How to Obtain Non-digitized Ordinances

Overview

Ordinance 62284 and older are not online and have not been digitized. They can be obtained from two different City offices depending on the ordinance number.

• Ordinances 1- 44981 (1851-1949) can be obtained from the Comptroller Records Retention's Office.
• Ordinances 44982 - 62283 (1949-1993) can be obtained from the City Register.

Preparation

1. Check for the availability of city ordinances online. Ordinance 62284 and newer are available online.
2. To expedite locating the non-digitized ordinance:
   1. When known, provide the exact ordinance number.
   2. If the ordinance number is not available, provide as much information about the ordinance as possible. For example, if an address, street name, or a city block is part of the ordinance (such as for redevelopment projects or street vacation) provide that information. If the ordinance references a specific business, provide the business name.
   3. When known, provide the approximate year the ordinance was passed.
3. Be ready to provide your contact information such as your name, email address, phone number.
4. Ordinances 1 - 44981 (1851-1949) can be obtained from the Comptroller's Office of Records Retention.
5. Ordinances 44982 - 62283 (1949-1993) can be obtained from the City Register.

Instructions

For Ordinances 1 - 44981

Comptroller's Office of Records Retention 

By email 

By Phone 314-622-4275 

By mail or in-person: 

Records Retention

City Hall, Room 1

1200 Market Street

St. Louis, MO 63103

In order to best serve the public, it is recommended to provide staff as much information and details about the ordinance(s) you are requesting as possible.

For Ordinances 44982 - 62283

City Register

By email 

By phone 314-622-4145   

By mail or in-person:

City Register

City Hall, Room 118

1200 Market Street

St. Louis, MO 63103

In order to best serve the public, it is recommended to provide staff as much information and details about the ordinance(s) you are requesting as possible.

For copies requested by mail or electronically, please call the Register's office first to determine the cost. Ordinances will be either mailed or emailed upon receipt of payment.  

Requests that require over 2 hours of staff labor time will be charged in compliance with the Missouri Sunshine Law, RSMo., 610.026.  

Fees

Records Retention Fees:

The majority of requests are at no cost to the public. Requests that require over 2 hours of staff labor time will be charged in compliance with the Missouri Sunshine Law, RSMo., 610.026.

Register Fees:

There are no fees for research, but there is a charge for electronic copies. Call 622-4145 or email for cost, and an electronic copy will be sent upon receipt of payment either by check or money order.  

• $2.50 per printed certified copy
• $.50 per printed copy

For hard copy ordinances obtained from the Register, the user must send or provide payment after receiving the quote from the Register and before obtaining the hard copy. 

What to Expect

Assistance with locating and securing non-digitized ordinances 1 through 62283.