Building codes and standards are the primary means by which building construction and occupancy are regulated. Inspecting for compliance with established construction standards and adopted codes improves the quality of life by maintaining property values, ensuring safety, and helping to keep insurance rates reasonable.
The Building Inspector of the Public Works Department provides code compliance inspections for all new building construction, both residential and commercial, as well as for renovation, rehab, and other home improvement projects. In addition, the Building Inspector performs occupancy inspections, examines and approves plans, issues permits, and enforces the City's zoning ordinances. The Code Enforcement Officer of the Public Works Department performs occupancy inspections and inspects existing properties for compliance with the adopted International Property Maintenance Code. The Animal/Health Officer of the Public Works Department also performs property maintenance inspections as well as handles all calls related to animals and disease bearing vectors such as rats and mosquitoes.
The City has contracted with St. Louis County to provide plan review, permitting, and inspection of all electrical, mechanical, and plumbing construction and renovation.
To determine if and what permit your project may require, please consult the permits selection below. |
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The City of St. John requires each dwelling/business to have an occupancy inspection performed prior to occupancy. No person may occupy or use a residential dwelling or business property until an inspection has been performed, any predications corrected, and an occupancy permit has been issued.
For existing structures, the City has adopted the 2000 International Property Maintenance Code. The provisions of this Code apply to all existing residential and nonresidential structures and all existing premises and constitute minimum requirements and standards for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection from the elements, life safety, safety from fire and other hazards, and for safe and sanitary conditions in all premises, structures, equipment, and facilities in the City. The intent is to ensure public health, safety and welfare insofar as they are affected by the continued occupancy and maintenance of structures and premises.
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Permits are required for new construction as well as for most major repair work or alterations to an existing structure such as remodeling, renovation, or enlargement, and for the repair or replacement of the parts of a building related to maintenance of structural integrity and systems related to mechanical, plumbing, or electrical.
Permits are also required for dumpsters and storage pods. The permit fee is $25 and most permits cannot be longer than 48 hours. Additional time can be granted but will be done on a case by case basis. Dumpsters and/or storage pods will not be allowed to be set in the street and must be set in either the resident's driveway or yard.
General maintenance does not require a permit, nor do projects considered “cosmetic” such as painting, carpeting, wallpapering, replacing or adding cabinets and trim. Sometimes it can get tricky trying to figure out when your project might need a permit. For example, putting on an overlay of shingles on the roof, or an overlay of asphalt on an existing driveway does not require a permit. However, if you have to remove and replace roof decking, or if you are adding onto your driveway a permit would be required. If in doubt, contact the Building Inspector.
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Public Works