Fire Protection District Sues Missouri City Over Street Closures and Speed Bumps
The North County Fire & Rescue Fire Protection District has filed suit against the City of Riverview claiming that the City has installed speed bumps, speed humps, and closed certain streets in a manner that violates fire code standards and interferes with emergency response operations. The suit was filed in St. Louis County Circuit Court on November 17, 2025, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief.
According to the verified petition, the District contends that it holds statutory authority under Chapter 321 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri to provide for fire prevention, suppression, and related safety measures within its boundaries, which include the City of Riverview. The District alleges that Riverview has acted contrary to this authority by installing traffic-calming devices and closing streets without consulting fire officials and without complying with the International Fire Code (IFC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
The petition states that despite receiving a letter from the District’s attorney on August 20, 2025, warning that the “type of speed bumps and speed humps installed delay first responders access and response time to an emergency situation,” the City continued their installation. The District also asserts that the devices have damaged fire apparatus due to their height and width, leading to additional repair costs.
A second letter, sent by Fire Chief Keith Goldstein on October 28, 2025, raised concerns about permanent street closures within the City and reminded officials that commercial buildings must be inspected and permitted through the District. According to the complaint, the City “has made no reply to either of the letters” and has continued the practices at issue.
The District alleges that these actions have created “a real and existing controversy” affecting response times, public safety, and the District’s statutory duties. The petition asks the Court to declare that Riverview must collaborate with the District before installing any speed bumps, speed humps, or similar devices and before closing City streets. It also seeks orders requiring that any traffic-calming devices be designed in accordance with NFPA standards “to accommodate emergency vehicles and minimize response time impacts.”
In addition to declaratory relief, the District seeks a temporary restraining order prohibiting any further installations of speed bumps, humps, or street closures until the dispute is resolved. The petition also requests preliminary and permanent injunctions requiring the City to remove or modify devices not compliant with IFC and NFPA standards and to ensure that commercial properties obtain proper fire protection permits.
Here is a copy of the complaint:
