St. Louis, MO Building Permits: Review Times, Process and Costs
St. Louis, MO building permit timeline: Based on 2 completed projects, permit review takes a median of 326 days (range: 287 to 326 days) with an average of 1 review cycles.
Permit Place has completed 2 building permit projects in St. Louis, MO, working with 2 different clients. Based on our project data, the median permit timeline is 326 days from submission to issuance, with an average of 1 review cycles.
St. Louis Permit Review Data
Based on the provided search results, specific details about the time to review first and subsequent submittals for plan checks in St. Louis, MO, are not directly available. However, some general information can be gathered from the resources: Immediate Review: For most homeowner permits, immediate review can be made between noon and 3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Hot Spot Desk. Plan Exam: The Plan Exam Section reviews construction drawings for compliance with current building codes. Pl
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Projects Completed | 2 |
| Unique Clients Served | 2 |
| Median Timeline | 326 days |
| Average Timeline | 307 days |
| Fastest Project | 287 days |
| Longest Project | 326 days |
| Avg Review Cycles | 1 |
Source: Permit Place project data (2 completed projects) | St. Louis Building Department
Need it faster? Permit Place can expedite your St. Louis permits
Our Experience in St. Louis
Permit Place has managed 2 building permit projects in St. Louis, MO, serving 2 unique clients.
Project Types
- Retail: 2 projects
Our project experience in St. Louis spans Mall (2) site types.
Our St. Louis project experience includes work for Aedifica, Vuori.
We have managed national program rollouts in St. Louis including Garage, Vuori.
What Goes Right in St. Louis
- Project approved in less than a week and 1st round approval. Finished 45% under budget
- City BD review went very quickly. The plans were approved 4 months before the MEP permits were secured
Common Challenges in St. Louis
- City of Des Peres BD. Hard copy wet s/s plans required. Walk in submittal.
- City of Frontenac BD. Hard copy submittal. MEP permits must be submitted by sub through STL County. Based on comments that come from the MEP reviews, structural may be triggered. If that is the case, the updated structural will need to be seen by the City of Frontenac.
What Building Permits Do You Need in St. Louis?
St. Louis requires permits for most construction activity. The type of permit depends on your project scope.
Commercial Permits
- New commercial construction: full plan review with the longest timeline
- Tenant improvements and interior buildouts: plan review for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical changes
- Change of use: required when converting building use (for example, retail to restaurant)
- Shell and core: separate from tenant improvement permits
Residential Permits
- New home construction: full plan review including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
- Additions and remodels: required when modifying structure or adding square footage
- Decks, pools, fences: separate permits with typically faster review
Trade Permits
Individual trade permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and fire sprinkler work.
How the St. Louis Permit Review Process Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Submit your permit application through the St. Louis building department. Applications are reviewed for completeness before being assigned to a plan reviewer.
Step 2: Plan Review
The city reviews your submitted plans for building code compliance, structural integrity, fire safety, energy code, and ADA accessibility. Commercial projects are reviewed by multiple departments at the same time.
Step 3: Corrections and Resubmittal
If the city issues correction comments, you will need to revise your plans and resubmit. Each correction cycle adds another review period. Based on our experience in St. Louis, most projects go through 1 review cycles.
Step 4: Permit Issuance
Once all review departments approve your plans, the building permit is issued. Schedule inspections as work progresses.
Note: These timelines reflect general review periods. Large or complex projects may take longer. Request a quote from Permit Place for a project-specific estimate, or get an instant due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
St. Louis Building Permit Costs
Permit fees in St. Louis vary based on project type and valuation.
| Fee Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Plan review fee | 65-80% of permit fee |
| Building permit fee (commercial) | $500 – $25,000+ based on valuation |
| Trade permits (each) | $100 – $2,000 |
| Fire review | $200 – $3,000 |
| Certificate of occupancy | Included or $100 – $500 |
Fees are set by the St. Louis building department and may change without notice. Contact them directly for current fee schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a building permit in St. Louis?
Based on 2 completed projects, building permit review in St. Louis, MO takes a median of 326 days. The fastest project was completed in 287 days, while complex projects can take up to 326 days. Most projects go through 1 review cycles.
Can a permit expediter help with my St. Louis project?
Yes. Permit Place has completed 2 projects in St. Louis across 2 different clients. We handle everything from application preparation through plan review, corrections, and permit issuance. Our clients typically get permits faster because we submit complete applications that reduce correction cycles.
What building permits do I need in St. Louis, MO?
Most construction in St. Louis requires a building permit. This includes new construction, tenant improvements, change of use, additions, and major renovations. Separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection are also typically required. For a project-specific permit requirements report, use PermitNow.io.
How much does a building permit cost in St. Louis?
Permit fees in St. Louis are calculated based on project valuation and type. Commercial projects typically pay $500 to $25,000+ in total permit and plan review fees. The exact cost depends on project scope, square footage, and any additional trade permits required.
Do I need a permit for a tenant improvement in St. Louis?
Yes. Most interior buildouts in St. Louis that involve structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC modifications require a building permit. Simple cosmetic changes (paint, flooring, non-structural work) typically do not require a permit.
Need Help With St. Louis Building Permits?
Permit Place has 20+ years of experience and has completed 2 projects in St. Louis.
Get A Free Quote
Try PermitNow.io
Or call us: 1-888-660-PERM (7376)
