment necessary to safely and legally operate on a public street; 7. It has mechanical or other problems that prevent the vehicle from being driven under its own power; 8. It has vegetation or debris collected in, on, around or under the vehicle; and/or 9. It is used to store auto parts, household items, lawn equipment or other types of storage. |
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Contact the non-emergency number of the Raymore Police Department at 331-0530 to file a complaint. |
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By City Codes boats, trailers, campers and rv's can be parked on a driveway in the front yard or anywhere in the side and rear yard of a residence. Some homeowners associations place additional restrictions. You will want to check your subdivision covenants and restrictions. |
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A permit is not required. A garage sale may be held twice wihin any 90 day time period. Each sale event is limited to three days. |
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Garage and yard sales signs can be erected on private property. No sign shall be affixed to a utility pole or placed in the street right-of-way. Signs shall not exceed two (2) feet in height or three (3) feet in width, and shall not be placed out more than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the date of the event, and must be removed immediately after the event. |
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The City can not stop the delivery of any newspapers. Residents can try contacting the newspaper directly and request that delivery be stopped. |
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No. Subdivision covenants are private land use restrictions that must be enforced through the homeowner's association or by individual home owners. |
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Yes. Dumpsters must not be located on a lot for more than 45 days in any 12-month period. Dumpsters must be kept out of the street and right-of-way, and can not block the sidewalk. Dumpsters may be placed in driveways or yard areas. No permit is required. |
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Any swimming pool that can hold twenty-four (24) inches or more of water shall be enclosed by a barrier of at least four (4) feet in height above grade. Gates shall open outward, away from the pool, and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. In-ground, above-ground, portable, and inflatable pools are all included. |
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You may display a vehicle you own in your own driveway or upon your property. You may not park the vehicle on property you do not own and offer it for sale. |
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A permit is required from the South Metropolitan Fire District. Property must be zoned agricultural; only trees/leaves/brush can be burned; and fire must be at least 200 yards from the closest residence. |
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Generally limited from 7:00am to 8:00pm if any noise is generated from the construction activity. |
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One (1) for sale sign with a maximum height of four (4) feet and maximum sign area of six (6) square feet is allowed per lot. This sign shall be located on private property and shall not be within the street right-of-way. "Pointer" signs that direct traffic to a property for sale are not permitted. "Open house" pointer signs are permitted to direct traffic to a property for sale only from Friday at 5:00pm until Sunday at 5:00pm. |
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A list of permitted uses in each zoning district can be found in the Unified Development Code at www.raymore.com or you can contact a member of the Community Development Department at 816-331-1803. |
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A limited number of occupations are allowed in residential areas. Please check with the Community Development Department to see what businesses are permitted. Some regulations on home businesses include: no outdoor storage of materials or equipment used in the business; off-street parking must be provided for any visitors to the home; no sign shall be permitted unless required by state statute; and only residents of the home may be employed in the business. |
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A fence permit is needed for all new fences in the City of Raymore. Fences 4 feet in height or less may be built anywhere on a residential lot. Privacy fences up to 6 feet in height are permitted, but shall not be located closer to the front property line than the midpoint between the front and rear corner of the house. On corner lots, fences between 4 and 6 feet in height may be built to the front building line in the rear of the home adjacent to the side street. Security fences in industrial areas may be 8 feet in height. Please check with the Community Development Department for regulations specific to your property. You may also want to check with your subdivision's Home Owners Association for covenant restrictions. |
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A sign permit is required for most temporary and permanent signs in the City of Raymore. Sign regulations vary according to each zoning district, so please check with the Community Development Department to determine the size and type of signs allowed on your property. Signs located in the City right-of-way are not permitted and will be removed. |
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A permit is needed for all new decks and additions. Regulations vary depending on the character of the addition and the zoning district in which the property is located. Please contact the Community Development Department at 816-331-1803 for applicable regulations. |
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The Raymore Planning and Zoning Commission meets at 7pm on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Agendas and complete meeting packet are posted on the City website at www.raymore.com on the Friday prior to each meeting. |
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The yellow sign is general notice to the public that a public hearing has been scheduled regarding the use or development of the property upon which the sign is placed. You may contact the Community Development Department at 816-331-1803 when you notice a sign to find out details about the specific request. |
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The Unified Development Code is available on line at www.raymore.com. A printed copy of the code can be purchased for $25 from the Community Development Department. |
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Yes. The City has adopted a Growth Management Plan, Transportation Plan, Water Plan, Wastewater Plan, Storm Water Plan and Park Plan. All plans are available on the city website at www.raymore.com. |
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The Building Inspections Division, 816-331-7916, often has a copy of the plot plan that was filed when the residence was built. The Planning Division will have a copy of the subdivision plat that your lot is part of, and this will often provide property measurements. |
