Apply for an Artwork Permit

An Artwork Encroachment Permit is required when installing artwork on public property, especially in the public right-of-way (such as streets, sidewalks, or city-owned spaces). The permit ensures the installation is safe, properly located, and approved by city departments before it is placed.

Examples:

• Sculptures or installations on sidewalks or plazas
• Decorative art attached to poles, structures, or street infrastructure
• Temporary or permanent public art displays in the right-of-way
• Artwork installed near streets, parks, or city-owned property

City Departments such as the Streets Department and the Parks Division may review the project depending on the location. Cultural Resources may also review the project if the site is in a historic district.

Ordinance 68793 governs this process.

Review Instructions

Please read all the instructions on this page carefully before applying, including the What to Expect section, as this information will give you an idea of the scope of the process and how long it might take.

Encroachment Conditions

Ensure that the artwork meets the encroachment conditions.

Insurance

When applying for the permit, you will need to provide a certificate of liability insurance. The insurance must be for $1,000,000 and the City of St. Louis must be listed as additional insured. View the insurance specifications.

Application Information

Information that you will need for the application:

1. Legal name, address, phone number and email address of your business or organization 
2. Your legal name, address, phone number and email address
3. Desired location of the work(exact address/cross streets)
4. Estimated start and end date for display of the artwork.
5. Documents to attach to the application:
   • Drawing of the artwork
   • Certificate of insurance

We accept .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tiff, .bmp, .pdf, .txt, .rtf, .csv, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx or .zip files under 50 MB.

Use the Begin Online button to start your artwork application.

Begin Online

You will receive an e-mail confirmation of the application to the email you provided. The confirmation e-mail will also include instructions to check the status of your application.

If more information is needed, you will be contacted. The application review process generally takes two to three weeks.

Once the application is reviewed and comments have been satisfied, you will be notified that the application is being referred to the next meeting of the Board of Public Service for final approval.

The Office of the Secretary will issue the permit on behalf of the Board of Public Service.

Once the permit is issued, installation can begin. The Artwork must be installed and maintained in compliance with permit conditions.

Any changes will require you to resubmit the application and all attachments.

For information about permits, please contact Michele Knox at knoxm@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 622-4627.