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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

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

The code baseline for St. Louis County.

2015 International Building Code (Chapter 1115), 2015 International Residential Code (Chapter 1116), 2015 International Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 1110), 2014 National Electrical Code/NFPA 70 (Chapter 1102), 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code (Chapter 1103), plus county land-disturbance and applicable zoning codes and amendments. County enforcement applies in unincorporated areas and municipalities contracting with the county for plan review/inspection.

Inspection lane

Submit plans and permit applications through the county permit drop box/mail-in process or the e-permits portal. For inspection questions call 314-615-4677; general permit-processing questions call 314-615-5184. Residential occupancy inspections are scheduled by county staff, with the cited occupancy form stating contact within 48 hours.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

N/A; the county publishes project-specific residential/commercial guides, but the reviewed official permit pages did not provide one consolidated 2026 list of minor or cosmetic exemptions.

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

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Submit plans and permit applications through the county permit drop box/mail-in process or the e-permits portal. For inspection questions call 314-615-4677; general permit-processing questions call 314-615-5184. Residential occupancy inspections are scheduled by county staff, with the cited occupancy form stating contact within 48 hours.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

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.

No verified lookup link

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

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.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

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.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for St. Louis County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works, Code Enforcement-Permits Processing is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 314-615-5184 (Permit Processing Center); 314-615-4269 (Permit Application Center); 314-615-4677 (Inspections).

How long might review take?

N/A; the county publishes the workflow but no standard 2026 review time on the reviewed official pages.

How are inspections scheduled?

Submit plans and permit applications through the county permit drop box/mail-in process or the e-permits portal. For inspection questions call 314-615-4677; general permit-processing questions call 314-615-5184. Residential occupancy inspections are scheduled by county staff, with the cited occupancy form stating contact within 48 hours.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

2015 International Building Code (Chapter 1115), 2015 International Residential Code (Chapter 1116), 2015 International Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 1110), 2014 National Electrical Code/NFPA 70 (Chapter 1102), 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code (Chapter 1103), plus county land-disturbance and applicable zoning codes and amendments. County enforcement applies in unincorporated areas and municipalities contracting with the county for plan review/inspection. N/A; the county publishes project-specific residential/commercial guides, but the reviewed official permit pages did not provide one consolidated 2026 list of minor or cosmetic exemptions.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

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.