Barndominiums are widely accepted across most counties.
Missouri does not have a statewide building code. St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, and other cities adopt IBC/IRC locally. Many of Missouri's 114 counties have no building codes and issue no permits.
Primary Code
IBC / IRC (locally adopted)
Code Version
Varies by jurisdiction (2012–2021 IBC)
Adoption Level
Local Only
Statewide Enforcement
No
Residential permits not required in many unincorporated areas. Cities require standard permits.
Residential
Not Required
Commercial
Required
Agricultural
Not Required
Agricultural buildings are exempt from permits in most jurisdictions. Many rural areas have no code enforcement at all.
Not applicable in areas without code enforcement.
Southeast Missouri (Bootheel) is in a high seismic zone near the New Madrid fault. Tornado risk statewide. Moderate snow loads.
Wind Load
90–115 mph
moderate zone
Snow Load
10–25 psf
Seismic
A–D
Category
Flood
FEMA Regulated
Energy Code
None statewide
Version
Locally adopted where applicable
No statewide energy code.
License Type
No state license required
Missouri does not require a state general contractor license. Some cities (St. Louis, Kansas City) require local contractor licenses.
Front
25–30 ft
Side
5–15 ft
Rear
15–25 ft
Set by local zoning where it exists. Many rural areas have no zoning.
Frost depth 24-30 inches. Basements common in northern Missouri. Seismic foundation design in southeastern MO.
Minimal or no permitting in many rural areas.
No permit requirements in most rural areas.
Excellent state for barndominiums. Many areas have zero permit requirements. Very popular.
No permit required in many rural areas.
Full code compliance in cities with adopted codes.
HOAs common in KC and STL suburbs. Most rural land is completely unrestricted.
Major flood zones along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Key counties with specific permit information for Missouri.
Full IBC enforcement. Thorough plan review.
Typical fees: $400 – $3,000
Full code enforcement in KC.
Typical fees: $400 – $2,500
Full enforcement within Springfield. County varies.
Typical fees: $300 – $2,000
No county building codes. No permits required.
Typical fees: $0
Ag Exemption AvailableNo building codes. No permits. Very rural.
Typical fees: $0
Ag Exemption AvailableVerify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.
