St. Ann, Missouri Building Permit Guide

St. Ann splits permitting with St. Louis County. The city’s Building & Zoning Department, headed by Building Commissioner Bob Vogel, reviews plans and issues building permits and occupancy permits; St. Louis County issues all HVAC, plumbing and electrical permits and carries out residential re-occupancy inspections under contract. A residential building permit is $10 for the first $1,000 of cost plus $2 for each additional $1,000.

What requires a building permit in St. Ann?

The Building & Zoning Department lists the work that needs a city building permit:

The city checks the St. Louis County trade permits when it inspects. When it is unclear whether work needs a permit, the department asks owners to call City Hall.

St. Ann building department: who handles permitting

The city administers its own building and zoning codes: Building & Zoning does building plan review and zoning site plan review and issues occupancy permits, while residential re-occupancy inspections have been done by St. Louis County since May 1, 2023. St. Louis County’s list of municipal code contracts (revised August 3, 2026) shows St. Ann contracts with the county for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing codes, the property maintenance code, residential occupancy permits, fire suppression systems, elevators, amusement rides and periodic mechanical inspections. The building, residential and existing building codes, land disturbance and the sewer lateral program stay with the city.

Applying for a St. Ann building permit

The city’s Building Permit Application covers new buildings, additions, alterations, tenant finish, footing and foundation only, and demolition. Submit it with two copies of a scaled site plan and construction drawing showing where the work will go, the cost of construction and the owner, architect and contractor details.

Every commercial building permit application must include a stamped drawing set approved by the fire district that serves the property; the city’s resident packet lists the Community Fire District and the West Overland Fire District for St. Ann. Depending on the job, the city may also require a fire sprinkler permit, dumpster enclosure, health department approval, excavation, sign or floodplain development permit, or a special use permit, along with county electrical, plumbing, mechanical and elevator permits.

Other city forms include the Dumpster / Storage Container Permit ($20, driveway placement only, up to 30 days), the Right-of-Way Permit Application, the Special Use Permit Application and the Variance Application.

St. Ann permit fees

Building permit fees are set by Section 500.030 of the city code (last amended by Ordinance 2885, January 6, 2014).

For example, a $20,000 home addition carries a permit fee of $10 plus 19 × $2, or $48. An inspection fee from the schedule in Section 400.700(G) is added as the Director of Public Services decides. If the city sends plan review or inspections to an outside consultant, the applicant pays the cost and opens a $1,000 escrow account, topped up whenever it falls below $500.

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC permits

All HVAC, plumbing and electrical permits must be applied for by a licensed contractor through St. Louis County, which enforces those codes in St. Ann under the county codes the city has adopted. The city has also adopted the county’s plumbing and mechanical licensing sections as its own licensing rules.

Alliance handles electrical permit expediting for contractors here. More on this: who pulls the electrical permit.

How to get a building permit in St. Ann

Inspections and occupancy permits

The building permit form lists the city inspections that may apply: footing, foundation, form, framing, drywall, ceiling cover and final.

An occupancy permit is required at every change of ownership or tenancy, when a rental permit expires and after construction. Since May 1, 2023, St. Louis County Public Works carries out St. Ann’s residential re-occupancy inspections. The owner or property manager applies through the county’s online Permitting Portal; the county calls to schedule, generally within 48 hours, and inspections typically follow within five days, so the city advises a seven-day lead time before move-in. Passed reports go to the owner and the city; the county’s re-occupancy line is (314) 615-4100.

Once the inspection passes, the tenant or buyer applies to the city for the occupancy permit, listing everyone who will live there with a photo ID for each person 16 or older; City Hall has an after-hours drop box, and an application is processed only with all documents and payment. The city’s application form raised the permit fee to $40 on October 1, 2026; Section 400.700 of the online code, last amended in February 2024, still lists $30. Under that section, inspection and permit fees rise 50% if a home is occupied first, rental occupancy permits last one year, the applicant must be current on St. Louis County property taxes, and a permit lapses if the move-in does not happen within 90 days.

Since January 2026 (Ordinance 3433, which lets the City Administrator adjust certain user fees) the city also charges rental owners for an annual exterior inspection of each rental property; the minutes do not state the amount, so Building & Zoning (314-427-8009) quotes the current fee.

Local rules worth knowing

Adopted codes: the 2021 International Building Code (Ordinance 3404, May 5, 2025), the 2021 International Residential Code, the 2015 International Existing Building Code and the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, plus the St. Louis County electrical, plumbing, mechanical and property maintenance codes.

Business occupancy: anyone seeking a certificate of occupancy for a non-residential building must also apply for a business license, and the city may allow conditional occupancy for up to 90 days while repairs are completed.

Floodplain: Chapter 410 of the city code governs floodplain management, and a floodplain development permit is on the city’s list of related permits. FEMA lists St. Ann as a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Missouri building code

Missouri has no mandatory statewide building code for private construction: a county, fire protection district or municipality may adopt one (usually by reference under RSMo 67.280), and in parts of the state none has. Building codes in Missouri

St. Ann permit FAQ

Who issues building permits in St. Ann?

The City of St. Ann Building & Zoning Department at 10405 St. Charles Rock Road (314-427-8009). Electrical, plumbing and HVAC permits come from St. Louis County.

How much is a residential building permit in St. Ann?

$10 for the first $1,000 of construction cost and $2 for each additional $1,000, plus any inspection fee; a $20,000 project is $48 before inspections.

Do I need a permit to replace my roof or build a fence?

Yes. Roof replacements, fences, sheds, decks, driveways and interior remodels are all on the city’s permit list.

Who does the occupancy inspection when I rent or buy a home?

St. Louis County, under its contract with the city; apply through the county’s Permitting Portal. The fee is $95.50 for a single-family home, then the city issues the occupancy permit.

How much is an occupancy permit in St. Ann?

$40 from October 1, 2026, rising to $60 if someone has already moved in.

Can a homeowner pull an electrical permit in St. Ann?

The city says all HVAC, plumbing and electrical permits must be applied for by a licensed contractor through St. Louis County.

St. Ann permit search and official resources

• St. Ann Building & Zoning Department
• St. Ann Building Permit Application
• St. Ann Occupancy Permit Application (October 2026)
• St. Ann residential re-occupancy inspections by St. Louis County
• St. Ann dumpster and storage container permit
• St. Ann Code 500.030, building permit fees
• St. Ann Code 400.700, occupancy permits
• St. Louis County occupancy permit applications
• St. Louis County municipal code contracts list

Simplify St. Ann permitting with Alliance Permitting

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Missouri. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about St. Ann permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.