City of St. Louis Begins Structural Inspections for Tornado-Impacted Properties
Over 700 Applications Received for Private Property Assistance
City Officials Announce Critical Step in Recovery and Rebuilding Process
Today, the City of St. Louis’ Recovery Office and Department of Public Safety Building Division have announced the start of structural inspections for property owners seeking assistance with repair, demolition, and debris-removal services following the devastating tornado on May 16. This marks a crucial step in helping residents and communities recover and rebuild after the disaster.
According to Chief Recovery Officer Julian Nicks, “These inspections are an essential step in delivering services to accelerate the long-term recovery our communities deserve, while keeping families safe.” The City’s Recovery Office has already received over 700 applications for Private Property Assistance since the program opened a month ago.
Building inspectors from the Department of Public Safety’s Building Division will be assessing storm-impacted buildings that have been requested for demolition to determine eligibility. This will be in addition to ongoing proactive inspections of unsafe structures that pose a threat to public health, safety, or welfare. City contractors will also be conducting site assessments to finalize scopes of work, which may include home stabilization, repair, and debris removal services.
During this process, some properties may receive structural-condemnation notices, which are necessary for city-led demolitions. These notices will be marked with clearly visible condemnation stickers placed on-site. For residents in the tornado-impacted areas, all fines and fees associated with these inspections will be waived. Those whose properties sustained tornado-related damage may qualify for assistance through the STLRecovers Private Property Assistance Application.
To access the application and learn more about available assistance, property owners can visit app.stlrecovers.com, the STLRecovers Outreach Center at 4401 Natural Bridge Ave., or call the STLRecovers Call Center at 833-925-0977.
City inspectors will be conducting on-site structural assessments in neighborhoods impacted by the tornado. City contractors will also be conducting site assessments to identify hazardous materials and trees and develop scopes of work for repair, demolition, and debris removal. If a structure is found to be unsafe, condemnation may occur. Affected properties will be marked with condemnation stickers to clearly indicate their safety status. These actions are part of a larger cleanup and long-term recovery strategy coordinated with local and state partners.
For any questions regarding structural inspections or condemnation notices, residents can contact the STLRecovers Call Center at 833-925-0977.
