On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Harrison County
All new construction, additions, structural changes, and trade work regulated by the Missouri Building and Residential Codes require a permit
Routine maintenance and small accessory buildings may fall under USBC exemptions, but the county advises confirming with Planning & Zoning prior to starting work due to overlay or floodplain rules
- Exempt Routine maintenance and small accessory buildings may fall under USBC exemptions, but the county advises confirming with Planning & Zoning prior to starting work due to overlay or floodplain rules
Required documents
- When a permit is required: All new construction, additions, structural changes, and trade work regulated by the Missouri Building and Residential Codes require a permit
- Required documents: Building permit application, supporting plans, proof of contractor licensing or owner-builder affidavit, and any overlay approvals
- Permit validity/expiration: Permits remain active while inspections progress; contact Planning & Zoning to request extensions if work pauses
- Owner-builder rules if available: Owner-builder affidavits must accompany the application and confirm compliance with Missouri statutes
- Contractor license requirements: Missouri contractor registration is verified as part of the application, especially for trades requiring mechanical/electrical licensing
- Building code adopted: Missouri Building Code (adopting the 2021 ICC series) enforced countywide
- Building code
- Missouri Building Code (adopting the 2021 ICC series) enforced countywide
- Permit validity
- Permits remain active while inspections progress; contact Planning & Zoning to request extensions if work pauses
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder affidavits must accompany the application and confirm compliance with Missouri statutes
- Contractor requirements
- Missouri contractor registration is verified as part of the application, especially for trades requiring mechanical/electrical licensing
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No published timeline; the office reviews applications in the order received
- 01 Fill out the Building Permit Application and associated trade-specific checklists available on the Planning & Zoning website
- 02 Include site plans, construction drawings compliant with the 2021 Missouri Building Code, energy calculations, health department approvals for on-site sewage if applicable, and any floodplain documentation
- 03 Deliver the complete packet to Planning & Zoning (no online submission is available) and provide contractor licensing/insurance information where required
- 04 Pay valuation-based fees at the office; plan review begins once the packet and payment are received
- 05 Schedule inspections by calling the Building Division; after all inspections pass, request a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion
Typical processing time: No published timeline; the office reviews applications in the order received
Source: Harrison County Planning and Zoning / Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Harrison County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not listed publicly; call Planning & Zoning for the current minimum
02
Plan check fee
Paid at submittal; larger commercial projects may pay deposits
03
Permit fee formula
Building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fees are valuation-based with separate charges for plan review
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fees apply when the work is not ready, accessible, or corrections remain outstanding
Fees paid at the Planning & Zoning office; checks or money orders payable to Harrison County
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Call (660) 425-3566 to request inspections after the permit is issued ()
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m
Typical sequence: Footing/foundations, framing/trade out, mechanical/plumbing/electrical, insulation, and final
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Harrison County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, MO? ▸
All new construction, additions, structural changes, and trade work regulated by the Missouri Building and Residential Codes require a permit
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Harrison County, MO? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Harrison County, MO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Not listed publicly; call Planning & Zoning for the current minimum. Fees are calculated as: Building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fees are valuation-based with separate charges for plan review. Plan check fee: Paid at submittal; larger commercial projects may pay deposits.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, MO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, MO, follow these steps: 1. Fill out the Building Permit Application and associated trade-specific checklists available on the Planning & Zoning website 2. Include site plans, construction drawings compliant with the 2021 Missouri Building Code, energy calculations, health department approvals for on-site sewage if applicable, and any floodplain documentation 3. Deliver the complete packet to Planning & Zoning (no online submission is available) and provide contractor licensing/insurance information where required 4. Pay valuation-based fees at the office; plan review begins once the packet and payment are received 5. Schedule inspections by calling the Building Division; after all inspections pass, request a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Harrison County, MO? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Harrison County, MO typically run No published timeline; the office reviews applications in the order received. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Harrison County, MO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Harrison County, MO. The following work is generally exempt: Routine maintenance and small accessory buildings may fall under USBC exemptions, but the county advises confirming with Planning & Zoning prior to starting work due to overlay or floodplain rules. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Harrison County, MO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Harrison County, MO via: Call (660) 425-3566 to request inspections after the permit is issued.
last verified April 2026
source Harrison County Planning and Zoning / Building Division ↗
entry id permits/missouri/harrison/harrison-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Harrison County Planning and Zoning / Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.