Permits

The Building Division is responsible for issuing various types of permits including Building, Occupancy, Demolition, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing.

In April 1999, the Building Division implemented a full scale effort to streamline the building permit process with the creation of the Business Assistance Center (BAC) Project Steward Program, a more comprehensive Preliminary Project Review process, and the One-Stop-Shop for Permits. Our goal is to significantly increase the number of Same-Day Permits and reduce the time frame for reviewing, approving, and issuing other building permits to between 3-5 working days after the building permit application has been made. Presently, Same-Day Permits make up about 84% of all building permits issued.

Many residential construction permits for smaller projects such as fences, porches, and finished basements are issued the same day through our "One Stop Shop" for permits. Larger residential projects as well as commercial construction permits will be routed to appropriate departments for review.

Occupancy permits at the present time are not required for residential property by the City of Saint Louis, except for Section 8 subsidy. Certificates of Inspection are required for  properties in Housing Conservation areas of the City. Occupancy permits are required for all commercial businesses in the City.

Demolition permits must be obtained by a Demolition Contractor certified by the City of Saint Louis. However, an Owner may be issued a demolition permit provided the building to be removed is no more than 1 1/2 stories or 15 feet in height and contains less than 10,000 cubic feet in volume and 1,000 square feet in floor area with no basement. The Owner may be issued a demolition permit for a garage or shed.

Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing permits are issued only to licensed contractors in most cases. A homeowner may apply for a permit if they meet certain requirements.