On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for St. Martins
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.). citeturn28view0turn3view0
No additional exempt-work list is available on the city site; consult Cole County for guidance on minor projects. citeturn28view0turn3view0
- Exempt No additional exempt-work list is available on the city site; consult Cole County for guidance on minor projects. citeturn28view0turn3view0
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.). citeturn28view0turn3view0
- Required documents: The county’s portal demands site plans, sealed commercial plans, and floodplain documentation when applicable; the city relays these portal requirements. citeturn3view0
- Permit validity/expiration: County policy applies; the city does not publish a different expiration policy. citeturn3view0
- Owner-builder rules if available: Refer to County guidance; the city does not publish additional owner-builder rules. citeturn3view0
- Contractor license requirements: Contractors must obtain Cole County’s annual certification before performing work inside St. Martins. citeturn3view0
- 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. citeturn3view0
- 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. citeturn3view0
- Permit validity
- County policy applies; the city does not publish a different expiration policy. citeturn3view0
- Owner-builder
- Refer to County guidance; the city does not publish additional owner-builder rules. citeturn3view0
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must obtain Cole County’s annual certification before performing work inside St. Martins. citeturn3view0
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not documented on the city or county site; expect several weeks per standard county reviews. citeturn3view0
- 01 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. citeturn28view0turn3view0
- 02 County staff reviews submittals under Cole County codes (see the county page for code editions and floodplain requirements). citeturn3view0turn8view0
- 03 Pay valuation-based permit fees via OpenGov, secure any required contractor certifications, and respond to reviewer comments. citeturn3view0turn26search3
- 04 Schedule inspections through the county inspector (573-636-3614); after final inspection, collect the certificate of occupancy. citeturn6view0
Typical processing time: Not documented on the city or county site; expect several weeks per standard county reviews. citeturn3view0
§ 04
Fee schedule
St. Martins building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Determined by the Cole County schedule (no separate city schedule). citeturn3view0
02
Plan check fee
Incorporated into the valuation-based fee (20% deposit for commercial). citeturn3view0
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based schedule applies; contractor certification is $175. citeturn3view0
04
Reinspection fee
Not published; ask Cole County personnel. citeturn3view0
Fees paid through the Cole County portal or in person as described on the county page. citeturn3view0
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact Cole County Public Works at 573-636-3614 for all inspection types; the city coordinates with the county department. citeturn6view0turn28view0 ()
- Inspection hours
- County office hours are M–F 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. citeturn3view0
Typical sequence: County inspections follow the standard footing/foundation, rough-in, and final pattern; the city relies on that sequence. citeturn3view0
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about St. Martins permits
01 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.). citeturn28view0turn3view0
02 How much does a building permit cost in St. Martins, MO? ▸
Building permit fees in St. Martins, MO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Determined by the Cole County schedule (no separate city schedule). citeturn3view0. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based schedule applies; contractor certification is $175. citeturn3view0. Plan check fee: Incorporated into the valuation-based fee (20% deposit for commercial). citeturn3view0.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in St. Martins, MO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in St. Martins, MO, follow these steps: 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. citeturn28view0turn3view0 2. County staff reviews submittals under Cole County codes (see the county page for code editions and floodplain requirements). citeturn3view0turn8view0 3. Pay valuation-based permit fees via OpenGov, secure any required contractor certifications, and respond to reviewer comments. citeturn3view0turn26search3 4. Schedule inspections through the county inspector (573-636-3614); after final inspection, collect the certificate of occupancy. citeturn6view0
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in St. Martins, MO? ▸
Building permit processing times in St. Martins, MO typically run Not documented on the city or county site; expect several weeks per standard county reviews. citeturn3view0. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in St. Martins, MO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. citeturn28view0turn3view0. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Martins, MO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in St. Martins, MO via: Contact Cole County Public Works at 573-636-3614 for all inspection types; the city coordinates with the county department. citeturn6view0turn28view0.
last verified April 2026
source City of St. Martins municipal administration, with building permits handled in coordination with Cole County Public Works (Planning Department handles development review). citeturn28view0turn3view0 ↗
entry id permits/missouri/cole/st-martins
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of St. Martins municipal administration, with building permits handled in coordination with Cole County Public Works (Planning Department handles development review). citeturn28view0turn3view0 before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.