jaspector
City building permits

Savannah

How to apply for a building permit in Savannah, Missouri. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

City of Savannah Building and Zoning Department / Planning & Zoning Administrator Mike Malhiwsky citeturn3search0

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Savannah

All construction, additions, permanent accessory structures, fences, and renovations must have a permit before the work commences citeturn4view0

Re-painting a house does not require a permit (per the rate schedule); no other exempt-work list is posted, so verify any edge cases with the Building Department before starting citeturn8view0
  • Exempt Re-painting a house does not require a permit (per the rate schedule); no other exempt-work list is posted, so verify any edge cases with the Building Department before starting citeturn8view0
Required documents
  • When a permit is required: All construction, additions, permanent accessory structures, fences, and renovations must have a permit before the work commences citeturn4view0
  • Required documents: Building plans (floor/foundation/elevation/cross-section) plus a site plan that shows dimensions, utilities, drainage, and erosion-control measures; property markers must be visible before new construction citeturn4view0
  • Permit validity/expiration: City permits must be issued before work and are tied to inspections; the rate sheet notes that permits expire in 60 days (building and zoning permits expire one year except demolition permits, which expire in 60 days) citeturn8view0turn9view0
  • Owner-builder rules if available: Not posted
  • Contractor license requirements: Not posted
  • Building code adopted: Construction must comply with Savannah Building Codes, Zoning Ordinances, and the City Storm Water Management Ordinance (Section 500.150) citeturn4view0
Building code
Construction must comply with Savannah Building Codes, Zoning Ordinances, and the City Storm Water Management Ordinance (Section 500.150) citeturn4view0
Permit validity
City permits must be issued before work and are tied to inspections; the rate sheet notes that permits expire in 60 days (building and zoning permits expire one year except demolition permits, which expire in 60 days) citeturn8view0turn9view0
Owner-builder
Not posted
Contractor requirements
Not posted
§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Not published; applicants are told to call the inspector for current timelines citeturn6view0

  1. 01
    Contact Mike Malhiwsky or the Building and Zoning office to describe the project and request the appropriate permit form(s) citeturn6view0
  2. 02
    Prepare submission materials: building plans (floor plan, foundation plan, elevations, wall cross-section) and a detailed site plan showing legal description, easements, mobilities, drainage, utilities, and erosion controls citeturn4view0
  3. 03
    File the package with City Hall so the Building Inspector can review it for zoning, building code, and storm-water compliance; include the right-of-way damage report before work begins citeturn4view0
  4. 04
    Receive the issued permit and begin work once City Hall gives approval; notify the office when each inspection is needed citeturn4view0

Typical processing time: Not published; applicants are told to call the inspector for current timelines citeturn6view0

Source: City of Savannah Building and Zoning Department / Planning & Zoning Administrator Mike Malhiwsky citeturn3search0 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Savannah building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Residential new construction is .10 per sq ft with a minimum; commercial new construction is .20 per sq ft with a minimum citeturn8view0
02
Plan check fee
Not separately listed; the rate schedule and code note that permit fees include plan review citeturn4view0
03
Permit fee formula
Fees for new construction, additions, and accessory structures are calculated per square footage (as shown in the rate schedule), with demolition, re-roof, sidewalk, and specialty permit flat fees citeturn8view0
04
Reinspection fee
Additional reinspections incur a charge; late fees double if work starts before obtaining the permit citeturn4view0turn9view0

Permits are processed through City Hall; applicants should ask the building inspector for payment instructions before starting work citeturn6view0

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • Builders/owners must notify City Hall for each inspection; no online scheduler is provided citeturn6view0 ()
Inspection hours
Building and Zoning hours match general city hall hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) citeturn6view0

Typical sequence: The code enumerates inspections for footings, foundation walls, sewer, water, ground and top plumbing, framing, fireplace/chimney, electrical rough, mechanical rough, electrical service, driveway/sidewalk, gas piping, occupancy/temporary occupancy, and right-of-way work citeturn4view0

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Savannah permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Savannah, MO?
All construction, additions, permanent accessory structures, fences, and renovations must have a permit before the work commences citeturn4view0
02 How much does a building permit cost in Savannah, MO?
Building permit fees in Savannah, MO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Residential new construction is .10 per sq ft with a minimum; commercial new construction is .20 per sq ft with a minimum citeturn8view0. Fees are calculated as: Fees for new construction, additions, and accessory structures are calculated per square footage (as shown in the rate schedule), with demolition, re-roof, sidewalk, and specialty permit flat fees citeturn8view0. Plan check fee: Not separately listed; the rate schedule and code note that permit fees include plan review citeturn4view0.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Savannah, MO?
To apply for a building permit in Savannah, MO, follow these steps: 1. Contact Mike Malhiwsky or the Building and Zoning office to describe the project and request the appropriate permit form(s) citeturn6view0 2. Prepare submission materials: building plans (floor plan, foundation plan, elevations, wall cross-section) and a detailed site plan showing legal description, easements, mobilities, drainage, utilities, and erosion controls citeturn4view0 3. File the package with City Hall so the Building Inspector can review it for zoning, building code, and storm-water compliance; include the right-of-way damage report before work begins citeturn4view0 4. Receive the issued permit and begin work once City Hall gives approval; notify the office when each inspection is needed citeturn4view0
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Savannah, MO?
Building permit processing times in Savannah, MO typically run Not published; applicants are told to call the inspector for current timelines citeturn6view0. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Savannah, MO?
Not all construction work requires a permit in Savannah, MO. The following work is generally exempt: Re-painting a house does not require a permit (per the rate schedule); no other exempt-work list is posted, so verify any edge cases with the Building Department before starting citeturn8view0. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Savannah, MO?
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Savannah, MO via: Builders/owners must notify City Hall for each inspection; no online scheduler is provided citeturn6view0.

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Savannah Building and Zoning Department / Planning & Zoning Administrator Mike Malhiwsky citeturn3search0 before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.