Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, 2018 International Fire Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2017 National Electrical Code, plus City zoning ordinances.
Inspection lane
Apply online through the City permit portal; once assigned agencies approve, the city notifies the applicant and the permit may be paid and printed. Building inspections and occupancy inspections are handled by the Building Division; call 314-622-3313 for permit/inspection questions.
Minor-work playbook
Ordinary residential repairs and maintenance usually do not require a permit; examples include painting, floor refinishing, like-for-like flooring, cabinets, gutters, unchanged windows/doors, certain on-grade steps, limited site work, awnings under 40 square feet, small accessory buildings 50 square feet or less, qualifying pools, like-for-like roof replacement up to 25% of sheathing, replacement fencing in the same location, retaining walls 18 inches or less, small antennas/tents, and statues. Historic districts/landmarks may require approval even for otherwise exempt exterior work; flood areas require a Floodway Development Permit.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Apply online through the City permit portal; once assigned agencies approve, the city notifies the applicant and the permit may be paid and printed. Building inspections and occupancy inspections are handled by the Building Division; call 314-622-3313 for permit/inspection questions.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
No verified planning reference link is listed; ask the agency for the parcel-specific source.
Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
City of St. Louis Building Division, Permit Section is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 314-622-3313.
N/A; the city describes multi-agency review and notification after approvals but does not publish a standard 2026 review timeline.
Apply online through the City permit portal; once assigned agencies approve, the city notifies the applicant and the permit may be paid and printed. Building inspections and occupancy inspections are handled by the Building Division; call 314-622-3313 for permit/inspection questions.
2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, 2018 International Fire Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2017 National Electrical Code, plus City zoning ordinances. Ordinary residential repairs and maintenance usually do not require a permit; examples include painting, floor refinishing, like-for-like flooring, cabinets, gutters, unchanged windows/doors, certain on-grade steps, limited site work, awnings under 40 square feet, small accessory buildings 50 square feet or less, qualifying pools, like-for-like roof replacement up to 25% of sheathing, replacement fencing in the same location, retaining walls 18 inches or less, small antennas/tents, and statues. Historic districts/landmarks may require approval even for otherwise exempt exterior work; flood areas require a Floodway Development Permit.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.