Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What building codes have been adopted by the City of St. Joseph?

• 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 (Table 403.1 of the International Plumbing Code may be used to calculate plumbing fixture count.
• 2018 International Fire Code
• 2017 National Electrical Code

2. What construction projects need building permits?

• New Buildings
• Manufactured Homes
• Additions
• Electrical Systems
• Renovations
• Plumbing Systems
• Demolition
• Prefabricated Structures
• Temporary Buildings
• HVAC Systems (heating, ventilating, air conditioning)
• Miscellaneous for residential (fireplace, pools, decks, fence, etc)
• Miscellaneous for commercial (parking, health, liquor licenses, etc.)

3. Why a building permit?

Building permits provide the means for Code Officials to protect us by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and therefore ensuring the public health, safety and welfare.

The building permit process helps us understand what our local laws and ordinances require. Before any construction or remodeling work begins, application for a permit should be made to Building Development Services. Building permits provide the means for code officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used.

4. What are plan requirements?

All commercial projects 20,000 cubic feet and larger, all multi-family (three or more units) and must be prepared by an architect and or professional engineer registered with the State of Missouri must prepare drawings. Please submit to City of St. Joseph, Building Development Services Department Room 107, 1100 Frederick Ave. St. Joseph, MO 64501. If you have any questions you may call 816-271-5341, or fax 816-271-4676.

5. What's a footing and foundation permit?

A footing and foundation permit may be available, upon request, before a plan review has been completed. This permit will allow the applicant to begin the dirt work and to construct the foundation for the proposed building. This permit is given as a convenience to the applicant and is issued contingent upon approval of the final drawings for the building. It is understood that the applicant is proceeding at his/her own risk and that the City gives no guarantee that a building permit will be issued. A partial permit is valid for 30 days and work is not to proceed beyond the foundation under this permit. In order to receive a footing and foundation permit, the applicant must submit the following:

• site plan
• foundation plan
• approved storm water management plan
• grading plan
• 5 acres or more requires a Land Disturbance Permit to be filed with the DNR
• parking plan
• approved driveway access plans
• underground utilities

6. Do I need an occupational license?

You will be notified when all construction documents and plans have been approved. In order to obtain your building permit you must have the following:

1. Occupational License- obtained through the Customer Assistance Department, 1100 Frederick Ave., Room 106, 816-271-4751.
2. A copy of your Workmans Compensation Insurance. In addition to the Workmans Compensation Insurance all Master Electrician and Plumbers must carry a $2,000.00 bond. It will be necessary that they provide a copy of that bond and liability insurance to the Building Development Services Department at City Hall 1100 Frederick Ave Room 106, St. Joseph, MO 64501.

7. What about subcontractors?

The general contractor will be responsible for obtaining only his permit for the construction project. He cannot obtain the electrical, mechanical, plumbing and right of way permits. The General Contractor has the ultimate responsibility of the entire job and he is the one that knows every aspect of that job. Therefore, he will need to be prepared to have the required information for the electrical, plumbing, mechanical, building, right of way permits and a list of his subcontractors. A Master Electrician and Plumber, licensed by the City of St. Joseph, must perform all electrical and plumbing work. Upon request the Building Development Department can provide a list of licensed electrical and plumbing contractors.

All subcontractors must have a current Occupational License with the City of St. Joseph.

8. How are driveways and sidewalks handled?

Driveway and sidewalk work in city right-of-way must have a permit. The site plan must show the driveway/s and sidewalk/s to be constructed. Plans will be submitted to the Public Works Department for approval prior to issuance of a permit. Once the plans have been approved the permit can be obtained from Customer Services at City Hall, room 106. Customer Services can be reached at 816-271-4751.