Memphis, Missouri, MO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Governs building permits inside Memphis city limits. The city code also references zoning and subdivision compliance

Department

City of Memphis Building Inspector

Address

125 W Jefferson St., Memphis, MO 63555

Phone

(660) 465-7285

Email

Not publicly listed on the cited pages

Website

https://www.cityofmemphismo.com/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project needs a permit under city code and zoning or subdivision rules
2. File a building permit application with the City before any construction starts
3. Attach a simple sketch or drawing and a general description of the proposed work
4. Include an estimate of construction cost with the application
5. The City reviews the proposal for consistency with the building code, zoning, and subdivision ordinances
6. If approved, the permit is issued and filed at City Hall
7. Notify the Building Inspector before construction and complete required inspections during the work
8. After the required inspections are completed satisfactorily, the permit can serve as the certificate of occupancy

Typical processing time: None found

Source: City of Memphis Building Inspector

General Requirements

"Prior to any construction" a building permit application must be filed and a permit obtained

Required Documents

• When a permit is required: "Prior to any construction" a building permit application must be filed and a permit obtained
• Required documents: City form, simple sketch or drawing, general description of work, and estimate of construction cost
• Permit validity/expiration: None found
• Owner-builder rules if available: None found
• Contractor license requirements: None found in the public pages reviewed
• Building code adopted: The city code references building codes, zoning, and subdivision ordinances; the public excerpt reviewed does not spell out a single consolidated building code list

Permit validity

None found

Building code

The city code references building codes, zoning, and subdivision ordinances; the public excerpt reviewed does not spell out a single consolidated building code list

Owner-builder

None found

Contractor requirements

None found in the public pages reviewed

Fees

Minimum permit fee

None found

Plan check fee

None found

Permit fee formula

Not fully public in the materials reviewed; the code requires an estimate of construction cost with the application

Reinspection fee

None found in the public pages reviewed

Payment note

No building-permit payment portal was located in the public sources reviewed

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Memphis Building Inspector to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• The permit holder must notify the Building Inspector before construction ()

Inspection hours

City Hall hours are not stated in the cited ordinance excerpt

Typical inspection sequence: At least two inspections during construction, before completion, with final verification at the end

Additional Resources

• Building code: The city code references building codes, zoning, and subdivision ordinances; the public excerpt reviewed does not spell out a single consolidated building code list
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• ecode360.com
• cityofmemphismo.com
• License lookup guide: Missouri Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Missouri Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Missouri hub: Missouri Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis, Missouri Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Memphis, Missouri, MO?

"Prior to any construction" a building permit application must be filed and a permit obtained

How much does a building permit cost in Memphis, Missouri, MO?

The minimum permit fee is None found. Fees are calculated as: Not fully public in the materials reviewed; the code requires an estimate of construction cost with the application. Plan check fee: None found.

How do I apply for a building permit in Memphis, Missouri, MO?

1. Confirm the project needs a permit under city code and zoning or subdivision rules 2. File a building permit application with the City before any construction starts 3. Attach a simple sketch or drawing and a general description of the proposed work 4. Include an estimate of construction cost with the application 5. The City reviews the proposal for consistency with the building code, zoning, and subdivision ordinances 6. If approved, the permit is issued and filed at City Hall 7. Notify the Building Inspector before construction and complete required inspections during the work 8. After the required inspections are completed satisfactorily, the permit can serve as the certificate of occupancy

How long does it take to get a building permit in Memphis, Missouri, MO?

Typical processing time is None found.

What work is exempt from building permits in Memphis, Missouri, MO?

The following work is generally exempt: No public exempt-work list was found in the public sources reviewed.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Memphis, Missouri, MO?

Inspections can be scheduled via: The permit holder must notify the Building Inspector before construction.