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Raymore has adopted a simplified voluntary annexation process. A petition with notarized signatures of all property owners requesting voluntary annexation shall be submitted along with a legal description for the property to be annexed. City Council must approve an ordinance annexing property. Property must be contiguous to the existing city limits. |
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An application to vary from the development standards of the Unified Development Code can be filed with the City Board of Adjustment. Notification is required to all property owners within 185 feet of the property, and a public hearing is held. The Board of Adjustment must make certain findings of fact in order to approve any variance request. |
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The City of Raymore has no regulation prohibiting you from erecting a fence in an easement. Any company doing work in the easement cannot be held liable for damage caused to structures built therein. A storage shed or other accessory building cannot be erected in a recorded easement. The City recommends using the Missouri One Call System (1-800-DIG-RITE) to determine the location of underground utilities before erecting a fence or accessory building. |
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New buildings Buillding additions Electrical upgrades Garages, sheds, accessory buildings Basement finishes Fences Swimming pools 24"in depth or greater Gas water heater replacements Commercial tenant finishes |
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Yes for multiple-family residential, commercial and industrial projects. |
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A home owner may complete any work on the residence they live in. Permits are still required. |
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The best way to locate your property line is to hire a licensed land surveyor who can provide you with a boundary survey of your property and mark your property corners. You may review recorded plats of subdivisions, available for review in the Community Development Department, that will show lot dimensions and rights-of-way. |
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A permit is not required to add on to your driveway. A permit is required if the driveway width is expanded at the street to increase the width of the access. Driveways are required to be concrete or asphalt (except for properties in the agricultural and rural estate zoning districts). There are limits to the percentage of yard area that can be covered by buildings and pavement. You may contact the Community Development Department at 816-331-1803 to determine any limitations. |
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No. Contact the GIS Specialist at 816-331-1803 to determine if data is availalbe through the City FTP site. Additionally, Cass County offers a subscription mapping service. For more information, contact the Cass County GIS Coordinator at 816-380-8190. |
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Yes. There may be a charge for custom maps. Contact the GIS Specialist at 816-331-1803. |
Doing Business in Raymore
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Every business, including home-based businesses, located in the City limits are required to obtain an occupational license. The cost of the license is $100 per calendar year, with the cost prorating down June 1 by $5 per month. Owners living in the City limits are required to provide proof of current paid personal property tax and also be current on real estate taxes and sales taxes, if applicable. For construction contractors with two or more employees, a current certificate showing worker's compensation coverage must be submitted with the application. For plumbers and electricians, a master's certificate, license from the City of Kansas City or Independence must be submitted. If all required information is submitted with the application, it will be processed the same day received. If delivered in person, the application will be processed immediately. Occupation License Information |
Economic Development
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Economic development programs focus on three priorities:
- Retaining existing business and industry
- Recruiting new businesses
- Assisting entrepreneurs with start-up businesses
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Engineering (Public Works)
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Problems with silt/mud coming on to your property from construction sites can be reported by calling the Engineering Division of Public Works at (816) 331-1852 or by going to the Request Tracker, the City's online service request system. Request Tracker |
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A permit is required when any person cuts the curb and/or street. The permit is obtained from the Engineering Division of Public Works. |
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A “STOP” sign is one of our most valuable and effective devices when used at the right place and under the right conditions. The basic purpose of “STOP” signs is to assign right-of-way at intersections – to indicate to drivers and pedestrians who has the right-of-way. Because the “STOP” sign causes a substantial inconvenience to motorists, it should be used only where warranted. By policy and by law Raymore follows the recognized National Standard for the installation of all traffic control devices including “STOP” signs. Sections of that National Standard regarding “STOP” signs can be summarized as follows: TWO-WAY STOP – is used to protect traffic on one of two intersecting streets by requiring traffic on the other street to come to a complete stop and is suitable under the following conditions: 1. Where the protected street is a major street, 2. Where sight distances approaching the intersection are substandard and the general right-of-way rule is unsafe, or, 3. Where there is a record of an accident pattern correctable by right-of-way controls. MULTI-WAY STOP – is intended primarily where two collector or major streets intersect, where traffic volumes are approximately equal, and where any of the following conditions are met: 1. Where traffic signals are warranted, the Multi-Way “STOP” is an interim measure, 2. Where there is a documented accident problem as indicated by five or more accidents in a 12-month period of a type susceptible to correction by Multi-Way “STOP”, or 3. Where the average total vehicular volume entering the intersection from all approaches is at least 500 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day, and the combined vehicular and pedestrian volume from the minor street must average at least 200 per hour for the same 8 hours. One common misuse of “STOP” signs is to arbitrarily interrupt through traffic. “STOP” signs are regularly requested by citizens with expectations that they will control speeds or reduce volume in residential neighborhoods. Studies both locally and nationally have shown that this is not the case. The speed reduction is only effective in the immediate vicinity of the “STOP” sign and frequently speeds are actually higher between intersections. While most drivers are reasonable and prudent, any device can be ignored or circumvented by a determined motorist, and unwarranted or unreasonable signs may result in flagrant violations. In the case where unwarranted “STOP” signs are used as “speed breakers”, they instill a false sense of security in the neighborhood and an attitude of contempt or disrespect in passing motorists – a dangerous combination. For all of the above reasons, “STOP” signs are not used as speed control devices. |
