On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for St. Joseph, MO
Separate building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits are required for each project category listed on the city page. citeturn16view0
No comprehensive exempt-work list is provided on the Building Permits page; contact the Building Division for clarification. citeturn16view0
- Exempt No comprehensive exempt-work list is provided on the Building Permits page; contact the Building Division for clarification. citeturn16view0
Required documents
- When a permit is required: Separate building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits are required for each project category listed on the city page. citeturn16view0
- Required documents: Residential and commercial checklists (additions, decks, solar, new homes, etc.) indicate the plans and documents expected with each submission. citeturn16view0
- Permit validity/expiration: Temporary certificates of occupancy are free for the first issuance, with second or expired certificates costing $200 or $400 based on recency. citeturn19view0
- Owner-builder rules if available: Owner-occupied mechanical permits require a homeowner statement as outlined in the mechanical packet. citeturn16view0
- Contractor license requirements: Trade licensing fees increased 10% and are coordinated through the Building Division; contractors must maintain those licenses to submit permits. citeturn19view0
- Building code adopted: Commercial plan review enforces the 2018 International Building, Existing Building, Residential, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Uniform Plumbing, International Fire Codes, the 2017 NEC, and the city code of ordinances. citeturn16view0
- Building code
- Commercial plan review enforces the 2018 International Building, Existing Building, Residential, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Uniform Plumbing, International Fire Codes, the 2017 NEC, and the city code of ordinances. citeturn16view0
- Permit validity
- Temporary certificates of occupancy are free for the first issuance, with second or expired certificates costing $200 or $400 based on recency. citeturn19view0
- Owner-builder
- Owner-occupied mechanical permits require a homeowner statement as outlined in the mechanical packet. citeturn16view0
- Contractor requirements
- Trade licensing fees increased 10% and are coordinated through the Building Division; contractors must maintain those licenses to submit permits. citeturn19view0
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 21 business days for the initial commercial review plus 14 days for resubmissions; residential timelines follow the same checklist-based process. citeturn16view0
- 01 Download the permit packet that matches the project (building, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing) and collect the relevant checklists for residential or commercial submissions. citeturn16view0
- 02 Submit the packet with complete plans via mail, fax, or email to the Building Division, including required site, floodplain, or green operator materials for commercial work. citeturn16view0
- 03 Commercial plan sets are reviewed within 21 business days for the initial pass and 14 days for resubmissions, with applicants notified of QC results within three business days. citeturn16view0
- 04 After plan approval, schedule inspections (from setbacks to final) and secure the certificate of occupancy/completion when all inspections pass. citeturn17view0
Typical processing time: 21 business days for the initial commercial review plus 14 days for resubmissions; residential timelines follow the same checklist-based process. citeturn16view0
§ 04
Fee schedule
St. Joseph, MO building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
New commercial applications start at $70 for the first $500 valuation; residential building permits start at $40 for the first $500. citeturn19view0
02
Plan check fee
Commercial plan review is 15% of the permit fee, credited toward the total when the permit issues; plan changes cost $70, and scheduled express review costs $175. citeturn19view0
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based fees for commercial and residential work with valuation bands for each bracket, plus per-project percentages for mechanical/plumbing/electrical. citeturn19view0
04
Reinspection fee
After-the-fact permits trigger higher temporary certificate fees ($200–$400) and 10% increases in trade licensing/permit fees. citeturn19view0
Payments are made through the city’s online payment portal at the time of the express review or permit submittal. citeturn19view0
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Request inspections at least 24 hours in advance by calling or emailing the permit clerks or the permit supervisor. citeturn17view0 ()
- Inspection hours
- Inspections are scheduled on business days only, with no weekend windows advertised. citeturn17view0
Typical sequence: Setback, footing, foundation, structural rough, plumbing/electrical/mechanical rough, and a final combined inspection prior to occupancy. citeturn17view0
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about St. Joseph, MO permits
01 Do I need a building permit in St. Joseph, MO, MO? ▸
Separate building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits are required for each project category listed on the city page. citeturn16view0
02 How much does a building permit cost in St. Joseph, MO, MO? ▸
Building permit fees in St. Joseph, MO, MO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is New commercial applications start at $70 for the first $500 valuation; residential building permits start at $40 for the first $500. citeturn19view0. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fees for commercial and residential work with valuation bands for each bracket, plus per-project percentages for mechanical/plumbing/electrical. citeturn19view0. Plan check fee: Commercial plan review is 15% of the permit fee, credited toward the total when the permit issues; plan changes cost $70, and scheduled express review costs $175. citeturn19view0.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in St. Joseph, MO, MO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in St. Joseph, MO, MO, follow these steps: 1. Download the permit packet that matches the project (building, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing) and collect the relevant checklists for residential or commercial submissions. citeturn16view0 2. Submit the packet with complete plans via mail, fax, or email to the Building Division, including required site, floodplain, or green operator materials for commercial work. citeturn16view0 3. Commercial plan sets are reviewed within 21 business days for the initial pass and 14 days for resubmissions, with applicants notified of QC results within three business days. citeturn16view0 4. After plan approval, schedule inspections (from setbacks to final) and secure the certificate of occupancy/completion when all inspections pass. citeturn17view0
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in St. Joseph, MO, MO? ▸
Building permit processing times in St. Joseph, MO, MO typically run 21 business days for the initial commercial review plus 14 days for resubmissions; residential timelines follow the same checklist-based process. citeturn16view0. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in St. Joseph, MO, MO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in St. Joseph, MO, MO. The following work is generally exempt: No comprehensive exempt-work list is provided on the Building Permits page; contact the Building Division for clarification. citeturn16view0. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Joseph, MO, MO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in St. Joseph, MO, MO via: Request inspections at least 24 hours in advance by calling or emailing the permit clerks or the permit supervisor. citeturn17view0.
last verified April 2026
source City of St. Joseph Planning & Community Development Department, Building Development Division. citeturn16view0 ↗
entry id permits/missouri/buchanan/city-of-st-joseph-mo
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of St. Joseph Planning & Community Development Department, Building Development Division. citeturn16view0 before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.