Building permit costs vary based on the size and cost of the project proposed.

Zoning laws prohibit some uses of property in certain zones, with most restrictions applying to residential dwelling zones.In local historic districts, any building permit application that affects the exterior appearance of a building must be reviewed by the Cultural Resources Office.

Specific information concerning which work requires a building permit and which does not, can be obtained from the Permit Section. Most permit applications start in the Plan Review Section, which requires at least a rough sketch of the work to be performed. Sealed architectural renderings may be necessary, depending on the complexity of the proposed project.

Generally speaking, work involving structural change to the building, complete rehabilitation or renovation, and any new construction will require a building permit. On the other hand, routine maintenance and repairs such as painting, replacing a roof with a similar kind and tuckpointing do not require permits.

Any major work on either the plumbing, heating/ventilation or electrical systems requires a separate permit. The homeowner should be careful to select a qualified and licensed contractor to perform work on these systems in his/her home. In some cases, you may be eligible to get a permit to do electrical or plumbing work yourself, after taking a brief class. This is only the case if you live in and own a single-family house.

The Plumbing Section, Mechanical Section, or Electrical Section can verify whether a contractor does indeed have a city license in that trade. City ordinance requires plumbers and electricians to include their license number in all advertisements.

Plan Exam Section - Building Division
City Hall
Room 400
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103-
Phone: 314-622-3332
Fax: 314-552-7617
Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM M - F

Cultural Resources Office
Locust Building
Suite 1100
1015 Locust St.
St. Louis, MO 63101
Phone: 314-622-3400
Fax: 314-231-2341
Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM M - F

Plumbing Section - Building Division
City Hall
Room 425
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-622-4356
Fax: 314-622-4094
Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM M - F

Electrical Section - Building Division
City Hall
Room 425
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-622-3325
Fax: 314-622-4094
Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM M - F

Mechanical Section - Building Division
City Hall
Room 425
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-622-3375
Fax: 314-622-4094
Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM M - F

Zoning Section - Building Division
City Hall
Room 400
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-622-3666
Fax: 314-552-7617
Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM M - F