All Cities / MO / City of St. Louis
Permit Fees in City of St. Louis, MO
✓ Verified from published fee schedule
Based on Building Division, Department of Public Safety published fee schedule
Data last verified: March 23, 2026
Independent city (NOT part of St. Louis County). Separate building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Building permit is valuation-based: $10 per $1,000 (or fraction) of full valuation plus $25 application fee (for projects over $3,000). Flat fees for under $3,000.
Permit Cost by Project
Kitchen Remodel 50k$690
Bathroom Remodel 25k$460
Kitchen Remodel 25k$440
Bathroom Remodel 15k$360
Solar Panels$360
Roof Replacement 25k$275
Roof Replacement 12k$145
Deck Construction 12k$145
Siding Replacement 10k$125
Window Replacement 8k$105
Hvac Replacement 8k$105
Electrical Panel 3k$85
Roof Repair 5k$75
Deck Construction 5k$75
Water Heater 3k$70
Plumbing Repair 1k$70
Fence New 2k$48
Demolition Garage Shed$25
Do You Need a Permit?
No — Paint, cosmetic updates, fixture swaps
Yes — Solar panels ($360)
Verified Permit Cost by Project Type
Kitchen Remodel 50k
$690
Bathroom Remodel 25k
$460
Kitchen Remodel 25k
$440
Bathroom Remodel 15k
$360
Solar Panels
$360
Roof Replacement 25k
$275
Roof Replacement 12k
$145
Deck Construction 12k
$145
Two Types of Permits
Building Permit
Structural & Major Work
Covers structural changes, additions, remodels, and major renovations. Required when you're changing the layout, load-bearing walls, or footprint of your home.
Usually pulled by: General contractor or homeowner
Trade Permit
Specialty Systems
Covers plumbing, electrical, HVAC/mechanical, and roofing. Required when you're touching water lines, wiring, ductwork, or roof structure. Most remodels need trade permits on top of the building permit.
Usually pulled by: Licensed trade contractor (plumber, electrician, HVAC tech)
Work that typically requires a permit:
• New construction (residential or commercial)
• Additions: garage, deck, porch, ADU, carport
• Expanding or demolishing an existing structure
• Swimming pool installation
• HVAC installation or replacement
• Adding, moving, or removing walls
• Roof installation or replacement
• Finishing a basement
• Solar panel installation
• EV charging station installation
• Generator installation
• Fence installation
• Siding installation
• Window installation or replacement
Work that usually doesn't need a permit:
• Painting interior or exterior walls
• Installing cabinets without changing the layout
• Replacing carpet or flooring
• Replacing fixtures in the same location
• Cosmetic updates (countertops, backsplash, trim)
• Landscaping and yard work
Rules vary by city. When in doubt, call your local building department before starting work.
Permit Cost Calculator · City of St. Louis
$145
Verified total permit cost in City of St. Louis
✓ Verified from Building Division, Department of Public Safety published fee schedule
Quick Reference · City of St. Louis Permit Requirements
| Homeowner Task | Permit? | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Paint interior / exterior | NO | Cosmetic |
| Replace flooring | NO | Cosmetic |
| Replace kitchen cabinets (same layout) | NO | Cosmetic |
| Swap a light fixture (same location) | NO | Cosmetic |
| Replace a water heater | YES | — Plumbing |
| Add / move electrical outlets | YES | — Electrical |
| Remodel a bathroom | YES | — Multiple trades |
| Remodel a kitchen | YES | — Multiple trades |
| Replace / repair roof | YES | — Building |
| Build a deck or patio | YES | — Building |
| Build a fence (≤6 ft) | NO | Typically exempt |
| Install solar panels | YES | $360 |
| Replace HVAC system | YES | — Mechanical |
| Replace windows (new opening) | YES | — Building |
∗ Costs are verified for City of St. Louis, MO from published fee schedule. Always confirm with your local building department.
Frequently Asked · City of St. Louis
How much does a building permit cost in City of St. Louis?
Permit costs in City of St. Louis, MO vary by project. A bathroom remodel runs $0 in total permits. Source: Building Division, Department of Public Safety.
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in City of St. Louis?
Yes. A bathroom remodel in City of St. Louis requires building, plumbing, and electrical permits, totaling $0.
What's the cheapest permit in City of St. Louis?
The lowest-cost permit is for Demolition Garage Shed at $25.
Cite This Data
David Olson. (2026). Building permit fees in City of St. Louis, MO. PermitCalculator. https://permitcalculator.com/cities/city-of-st-louis-mo/
APA format
David Olson. “Building Permit Fees in City of St. Louis, MO.” PermitCalculator. Accessed March 25, 2026. https://permitcalculator.com/cities/city-of-st-louis-mo/
Chicago format
Data Attribution