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

The minimum permit fee is Not clearly stated in the public permit application reviewed. Fees are calculated as: Permit fee details were not clearly visible in the public permit PDF reviewed. Plan check fee: Not clearly stated on the public page reviewed.

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

1. Complete the permit application 2. Attach a lot sketch from County GIS and any required engineered plans 3. Submit to the code official by email or other city-directed method 4. City review occurs under the adopted building and electrical codes 5. Pay permit fees in full 6. Permit is issued once all city requirements and utility-related items are satisfied

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

Typical processing time is Not stated on the public page reviewed.

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

The following work is generally exempt: The public code excerpt reviewed shows permit exemptions for:; One-story detached accessory sheds, playhouses, and similar uses at 36 square feet or less; Sidewalks and driveways under 30 inches above grade and not on an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Temporary stage sets and scenery; Small prefabricated pools meeting the listed size and depth limits; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Certain window awnings; Non-fixed movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and low partitions; Flag poles; Replacement of siding, doors, and windows; Replacement of roof coverings that do not change the roof size or roof line.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Footing and foundation inspections must be scheduled 24 hours in advance.

City Building Permits

St. James, MO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in St. James, Missouri. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Missouri Phelps County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of St. James incorporated limits only

Department: Department of Building and Code Enforcement / Code Official
Address: 100 S. Jefferson, St. James, MO 65559
Phone: 573-265-7011 ext. 130
Email: nbrowne@stjamesmo.org
Website: https://stjamesmo.org/departments/zoning%20and%20codes/permit%20applications/New_Residential_Construction_Permit1.pdf

Online Permit Portal

Open https://stjamesmo.org/departments/zoning%20and%20codes/permit%20applications/New_Residential_Construction_Permit1.pdf

Platform: PDF application and email submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Complete the permit application
Attach a lot sketch from County GIS and any required engineered plans
Submit to the code official by email or other city-directed method
City review occurs under the adopted building and electrical codes
Pay permit fees in full
Permit is issued once all city requirements and utility-related items are satisfied

Typical processing time: Not stated on the public page reviewed

Source: Department of Building and Code Enforcement / Code Official

General Requirements

City permit application is used for new 1-2 family residential construction; city code also regulates building, electrical, and occupancy matters

Required Documents

When a permit is required: City permit application is used for new 1-2 family residential construction; city code also regulates building, electrical, and occupancy matters
Required documents: Sketch drawing, County GIS lot image, and sometimes engineered plans
Permit validity/expiration: Not clearly stated on the public page reviewed
Owner-builder rules if available: Not clearly stated on the public page reviewed
Contractor license requirements: Public application does not show a city contractor license rule, but the city requires business license and workers compensation documentation for construction businesses
Building code adopted: 2015 ICC Building Codes and 2014 NEC

Permit validity: Not clearly stated on the public page reviewed
Building code: 2015 ICC Building Codes and 2014 NEC
Owner-builder: Not clearly stated on the public page reviewed
Contractor requirements: Public application does not show a city contractor license rule, but the city requires business license and workers compensation documentation for construction businesses

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Not clearly stated in the public permit application reviewed
Plan check fee: Not clearly stated on the public page reviewed
Permit fee formula: Permit fee details were not clearly visible in the public permit PDF reviewed
Reinspection fee: Failure to comply may lead to a stop work order or fines, but a separate reinspection fee was not found in the public sources reviewed
Payment note: City says permits must be paid in full before issuance

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Department of Building and Code Enforcement / Code Official to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Footing and foundation inspections must be scheduled 24 hours in advance ()

Inspection hours: City Hall hours are not fully shown in the permit PDF reviewed

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation first, then other inspections as needed before final approval

Additional Resources

Building code: 2015 ICC Building Codes and 2014 NEC
Zoning information: View zoning info
ecode360.com
ecode360.com
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 Department of Building and Code Enforcement / Code Official before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. James Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in St. James, MO?: City permit application is used for new 1-2 family residential construction; city code also regulates building, electrical, and occupancy matters
How much does a building permit cost in St. James, MO?: The minimum permit fee is Not clearly stated in the public permit application reviewed. Fees are calculated as: Permit fee details were not clearly visible in the public permit PDF reviewed. Plan check fee: Not clearly stated on the public page reviewed.
How do I apply for a building permit in St. James, MO?: 1. Complete the permit application 2. Attach a lot sketch from County GIS and any required engineered plans 3. Submit to the code official by email or other city-directed method 4. City review occurs under the adopted building and electrical codes 5. Pay permit fees in full 6. Permit is issued once all city requirements and utility-related items are satisfied
How long does it take to get a building permit in St. James, MO?: Typical processing time is Not stated on the public page reviewed.
What work is exempt from building permits in St. James, MO?: The following work is generally exempt: The public code excerpt reviewed shows permit exemptions for:; One-story detached accessory sheds, playhouses, and similar uses at 36 square feet or less; Sidewalks and driveways under 30 inches above grade and not on an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Temporary stage sets and scenery; Small prefabricated pools meeting the listed size and depth limits; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings; Certain window awnings; Non-fixed movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and low partitions; Flag poles; Replacement of siding, doors, and windows; Replacement of roof coverings that do not change the roof size or roof line.
How do I schedule a building inspection in St. James, MO?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Footing and foundation inspections must be scheduled 24 hours in advance.

Need help with your project?

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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.