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

The minimum permit fee is Residential building and each revision submittal $40.00 plan review; commercial building submittal $200.00; processing fee $25.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based and square-foot-based building permit fee tables under Ordinance 21-0356; county also lists fixed review and processing fees. Plan check fee: Residential submittal $40.00; commercial submittal $200.00; sewage submittal $40.00.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not over 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door; Fences not over 8 feet high; Gas or electric hot water heater replacement; One-story detached accessory structures not over 200 square feet; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Retaining walls not over 6 feet high unless supporting a surcharge; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below; Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling; Certain tanks, awnings, minor repairs, and emergency repairs filed the next business day where applicable.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Coordinate with county Code Enforcement Division; Planning and other county divisions may require parallel signoff depending on permit type.

County Building Permits

Jefferson County, MO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, Missouri. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Missouri Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies to unincorporated Jefferson County. Incorporated municipalities route permit work through their own city or village government unless they expressly contract that work elsewhere. Planning, zoning, and floodplain review can run in parallel with building review

Department: Jefferson County Code Enforcement Division (formerly the Building Division)
Address: 725 Maple Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050
Phone: 636-797-5310
Email: No public permit email posted on the reviewed permit pages
Website: https://www.jeffcomo.gov/448/Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open https://www.civicgov4.com/MO/portal/

Platform: CivicGov Citizen Portal • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

//www.jeffcomo.gov/292/ApplicationsForms

Application Process

Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Jefferson County and identify whether Code Enforcement, Planning, Highway/Stormwater, floodplain, or sewage review applies
For zoning and land-use filings, use the Citizen Portal and schedule any required pre-application conference with Planning at 636-797-5580
Submit permit and plan materials to the applicable county division, including any deed or proof-of-ownership and checklist items required by Planning
Pay plan review and permit fees under the county fee ordinance
Receive permit approval before work starts and coordinate inspections as work progresses

Typical processing time: Not posted for county building permits; Planning advises applicants to discuss requests with staff before submittal

Source: Jefferson County Code Enforcement Division (formerly the Building Division)

General Requirements

County FAQ states permits are required for many building, structural, trade, and safety-related projects in unincorporated Jefferson County

Required Documents

When a permit is required: County FAQ states permits are required for many building, structural, trade, and safety-related projects in unincorporated Jefferson County
Required documents: Permit-specific plans; proof of ownership for Planning filings; site plan and checklist materials where zoning, CUP, variance, deviation, or plat review applies
Permit validity/expiration: Not clearly posted on the reviewed public county pages
Owner-builder rules if available: Not clearly posted on the reviewed public county pages
Contractor license requirements: County permit page separately lists contractor licenses
Building code adopted: Jefferson County Building Code fee ordinance and county code provisions are posted; county FAQ exemption language tracks IRC-style thresholds. Planning and floodplain controls also apply where relevant

Permit validity: Not clearly posted on the reviewed public county pages
Building code: Jefferson County Building Code fee ordinance and county code provisions are posted; county FAQ exemption language tracks IRC-style thresholds. Planning and floodplain controls also apply where relevant
Owner-builder: Not clearly posted on the reviewed public county pages
Contractor requirements: County permit page separately lists contractor licenses

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Residential building and each revision submittal $40.00 plan review; commercial building submittal $200.00; processing fee $25.00
Plan check fee: Residential submittal $40.00; commercial submittal $200.00; sewage submittal $40.00
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based and square-foot-based building permit fee tables under Ordinance 21-0356; county also lists fixed review and processing fees
Reinspection fee: Inspection or re-inspection fee $50.00
Payment note: County fee ordinance says plan review and submittal fees are paid upon application and deducted from total fee

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Jefferson County Code Enforcement Division (formerly the Building Division) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Coordinate with county Code Enforcement Division; Planning and other county divisions may require parallel signoff depending on permit type ()

Inspection hours: Not clearly posted on the reviewed public county pages

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, trade or structural inspections during work, then final approval; actual sequence varies by project and whether zoning, floodplain, sewage, or stormwater review applies

Additional Resources

Building code: Jefferson County Building Code fee ordinance and county code provisions are posted; county FAQ exemption language tracks IRC-style thresholds. Planning and floodplain controls also apply where relevant
Zoning information: View zoning info
jeffcomo.gov
License lookup guide: Missouri Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Missouri Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Missouri hub: Missouri Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Jefferson County Code Enforcement Division (formerly the Building Division) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jefferson County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, MO?: County FAQ states permits are required for many building, structural, trade, and safety-related projects in unincorporated Jefferson County
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Jefferson County, MO?: The minimum permit fee is Residential building and each revision submittal $40.00 plan review; commercial building submittal $200.00; processing fee $25.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based and square-foot-based building permit fee tables under Ordinance 21-0356; county also lists fixed review and processing fees. Plan check fee: Residential submittal $40.00; commercial submittal $200.00; sewage submittal $40.00.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, MO?: 1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Jefferson County and identify whether Code Enforcement, Planning, Highway/Stormwater, floodplain, or sewage review applies 2. For zoning and land-use filings, use the Citizen Portal and schedule any required pre-application conference with Planning at 636-797-5580 3. Submit permit and plan materials to the applicable county division, including any deed or proof-of-ownership and checklist items required by Planning 4. Pay plan review and permit fees under the county fee ordinance 5. Receive permit approval before work starts and coordinate inspections as work progresses
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Jefferson County, MO?: Typical processing time is Not posted for county building permits; Planning advises applicants to discuss requests with staff before submittal.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Jefferson County, MO?: The following work is generally exempt: Decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not over 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door; Fences not over 8 feet high; Gas or electric hot water heater replacement; One-story detached accessory structures not over 200 square feet; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Retaining walls not over 6 feet high unless supporting a surcharge; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below; Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling; Certain tanks, awnings, minor repairs, and emergency repairs filed the next business day where applicable.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Jefferson County, MO?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Coordinate with county Code Enforcement Division; Planning and other county divisions may require parallel signoff depending on permit type.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Jefferson County (unincorporated area) can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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