Shed permit rules in St. Louis, MO β also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations β set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
St. Louis allows residential sheds up to 200 sq ft without a building permit but requires zoning compliance under Ord. Β§26.52. Sheds must be set back at least 3 ft from rear and side lot lines, cannot exceed 12 ft in height, and may not be placed in front yards or easements.
Under St. Louis Revised Code Title 25 (Building Code) Β§25.32.030, detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses, small storage buildings) with a floor area of 200 sq ft or less and no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems are exempt from the Building Permit requirement. Zoning compliance under Title 26 Β§26.52 (Accessory Uses and Structures) still applies regardless of size. Setback requirements: minimum 3 ft from rear and side property lines in single-family and two-family districts, and no placement allowed in the front yard (forward of the principal dwelling's front building line). Maximum height 12 ft at peak for accessory structures in residential districts, and total accessory structure coverage cannot exceed 30% of the rear yard. Sheds larger than 200 sq ft require a Building Permit through the Building Division (314-622-3313), plus a Zoning Clearance confirming setback and coverage compliance. Electric service to a shed requires a separate Electrical Permit under Title 25 regardless of shed size. Historic districts require Cultural Resources Office review for any new accessory structure.
Shed built without required permit: Stop Work Order issued, plus $100-$500 fine under Β§25.32.990 and possible mandatory removal if the structure cannot be brought into compliance. Setback encroachment: violation notice with 30-day cure; continued violation $100 per day. Shed in front yard: Municipal Code violation, removal typically ordered. Historic district violation without Cultural Resources approval: up to $1,000 fine per offense plus restoration costs.
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