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PermitRoadmap

Building permits in City of St. Louis

Most construction, renovation, and repair work in City of St. Louis, St. Louis City needs a building permit from Building Division, Permit Section (Department of Public Safety). Below are the office's contact details and online portal, plus step-by-step guides for the projects homeowners ask about most, from roofing and solar to fences, sheds, pools, and HVAC.

Missouri has no statewide residential building code, so the rules in City of St. Louis come from whichever city or county code covers the address. Cities adopt and enforce their own codes, and a county may adopt a code for its unincorporated area only under RSMo 64.170, which since 2001 has required voter approval for counties without a prior code. Many rural counties have no county building code, and in those areas no state agency issues residential building permits in its place, although floodplain, utility, septic, and propane rules can still apply. There is no statewide dollar or size exemption from permits. Confirm the rules for City of St. Louis with the city or county building office that has jurisdiction before starting work.

Permit guides for City of St. Louis

Roof replacement or repairWindow or exterior door replacementSolar panel installationShed or accessory structureAddition or structural alterationInterior remodelingScreen enclosure or pool cageFence installation or replacementSwimming pool or spaPavers, driveway, or hardscapeHVAC replacement or installationElectrical panel or service upgradeStandby generator installationWater heater replacementPlumbing fixture or repiping

Permit FAQs for City of St. Louis

Do I need a building permit in City of St. Louis?
Most construction, renovation, and repair work in City of St. Louis needs a permit, including structural changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, and pools. Small cosmetic work is sometimes exempt. Every project must still meet No statewide residential code; cities and counties adopt their own codes locally, typically an edition of the International Residential Code, and many rural counties have adopted none, even when a permit is not required. Check your exact project with the free PermitRoadmap check.
Who issues building permits in City of St. Louis?
Building Division, Permit Section (Department of Public Safety) issues permits for property inside City of St. Louis, St. Louis City. Your mailing city is not always the authority that permits your property, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply. This page lists the department's phone, address, website, and online portal.
Can I pull my own permit as a homeowner in City of St. Louis?
Missouri has no statewide owner-builder statute and no statewide general or residential contractor license, so whether a homeowner in City of St. Louis may pull their own permit and do their own building, electrical, or plumbing work is set by the local code and licensing ordinances, where they exist. The only statewide trade license, the statewide electrical contractor license under RSMo 324.900 to 324.945, is optional and covers businesses engaged in electrical contracting.
Is there a dollar amount under which no permit is needed in City of St. Louis?
Not statewide. Missouri sets no statewide dollar threshold that waives a building permit, so whether small or cosmetic work needs a permit is decided locally. Confirm the exempt-work list and any value threshold with Building Division, Permit Section (Department of Public Safety) before you start.
How much does a permit cost and how long does it take in City of St. Louis?
Fees and review times are set locally and change often, so confirm the current numbers with Building Division, Permit Section (Department of Public Safety) or its online portal. Fees are usually based on the value of the work or a fixed schedule, and simple residential permits are frequently reviewed faster than new construction.

PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.