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HomePermits & ZoningMissouri
Missouri (MO) Permit Guide

Building a Steel Structure in Missouri: Permits, Zoning & What You Need to Know

Missouri has no statewide building code, leaving it entirely to local jurisdictions. Many rural counties in Missouri's 114 counties have not adopted building codes and do not require building permits. This makes Missouri one of the most build-friendly states for steel buildings and barndominiums.

Permit Difficulty
Easy
Avg Permit Cost
$150 – $2,500
Typical Timeline
1–4 weeks
Barndominium-Friendly
Yes - Barndo-Friendly

Barndominiums are widely accepted across most counties.

State Building Code Overview

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

Permit Requirements

Residential permits not required in many unincorporated areas. Cities require standard permits.

Residential

Not Required

Commercial

Required

Agricultural

Not Required

Required Documents

  • Building plans (in jurisdictions with codes)
  • Site plan

Exemptions & Exceptions

Agricultural Exemption
Available

Agricultural buildings are exempt from permits in most jurisdictions. Many rural areas have no code enforcement at all.

Size Exemption
Available

Not applicable in areas without code enforcement.

Other Exemptions

  • •Many counties have no building codes or permit requirements

Environmental & Structural Loads

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

Energy Code

None statewide

Version

Locally adopted where applicable

No statewide energy code.

Contractor Licensing

No State License Required

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.

Typical Setback Requirements

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.

Foundation Requirements

Engineered Foundation Required

Common Foundation Types

Slab-on-gradePier and beamFull basement

Frost depth 24-30 inches. Basements common in northern Missouri. Seismic foundation design in southeastern MO.

Building Type Considerations

Shops & Workshops

Minimal or no permitting in many rural areas.

Barns

No permit requirements in most rural areas.

Barndominiums

Excellent state for barndominiums. Many areas have zero permit requirements. Very popular.

Garages & Storage

No permit required in many rural areas.

Commercial

Full code compliance in cities with adopted codes.

HOA & Deed Restrictions

HOAs common in KC and STL suburbs. Most rural land is completely unrestricted.

Flood Zone Considerations

FEMA Flood Regulations Apply

Major flood zones along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

County-Level Details

Key counties with specific permit information for Missouri.

St. Louis CountyPermit Required

Full IBC enforcement. Thorough plan review.

Typical fees: $400 – $3,000

Jackson County (KC)Permit Required

Full code enforcement in KC.

Typical fees: $400 – $2,500

Greene County (Springfield)Permit Required

Full enforcement within Springfield. County varies.

Typical fees: $300 – $2,000

Texas CountyNo Permit

No county building codes. No permits required.

Typical fees: $0

Ag Exemption Available
Shannon CountyNo Permit

No building codes. No permits. Very rural.

Typical fees: $0

Ag Exemption Available

Official Sources & Resources

Verify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.

MO Division of Fire SafetyBuilding codes and fire code administration (no statewide building code; local adoption)
MO Division of Professional RegistrationProfessional licensing (no statewide general contractor license)
Missouri — ICCICC code adoption details for Missouri

In This Guide

In This Guide

State Building Code OverviewPermit RequirementsExemptions & ExceptionsEnvironmental & Structural LoadsEnergy CodeContractor LicensingTypical Setback RequirementsFoundation RequirementsBuilding Type ConsiderationsHOA & Deed RestrictionsFlood Zone ConsiderationsCounty-Level DetailsOfficial Sources & Resources

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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.

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