Home remodeling can be a great way to upgrade your property and improve its value. But before you start tearing down walls or expanding your living space, you should know whether you need to get remodeling permits for your home renovation project. Failing to get the required permits in St. Louis can result in penalties, delays, and potential complications when selling your house. But when do you need a permit?
Remodeling projects that require a permit in St. Louis
While some minor cosmetic changes might not need approval, significant structural or system alterations almost always require a building permit. Here are some of the most common remodeling projects that need permits in St. Louis:
- Removal of load-bearing walls
- House expansion
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary housing units on the same property
- Electrical work
- Fencing
- Garage/driveway addition
- Fireplace/chimney addition
- Swimming pools
- Structural changes to roofing
- Plumbing or sprinkler systems
How to get a permit for a home renovation project
If you think that your remodeling project requires a permit, you need to understand the steps involved in getting one. In St. Louis, the process is relatively straightforward, but it helps to know what to expect.
- Find out whether you need a permit: Not every project requires a permit, so it’s a good idea to check with the St. Louis Department of Public Safety’s Building Division to verify if your specific project needs a residential permit. They provide a comprehensive list of what does and doesn’t require a permit, or you can contact them directly for clarification.
- Apply for a permit: If a permit is necessary, you need to submit your application in person at the St. Louis City Hall Permit Office. Many homeowners rely on their general contractor or subcontractors to pull permits for them, but if you’re handling the project yourself, it will be your responsibility to apply.
- Apply for a variance if you need one: If your remodeling plans don’t follow the city’s building codes or zoning rules, you can ask for a variance. But there’s no guarantee it’ll be approved. A variance lets you go around certain rules, but the city will review your request to make sure it won’t cause problems for the neighborhood.
- Get the permit: Once your permit is granted, the remodeling work can begin. Depending on the scope of your project, you may need multiple permits, like electrical, plumbing, and building. Make sure you keep a record of the permit at the job site.
- Receive an inspection: After the work is completed, the city will send inspectors to review the project and ensure that it meets code compliance.
What happens if you don’t get a permit?
Skipping the permit process can cause big problems later down the line. If the city finds out you did work without a permit, you might face fines and penalties, or even have to undo the renovations. Unpermitted work can also void your homeowners insurance.
If you try to sell your house without the right permits and don’t mention it, you could run into legal trouble. If the unpermitted work comes up during the home inspection, you might have to lower your asking price—or even lose the sale altogether, since many home buyers prefer “move-in ready" homes.
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This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
