Camden County, MO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The county planning office administers zoning, floodplain, and construction permits for unincorporated Camden County and for smaller municipalities that do not have their own building department.【0†source】citeturn0search3turn22search12

Department

Camden County Planning & Zoning Department, 1 Court Circle NW, Suite 15, Camdenton, MO 65020.【0†source】citeturn0search3

Address

1 Court Circle NW, Suite 15, Camdenton, MO 65020 (mailing address also listed).【0†source】citeturn0search3

Phone

573-346-4440 ext. 1350 or 573-317-3860 for the planning office.【0†source】citeturn0search3

Email

pz@camdencountymo.gov.【0†source】citeturn0search3

Website

https://camdencountymo.gov/departments/planning-and-zoning/.【0†source】citeturn0search3

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download the Construction Permit Application (which doubles as a zoning permit), plot plan, and any additional packets (floodplain, land disturbance) that apply to the project.【0†source】citeturn0search2
2. Submit the completed paperwork, including property surveys as needed, to the Planning Administrator for review under the Unified Land-Use Code.【0†source】citeturn22search12
3. Once staff confirms setbacks, floodplain status and other zoning criteria are satisfied, pay the appropriate fee (see schedule) and collect the zoning/construction permit.【0†source】citeturn9search13
4. Coordinate inspections as instructed by the planning office (office hours 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday).【0†source】citeturn0search3

Typical processing time: Not published; applicants are advised to allow multiple weeks for review, especially in floodplain areas.【0†source】citeturn0search3

Source: Camden County Planning & Zoning Department, 1 Court Circle NW, Suite 15, Camdenton, MO 65020.【0†source】citeturn0search3

General Requirements

The Unified Land-Use Code Section 401 states that no building, structure, accessory building (>=400 sq ft), temporary construction structure, or any structure designated by the Planning Administrator may be erected, altered, or relocated without a permit, plus all new non-agricultural or residential buildings.【0†source】citeturn22search12

Required Documents

• When a permit is required: The Unified Land-Use Code Section 401 states that no building, structure, accessory building (>=400 sq ft), temporary construction structure, or any structure designated by the Planning Administrator may be erected, altered, or relocated without a permit, plus all new non-agricultural or residential buildings.【0†source】citeturn22search12
• Required documents: Applications must include site plans showing setbacks, utility services, floodplain status, and any additional materials requested by the Planning Administrator for structures in sensitive areas.【0†source】citeturn22search12
• Permit validity/expiration: Not specified publicly; contact the planning office for extension policies.【0†source】citeturn0search3
• Owner-builder rules if available: Not spelled out online; the planning office evaluates owner-builder status during the review.【0†source】citeturn0search3
• Contractor license requirements: Contractors must comply with county licensing requirements for trades (plumbing/electrical) and state-level licensure; the planning office references these during plan review.【0†source】citeturn0search3
• Building code adopted: The county refers to the Unified Land-Use Code for zoning and defers to the 2018 ICC suite through applicable municipalities (codes are referenced within the Code repository).【0†source】citeturn22search12

Permit validity

Not specified publicly; contact the planning office for extension policies.【0†source】citeturn0search3

Building code

The county refers to the Unified Land-Use Code for zoning and defers to the 2018 ICC suite through applicable municipalities (codes are referenced within the Code repository).【0†source】citeturn22search12

Owner-builder

Not spelled out online; the planning office evaluates owner-builder status during the review.【0†source】citeturn0search3

Contractor requirements

Contractors must comply with county licensing requirements for trades (plumbing/electrical) and state-level licensure; the planning office references these during plan review.【0†source】citeturn0search3

Fees

Minimum permit fee

for simple permits, - for single-family, + per-100-sf for commercial structures (per the posted brochure).【0†source】citeturn9search13

Plan check fee

Not separately listed but included in construction permit and land disturbance fees; the brochure notes plan review materials may add for copies.【0†source】citeturn9search13

Permit fee formula

Fees combine flat charges for routine permits (e.g., zoning, land disturbance base) plus valuation-based surcharges for commercial square footage or acreage.【0†source】citeturn9search13

Reinspection fee

Not detailed online; penalties would follow the Unified Land-Use Code’s enforcement provisions.【0†source】citeturn22search12

Payment note

The county accepts cash/check at Suite 15; no dedicated portal for payments is listed.【0†source】citeturn0search3

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Camden County Planning & Zoning Department, 1 Court Circle NW, Suite 15, Camdenton, MO 65020.【0†source】citeturn0search3 to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Inspections and related approvals (e.g., driveway access, septic) are coordinated through the planning office; call 573-346-4440 ext. 1350.【0†source】citeturn0search3 ()

Inspection hours

Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm.【0†source】citeturn0search3

Typical inspection sequence: The Unified Land-Use Code requires zoning, flood, road, and sanitary reviews; inspections are scheduled once the permit is issued.【0†source】citeturn22search12

Additional Resources

• Building code: The county refers to the Unified Land-Use Code for zoning and defers to the 2018 ICC suite through applicable municipalities (codes are referenced within the Code repository).【0†source】citeturn22search12
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• (forms repository).【0†source】citeturn0search2
• License lookup guide: Missouri Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Missouri Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Missouri hub: Missouri Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Camden County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Camden County, MO?

The Unified Land-Use Code Section 401 states that no building, structure, accessory building (>=400 sq ft), temporary construction structure, or any structure designated by the Planning Administrator may be erected, altered, or relocated without a permit, plus all new non-agricultural or residential buildings.【0†source】citeturn22search12

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Camden County, MO?

The minimum permit fee is for simple permits, - for single-family, + per-100-sf for commercial structures (per the posted brochure).【0†source】citeturn9search13. Fees are calculated as: Fees combine flat charges for routine permits (e.g., zoning, land disturbance base) plus valuation-based surcharges for commercial square footage or acreage.【0†source】citeturn9search13. Plan check fee: Not separately listed but included in construction permit and land disturbance fees; the brochure notes plan review materials may add for copies.【0†source】citeturn9search13.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Camden County, MO?

1. Download the Construction Permit Application (which doubles as a zoning permit), plot plan, and any additional packets (floodplain, land disturbance) that apply to the project.【0†source】citeturn0search2 2. Submit the completed paperwork, including property surveys as needed, to the Planning Administrator for review under the Unified Land-Use Code.【0†source】citeturn22search12 3. Once staff confirms setbacks, floodplain status and other zoning criteria are satisfied, pay the appropriate fee (see schedule) and collect the zoning/construction permit.【0†source】citeturn9search13 4. Coordinate inspections as instructed by the planning office (office hours 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday).【0†source】citeturn0search3

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Camden County, MO?

Typical processing time is Not published; applicants are advised to allow multiple weeks for review, especially in floodplain areas.【0†source】citeturn0search3.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Camden County, MO?

The following work is generally exempt: The Unified Land-Use Code lists the categories that must be permitted but does not publish a standalone exempt-work list; call the Planning & Zoning Department for threshold questions.【0†source】citeturn22search12.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Camden County, MO?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Inspections and related approvals (e.g., driveway access, septic) are coordinated through the planning office; call 573-346-4440 ext. 1350.【0†source】citeturn0search3.