Finance
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Upon voter approval, a municipality may impose a motor vehicle license tax. Section 301.310 RSMo establishes the basis for the license tax as either a flat rate or based on horsepower. The City of Raymore assesses a flat rate of $5 per vehicle and collection is done in conjunction with property tax through the County. The funds raised are deposited in the City's general fund and help offset the City's expenses to maintain our transportation system. Years ago the City did issue stickers, but discontinued the requirement that stickers be displayed, while still continuing to collect the fee. |
GIS
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No. Contact the GIS Specialist at 816-331-1803 to determine if data is availalbe through the City FTP site. Additionally, Cass County offers a subscription mapping service. For more information, contact the Cass County GIS Coordinator at 816-380-8190. |
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Yes. There may be a charge for custom maps. Contact the GIS Specialist at 816-331-1803. |
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The Building Inspections Division, 816-331-7916, often has a copy of the plot plan that was filed when the residence was built. The Planning Division will have a copy of the subdivision plat that your lot is part of, and this will often provide property measurements. |
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The best way to locate your property line is to hire a licensed land surveyor who can provide you with a boundary survey of your property and mark your property corners. You may review recorded plats of subdivisions, available for review in the Community Development Department, that will show lot dimensions and rights-of-way. |
Human Resources
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You must complete a City Application. Applications may be faxed to (816) 331-8724 or mailed to: Human Resources 100 Municipal Circle Raymore, MO 64082For job openings and an Application, view Jobs |
Municipal Court
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The Raymore Court is located in the City Municipal Building on the first floor located at 100 Municipal Circle, Raymore, MO 64083. |
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The Raymore Court office hours are from 8 a.m. to 50 p.m. Monday through Friday. Court hearings are held the first and third Thursday of each month beginning at 6 p.m. |
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You may call the Court at 816-331-1712 and talk to a Court Clerk. Usually, one continuance will be given on an initial arraignment date. |
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If the violation listed on your citation is payable without a court appearance, it must be paid by 5 p.m. on the Court date given in the upper left hand corner of the citation. |
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Currently the Court will accept cash, money order, or a personal check if you are a Cass County resident and your bank is located in Cass County. You must show a valid drivers license when writing a personal check. Checks are not accepted on Plea Agreements that your attorney may have made with the Prosecutor. The Court is NOT able to accept credit or debit cards at this time. |
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No, not at this time. Payments must be made by cash or money order. |
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The maximum fine and sentence that a Judge in the Municipal Court can assess for any single offense is $500 and 90 days in jail. It is the general policy of this court to expect all fines and court costs to be paid immediately upon assessment. |
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You may refer to the Point System Violation Description Table located at http.//dor.mo.gov/mvdl/drivers/forms1899.pdf from the Missouri Department of Revenue's Web site to find the point value of most tickets. |
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You may go to the City of Raymore’s Web page at http://www.raymore.com and click on the "Government" tab, followed by clicking on "Raymore Municipal Code." |
Operations & Maintenance (Public Works)
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You can report a problem with a street light by calling Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) at (816) 471-5275 or (888) 471-5275. Please include the address or pole number. |
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Potholes can be reported by calling the Pothole Hotline at (816) 331-2377 or by going to the Request Tracker, the City's online service request system. Request Tracker |
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Problems with traffic signals can be reported by calling the Operations and Maintenance Division of Public Works at (816) 331-2377 or by going to the Request Tracker, the City's online service request system. Request Tracker |
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Down, damaged, or missing street signs should be reported to the Operations and Maintenance Division of Public Works. They can be reported by calling (816) 331-2377, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or by going to the Request Tracker, the City's online service request system. If the down, missing, or damaged sign is a stop sign, it should be reported immediately as this is a public safety concern. Please contact the Streets Division at (816) 331-2377, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If it is after business hours contact the Raymore Police Department non-emergency number, (816) 331-0530. Request Tracker |
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The City of Raymore purchases water from Kansas City, MO. |
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Several things can contribute to low water pressure. In many cases the water pressure is not the problem but water volume is. This situation is typically the result of old galvanized pipes that are corroded, a valve partially closed, or a pressure regulating device on the house service line that is restricting both pressure and flow. The City's distribution system generally operates within a pressure range that does not vary more than 5-10 pounds per square inch (psi). Customers who reside in higher elevations throughout the service area will naturally experience less water pressure than those residing in valleys and lower elevations. This is due to the fact that the water column height in the water towers is what produces the pressure on the water mains to push the water to the customer. |
Police
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You must have either the Case Report Number or the date and location of the incident. Without one of these two pieces of information, the front desk personnel will not be able to locate and provide you with a copy of the report. You may pick up a copy of the report at the reception window located at: Police Headquarters 100 Municipal Circle Raymore, MO Please call Ms. Jerre Fortner, the Records Clerk, prior to coming in so your report will be ready, (816) 331-0530 ext. 1216. There is a $2 fee to obtain a copy of your police report. Depending on any additional pages you need or any supplemental reports involved, additional fees may apply. |
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