Building Permits and Inspections

Building Permits and Inspections

The City of Town and Country issues building and mechanical permits, subject to the requirements of the BOCA National Building Code/1999 and the City’s Building Code amendments. The Building Code helps ensure safety by regulating construction materials and techniques. When construction and final inspections are finished, the City issues an Occupancy Permit for all new construction.

Our Code Official, Bob Bodley, and our Administrative Secretary, Diana Kaufman, are eager to process your building permit as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Building Permit Requirements – A building permit is required for new residential and commercial structures, additions, renovations, basement finishes, fireplaces, heating and air conditioning systems, retaining walls higher than four feet, etc. To expedite review of your permit application, please be sure to submit all of the following to the Development Office at the Town and Country Municipal Center:

Complete, signed "Application for Building Permit". A copy of the application is available for review by CLICKING HERE, but official three-part applications must be obtained from the Planning and Development Department.

Two sets of Building Plans. Each set must have:

Seal and signature of Missouri registered architect or engineer.

Signature of Fire Marshal depending on project location:
West County EMS & Fire Protection District, 223 Henry Avenue (636) 227-3030
Creve Coeur Fire Protection District, 11221 Olive Blvd. (314) 432-5570

Two sets of HVAC plans and/or truss plans, if applicable.

Complete signatures of subdivision trustees for plans affecting the exterior of a residence.

Two site plans, if applicable.

Application for Occupancy Permit ($50.00 fee) for new construction and commercial space changes.

If your building permit application is incomplete or does not comply with City codes, staff will discuss necessary changes or additions with you.

Building Permit Costs - Building permit costs are based on the cost of construction and the number of inspections necessary for the work. The Plan Review is $75 and $75.00 for the first $1,000.00 of construction plus $5.00 for each additional $1000. The City charges $40 for each inspection. Building permit fees and number of inspections vary depending on the kind and cost of construction. Call Bob Bodley, Code Official (314-432-6606, ext. 115), for more information.

Electrical and Plumbing Permits - Electrical and plumbing permits must be obtained from St. Louis County (314- 615-5000, choose option 6). Town and Country issues building and mechanical permits only.

Inspections - The City provides building and mechanical inspections as part of our construction permitting process. Call (314) 432-6606, ext. 116 at least 24 hours in advance to schedule your inspection. Have ready your building permit number, address of work, type of inspection, name and telephone number when you call. Inspections must be performed in the order shown on the inspection card.

Demolition Permits - The City issues demolition permits upon application and after payment of the applicable fee (minimum $190), after each utility company notifies the City that utilities have been shut off, and after the St. Louis County Department of Health (314-615-4130) has issued a Demolition Waste Release. Both utility and Health Department release forms are required at the time of application to the City.

Fence Permits - All fences require a fence permit, issued when the fence plans comply with City regulations, for a fee of $50.00. Six-foot high fences are generally permitted along the sides and rear of a residential lot and should be no taller than six feet, with at least 30% open area appearing consistently throughout the fence. Front yard fences are allowed only on certain designated streets and must be at least 50% open and no taller than four feet high. Please supply subdivision trustee approval with your fence permit application. Call (314) 432-6606, ext. 116 for more information.

Architectural Review - The City’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) must review and approve the design of any new home in the City before the City can issue a building permit. The ARB must also review and approve the design of any addition to an existing home that affects the home’s front elevation. The City’s Board of Aldermen must review and approve the design of any new non-residential construction in the City, after receiving a recommendation from the ARB. Call Bob Bodley at (314-432-6606, ext. 115) for information about the architectural review process.

Occupancy Permits

Residential - Occupancy permits are not required for occupancy of existing residences by new owners or renters. They are required before first occupancy of new houses, additions and newly finished spaces that require a building permit.

Nonresidential – Occupancy permits are required for all new nonresidential construction, including renovations that require a building permit, and for changes in leased or occupied space. The West County EMS and Fire Protection District and Creve Coeur Fire Protection District require yearly inspections of all non-residential occupancies. The City cannot renew a City business license without the Fire District’s inspection report.