Laws & ordinances

Ava’s Code of Ordinances (Municode) plus later ordinances and staff notes in this library. Full official text: library.municode.com/mo/ava

Can we burn construction debris? FAQ-BURN

No open burning of construction debris in Ava.

Can I keep chickens in Ava? FAQ-CHICKENS

Up to 6 hens on large enough R-1/R-2/R-3 lots; no roosters. Coop required (Ord. 1156).

AvaBot on the City of Ava website (CivicPlus) FAQ-CIVICPLUS

Ask AvaBot button on avamissouri.org takes people to the city chatbot.

What flood map date does Ava use? FAQ-FLOOD

IBC 1612.3 flood insert date is August 4, 1988.

Do I use IRC or IBC? FAQ-IRC-VS-IBC

1–2 family dwellings and qualifying townhouses: IRC 2021. Apartments and commercial: IBC 2021.

Business licenses in Ava FAQ-LICENSE

Business licensing is in the city code (typically Chapter 22). Scanned licenses live on the city scan drive.

What are Ava’s quiet hours? FAQ-NOISE

Noise ordinance: 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

When is a Certificate of Occupancy required? FAQ-OCCUPANCY

Required when occupancy changes or a building is finished for use.

When do I need a building permit in Ava? FAQ-PERMIT

Most new work needs a permit. Ordinary repairs under $200 that do not change structure do not.

Job-site photo inspection (AvaBot) FAQ-PHOTO

Staff only — snap a job-site photo after sign-in. Not a public inspection.

Work in the city right-of-way FAQ-ROW

Ord. 1178 plus an excavation permit. A building permit is not enough.

Who is the Building Official? FAQ-WHO-BUILDING

Jason Lininger, jlininger@avamissouri.org, 417-250-7003.

Is 14-gauge wire allowed in Ava? FAQ-WIRE-12

No. Ava forbids conductors smaller than #12 AWG (NEC 2020 / Ord. 1163 Sec. 18-54).