GOV
Board of Public Service Permits
Information and applications for permits from the Board of Public Service, including encroachments, massage and tattoo parlors, public improvement and property boundary change.
Overview
Article XIII Section 5 of the City Charter empowers the BPS Office of the Secretary to:
- issue permits for the use of public spaces
- grant permits for private businesses as provided by general ordinance (tattoo and massage parlors)
- accept or reject grants or dedications of property for any public use
- review property boundary changes
- control and conduct engineering, construction, and reconstruction work done by the City
You can read more about each type of permit below.
Boundary/Construction Permits
Public Improvement Permits
Public improvement permits are required for any improvements proposed within the public right-of-way (ROW) or on City-owned property.
Apply for a Public Improvement Permit
Property Boundary Changes
The Board of Public Service authorizes any proposed property modifications, including Subdivisions, Boundary Adjustments and Lot Consolidations.
Apply for a Property Boundary Change
Street/Alley Changes
Street and alley changes are divided into two categories:
- Street/Alley Dedications – The City receiving new public right-of-way (ROW) from one or more properties. Street/Alley Dedications are processed through the Board of Public Service.
- Street/Alley Vacations – The City forfeiting public right-of-way to one or more properties. Street/Alley Vacations are processed through the Street Department.
Business Permits
Two types of businesses require a permit issued by the Board of Public Service.
Massage or Public Bath Permit
In addition to a state license, permits are required for massage parlors or public baths to operate in the City of St. Louis. This serves as the business license for the establishment.
Apply for a Massage or Public Bath Permit
Massage Parlor Requirements
Tattoo Parlor Permit
In addition to a state license, permits are required for tattoo parlors to operate in the City of St. Louis. This permit serves as the business license for the establishment.
Encroachment Permits
Encroachment permits are permits for using a public area or right of way. There are a few specific types of encroachment permit as well as a general one.
Artwork Permit
Permit for the installation of public artwork.
Banner Permit
Permit for hanging decorations, banners or other attachments on City lighting poles. Lighting pole banners may promote neighborhood associations, institutions or places of community importance, St. Louis milestones, or other civic endeavors.
Sidewalk Cafe Permit
Restaurants wanting to place a sidewalk cafe on a public street or sidewalk must obtain a sidewalk cafe permit.
Special Event Permit
The Office of Special Events issues permits that authorize the use of public spaces for large events that take place in the City right-of-way or on public property.
Other Departments Issuing Permits
Other departments that issue permits for the City include:
- Department of Streets issues permits for block parties, bike racks commercial loading zones, driveways, excavation, food trucks and sidewalks.
- Building Division issues permits for demolition, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, tent and/or housing conservation/HCD (residential occupancy), short term rentals, and the town home fee simple conversion permit required to change the boundary of a property over a building.
- For private events in a City Park, contact the Parks Division.
