On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Richmond
Richmond requires permits for new construction, additions, basement finishing, commercial additions and tenant finishes, fences over 6 feet, decks, pools, outbuildings, and most electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and irrigation work
Siding
Painting
Sheetrock
Above-ground pools under 24 inches
Retaining walls under 4 feet
Sidewalks, driveways, and platforms less than 30 inches above grade
Fences less than 6 feet
Other cosmetic alterations and minor interior or exterior repairs
- Exempt Siding
- Exempt Painting
- Exempt Sheetrock
- Exempt Above-ground pools under 24 inches
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet
- Exempt Sidewalks, driveways, and platforms less than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Fences less than 6 feet
- Exempt Other cosmetic alterations and minor interior or exterior repairs
Required documents
- When a permit is required: Richmond requires permits for new construction, additions, basement finishing, commercial additions and tenant finishes, fences over 6 feet, decks, pools, outbuildings, and most electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and irrigation work
- Required documents: Site plan, complete building plans, contractor information, and the property owner; commercial work also requires engineered plans and a surveyor site plan
- Permit validity/expiration: No permit expiration period was clearly published on the reviewed page
- Owner-builder rules if available: The page lists the property owner among the information required, but no formal owner-builder exception rule was clearly published
- Contractor license requirements: No explicit contractor licensing rule was clearly published on the reviewed page
- Building code adopted: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2021 International Existing Building Code
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2021 International Existing Building Code
- Permit validity
- No permit expiration period was clearly published on the reviewed page
- Owner-builder
- The page lists the property owner among the information required, but no formal owner-builder exception rule was clearly published
- Contractor requirements
- No explicit contractor licensing rule was clearly published on the reviewed page
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Plan reviews may take up to five days. Same-day issuance is generally not available for building or fence permits
- 01 Review the city page to determine whether the project is permitted work
- 02 Assemble a site plan and complete building plans; for new dwellings, a registered surveyor site plan is required
- 03 Submit the permit request to Community Development
- 04 Wait for review and approval before starting work
- 05 Schedule inspections with at least 24 hours notice
Typical processing time: Plan reviews may take up to five days. Same-day issuance is generally not available for building or fence permits
§ 04
Fee schedule
Richmond building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
No minimum dollar amount was clearly published on the reviewed page
02
Plan check fee
No separate plan-check fee was clearly published on the reviewed page
03
Permit fee formula
Based on total estimated cost of construction; new residential dwellings are based on square footage
04
Reinspection fee
No separate reinspection or penalty fee was clearly published on the reviewed page
Estimated cost must be included on the application. The city says permit fees are based on estimated construction cost
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact Lisa Hastings by phone or email; inspections can be arranged by direct contact ()
- Inspection hours
- Inspections are performed during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Typical sequence: The city page does not list a formal stage sequence, but it requires 24 hours notice before inspections except in emergencies
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Richmond permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Richmond, MO? ▸
Richmond requires permits for new construction, additions, basement finishing, commercial additions and tenant finishes, fences over 6 feet, decks, pools, outbuildings, and most electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and irrigation work
02 How much does a building permit cost in Richmond, MO? ▸
Building permit fees in Richmond, MO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is No minimum dollar amount was clearly published on the reviewed page. Fees are calculated as: Based on total estimated cost of construction; new residential dwellings are based on square footage. Plan check fee: No separate plan-check fee was clearly published on the reviewed page.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Richmond, MO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Richmond, MO, follow these steps: 1. Review the city page to determine whether the project is permitted work 2. Assemble a site plan and complete building plans; for new dwellings, a registered surveyor site plan is required 3. Submit the permit request to Community Development 4. Wait for review and approval before starting work 5. Schedule inspections with at least 24 hours notice
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Richmond, MO? ▸
Building permit processing times in Richmond, MO typically run Plan reviews may take up to five days. Same-day issuance is generally not available for building or fence permits. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Richmond, MO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Richmond, MO. The following work is generally exempt: Siding; Painting; Sheetrock; Above-ground pools under 24 inches; Retaining walls under 4 feet; Sidewalks, driveways, and platforms less than 30 inches above grade; Fences less than 6 feet; Other cosmetic alterations and minor interior or exterior repairs. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Richmond, MO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Richmond, MO via: Contact Lisa Hastings by phone or email; inspections can be arranged by direct contact.
last verified April 2026
source Richmond Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/missouri/ray/city-of-richmond
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Richmond Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.