Fees, valuation & enforcement
Permit fees are a project input. Enforcement exposure is a project risk. Use the official schedule where available, then confirm valuation, trade permits, plan review, and inspection charges with the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Official fee pathway
The final charge may depend on declared construction value, occupancy classification, square footage, plan review, state surcharges, trade permits, technology fees, and inspection activity. Do not use a neighboring city’s fee table as a substitute for this jurisdiction.
Fee desk contact
314-622-3313
Ask the counter to confirm current charges before submitting a project with multiple trades or a change of use.
Financial exposure
Plan for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire, energy, zoning, septic, right-of-way, or other reviews that the project scope triggers. The lowest initial permit fee is not always the lowest project cost.
Enforcement exposure
When work begins without authorization, the agency may halt the site, require corrective plans, impose additional fees, withhold inspection release, or require concealed work to be exposed for review.
Closeout exposure
A missing final inspection or certificate can complicate occupancy, refinancing, sale, insurance, and utility connection. Preserve the approved plans and signed inspection record through closeout.
Professional field note
Even when a cosmetic or minor project does not require a building permit, zoning, floodplain, shoreline, historic, utility, fire, or right-of-way controls may still apply. Confirm the full jurisdictional picture before work starts.
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.
Why permit costs vary
Building departments commonly calculate charges from valuation, occupancy, floor area, project type, plan review effort, trade scope, state surcharges, and inspection activity. A remodel that appears small on paper may still trigger structural, energy, fire, or utility review. Ask the permit counter which disciplines apply before you finalize the construction budget.
The same discipline applies to enforcement. Correcting unpermitted work after finishes are installed can require demolition, revised plans, additional inspections, and schedule disruption. Authorization is usually the less expensive project-management decision.