Building Permits/Plan Review

Notice of Revised Permit and Licensing Fees

On March 7, 2022, City Council passed an ordinance amending Chapter 7  “Building and Building Regulations” which increased fees for construction permits and trade licenses. The new ordinance also revises how permit fees are calculated. Permit fees will now be based on valuation of construction as is suggested by International Code Council and is currently in effect in a majority of municipalities across the country. These fee changes and revisions will go into effect July 1, 2022.


Select a permit, complete, and return via mail or fax to:
Building Division
City Hall
1100 Frederick Avenue
Room 106
St. Joseph, MO 64501
Fax: 816-271-4676

Permits

Site Development Requirements

View a PowerPoint presentation on:

  • Plan Review Process
  • Land Disturbance Permitting
  • Erosion and Sediment Controls
  • Inspections and Post-Construction Inspections
  • Green Operator Program

Residential Plan Review Submittal

Plans and specifications for the initial plan review should be as complete as possible at the time of submittal. Use this convenient guide as a check-list when submitting your plans for review.

Plans reviewed for compliance with:

  • 2018 International Residential Code
  • City Code of Ordinances

Commercial Plan Review Submittal

The purpose of commercial plan review is to provide city staff with an opportunity to review the submittals to ensure code and ordinance requirements are met. Staff will review criteria for planning and zoning, building, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, engineering, pre‐treatment, floodplain, stormwater, land disturbance, fire and vehicle access, health and food safety, etc. to ensure local and federal requirements are met.

For planning purposes, city staff asks for up to 21 business days to complete the initial review and up to 14 business days for any resubmittal reviews. Timelines vary based on project size. Applicant will be notified within three business days if submittal passes quality control review and released for city staff review. All incomplete submittals will be held until all documents needed for review are received. If any additional information is required once review starts, staff will immediately contact the applicant.

Plans reviewed for compliance with:

  • 2018 International Building Code
  • 2018 International Existing Building Code
  • 2018 International Residential Code
  • 2018 International Mechanical Code
  • 2018 International Fuel Gas Code
  • 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code


  • 2018 International Fire Code
  • 2017 National Electrical Code
  • 1999 Food Code The latest Accessibility
  • Codes City Code of Ordinances