St. Martins, MO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Urbanizing portion of western Cole County; the city requires building permits for all construction and funnels applications through Cole County. citeturn28view0turn3view0

Department

City of St. Martins municipal administration, with building permits handled in coordination with Cole County Public Works (Planning Department handles development review). citeturn28view0turn3view0

Address

6909 Business Route 50 West, St. Martins, MO 65109. citeturn28view0

Phone

573-893-6465. citeturn28view0

Email

cstmartins@centurylink.net. citeturn28view0

Website

https://stmartinsmo.us/community-information (permits section). citeturn28view0

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Cole County Public Works or use the OpenGov portal to submit plans, paying attention to city-specific culvert, driveway, and stormwater guidelines referenced in the city newsletter. citeturn28view0turn3view0
2. County staff reviews submittals under Cole County codes (see the county page for code editions and floodplain requirements). citeturn3view0turn8view0
3. Pay valuation-based permit fees via OpenGov, secure any required contractor certifications, and respond to reviewer comments. citeturn3view0turn26search3
4. Schedule inspections through the county inspector (573-636-3614); after final inspection, collect the certificate of occupancy. citeturn6view0

Typical processing time: Not documented on the city or county site; expect several weeks per standard county reviews. citeturn3view0

Source: City of St. Martins municipal administration, with building permits handled in coordination with Cole County Public Works (Planning Department handles development review). citeturn28view0turn3view0

General Requirements

Any construction within St. Martins city limits triggers a building permit; the city publicly defers to the county for the detailed list (single-family, commercial, additions, etc.). citeturn28view0turn3view0

Required Documents

• When a permit is required: Any construction within St. Martins city limits triggers a building permit; the city publicly defers to the county for the detailed list (single-family, commercial, additions, etc.). citeturn28view0turn3view0
• Required documents: The county’s portal demands site plans, sealed commercial plans, and floodplain documentation when applicable; the city relays these portal requirements. citeturn3view0
• Permit validity/expiration: County policy applies; the city does not publish a different expiration policy. citeturn3view0
• Owner-builder rules if available: Refer to County guidance; the city does not publish additional owner-builder rules. citeturn3view0
• Contractor license requirements: Contractors must obtain Cole County’s annual certification before performing work inside St. Martins. citeturn3view0
• Building code adopted: The city follows Cole County’s adoption of the 2000 ICC family of codes and the 2002 NEC as listed on the county permit page. citeturn3view0

Permit validity

County policy applies; the city does not publish a different expiration policy. citeturn3view0

Building code

The city follows Cole County’s adoption of the 2000 ICC family of codes and the 2002 NEC as listed on the county permit page. citeturn3view0

Owner-builder

Refer to County guidance; the city does not publish additional owner-builder rules. citeturn3view0

Contractor requirements

Contractors must obtain Cole County’s annual certification before performing work inside St. Martins. citeturn3view0

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Determined by the Cole County schedule (no separate city schedule). citeturn3view0

Plan check fee

Incorporated into the valuation-based fee (20% deposit for commercial). citeturn3view0

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based schedule applies; contractor certification is $175. citeturn3view0

Reinspection fee

Not published; ask Cole County personnel. citeturn3view0

Payment note

Fees paid through the Cole County portal or in person as described on the county page. citeturn3view0

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of St. Martins municipal administration, with building permits handled in coordination with Cole County Public Works (Planning Department handles development review). citeturn28view0turn3view0 to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact Cole County Public Works at 573-636-3614 for all inspection types; the city coordinates with the county department. citeturn6view0turn28view0 ()

Inspection hours

County office hours are M–F 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. citeturn3view0

Typical inspection sequence: County inspections follow the standard footing/foundation, rough-in, and final pattern; the city relies on that sequence. citeturn3view0

Additional Resources

• Building code: The city follows Cole County’s adoption of the 2000 ICC family of codes and the 2002 NEC as listed on the county permit page. citeturn3view0
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• (general city policies) and the county Planning Department for detailed ordinances. citeturn28view0turn8view0
• License lookup guide: Missouri Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Missouri Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Missouri hub: Missouri Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Martins Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in St. Martins, MO?

Any construction within St. Martins city limits triggers a building permit; the city publicly defers to the county for the detailed list (single-family, commercial, additions, etc.). citeturn28view0turn3view0

How much does a building permit cost in St. Martins, MO?

The minimum permit fee is Determined by the Cole County schedule (no separate city schedule). citeturn3view0. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based schedule applies; contractor certification is $175. citeturn3view0. Plan check fee: Incorporated into the valuation-based fee (20% deposit for commercial). citeturn3view0.

How do I apply for a building permit in St. Martins, MO?

1. Contact Cole County Public Works or use the OpenGov portal to submit plans, paying attention to city-specific culvert, driveway, and stormwater guidelines referenced in the city newsletter. citeturn28view0turn3view0 2. County staff reviews submittals under Cole County codes (see the county page for code editions and floodplain requirements). citeturn3view0turn8view0 3. Pay valuation-based permit fees via OpenGov, secure any required contractor certifications, and respond to reviewer comments. citeturn3view0turn26search3 4. Schedule inspections through the county inspector (573-636-3614); after final inspection, collect the certificate of occupancy. citeturn6view0

How long does it take to get a building permit in St. Martins, MO?

Typical processing time is Not documented on the city or county site; expect several weeks per standard county reviews. citeturn3view0.

What work is exempt from building permits in St. Martins, MO?

The following work is generally exempt: No additional exempt-work list is available on the city site; consult Cole County for guidance on minor projects. citeturn28view0turn3view0.

How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Martins, MO?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact Cole County Public Works at 573-636-3614 for all inspection types; the city coordinates with the county department. citeturn6view0turn28view0.