City Building Permits

St. Louis, MO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Missouri City of St. Louis County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers the independent City of St. Louis, which is separate from St. Louis County and has its own building department, code adoption, and permit process.

Department
City of St. Louis Building Division, Department of Public Safety
Address
1200 Market Street, Room 400, St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone
(314) 622-3332
Website
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/building/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of St. Louis Property and Permit Lookup

Platform: City of St. Louis My City account ecosystem • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Determine permit type and whether plan exam is needed through the Building Division and Plan Exam guidance.
  2. Prepare plans, sealed drawings, and related approvals; zoning review is routed through the Building Division zoning section where applicable.
  3. File through the city permit process or one-stop permit counter at City Hall.
  4. Address review comments, pay fees, receive issued permit, then schedule inspections before occupancy or final approval.

Typical processing time: Small residential work may be approved over the counter; larger residential and commercial projects require more extensive review.

Source: City of St. Louis Building Division, Department of Public Safety

General Requirements

Major changes usually require reviewed drawings; many residential and commercial improvements require permits through the Building Division. Confirm scope requirements with the Building Division before proceeding.

Required Documents

  • Permit application
  • Plans
  • Sealed drawings where required
  • Zoning-related submittals where applicable
Building code
2018 IBC, 2018 IEBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IECC, 2018 IPMC, 2018 IFC, 2021 UPC, 2018 IMC, 2018 IFGC, and 2017 NEC.
Contractor requirements
Verify trade and contractor licensing with the city before filing.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Varies by permit type and scope.
Payment note
In-person one-stop workflows are available at City Hall. Confirm online workflow details directly with the Building Division.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of St. Louis Building Division, Department of Public Safety to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • City Building Division — (314) 622-3332 (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by permit type; rough and final inspections are common.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of St. Louis Building Division, Department of Public Safety before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in St. Louis, MO?
Major changes usually require reviewed drawings; many residential and commercial improvements require permits through the Building Division. Confirm scope requirements with the Building Division before proceeding.
How much does a building permit cost in St. Louis, MO?
Fees are calculated as: Varies by permit type and scope..
How do I apply for a building permit in St. Louis, MO?
1. Determine permit type and whether plan exam is needed through the Building Division and Plan Exam guidance. 2. Prepare plans, sealed drawings, and related approvals; zoning review is routed through the Building Division zoning section where applicable. 3. File through the city permit process or one-stop permit counter at City Hall. 4. Address review comments, pay fees, receive issued permit, then schedule inspections before occupancy or final approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in St. Louis, MO?
Typical processing time is Small residential work may be approved over the counter; larger residential and commercial projects require more extensive review..
How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Louis, MO?
Inspections can be scheduled via: City Building Division — (314) 622-3332.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in St. Louis can be complicated.

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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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