City of St. Louis Begins Structural Inspections to Support Repairs, Demolitions and Debris Removal in Tornado-Impacted Areas

Today, the City of St. Louis’ Recovery Office and the Department of Public Safety Building Division announced that structural inspections have begun for property owners requesting assistance with repair, demolition and debris-removal services following the May 16 tornado. This is a critical step in helping residents and communities recover and rebuild. Since the program opened a month ago, the City’s Recovery Office has received more than 700 applications for Private Property Assistance.

“These inspections are an essential step in delivering services to accelerate the long-term recovery our communities deserve, while keeping families safe,” said Chief Recovery Officer Julian Nicks.

Building inspectors from the Department of Public Safety’s Building Division will assess storm-impacted buildings requested for demolition to determine eligibility. This will be in addition to continuing proactive inspections of unsafe structures that pose an imminent danger to public health, safety, or welfare. Additionally, City contractors will complete 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—a requirement for city-led demolitions—which will be marked with clearly visible condemnation stickers placed on-site. For the residents in the tornado-impacted areas, all fines and fees associated with these inspections will be waived. 

Residents whose properties sustained tornado-related damage may qualify for assistance through the STLRecovers Private Property Assistance Application.

Property owners can access the application and learn more about available assistance by visiting app.stlrecovers.com, or the STLRecovers Outreach Center at 4401 Natural Bridge Ave., or by calling the STLRecovers Call Center at 833-925-0977.

What Residents Can Expect

• City inspectors will be conducting on-site structural assessments in neighborhoods impacted by the May 16 tornado.
• City contractors will be conducting site assessments to identify hazardous materials and trees and develop scopes of work for repair, demolition and debris removal.
• Condemnation may occur when a structure is found unsafe.
• Condemnation stickers will be placed on affected properties to clearly indicate safety status.
• These actions are part of the broader cleanup and long-term recovery strategy coordinated with local and state partners.

For questions regarding structural inspections or condemnation notices, residents may contact the STLRecovers Call Center at 833-925-0977.