St. Louis City has maintained a pit bull ordinance under SLRC 10.20 requiring registration, liability insurance, and strict confinement for American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, and mixes. The policy has been debated repeatedly by the Board of Aldermen.
St. Louis City is one of the few major Missouri cities retaining breed-specific legislation. SLRC Chapter 10.20 regulates pit bull type dogs defined as American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and any mix with predominant characteristics of those breeds. Owners must register the dog with Animal Care and Control, pay an annual fee, carry minimum $100,000 liability insurance, maintain the dog in a secure enclosure or on a leash with muzzle in public, post warning signs on the property, and ensure the dog is spayed or neutered and microchipped. The ordinance has been subject to repeal efforts most recently in Board Bill discussions from 2019 onward but remains on the books. RSMo 273.033 Truly Mans Best Friend Act otherwise establishes a behavior-based dangerous dog framework statewide. Residents should confirm current status with Animal Care and Control as reform legislation may pass. Violations carry $500 fines and potential impoundment.
$500 fine. Unregistered pit bulls may be impounded and euthanized if unclaimed. Criminal charges for bite incidents under RSMo 273.036.
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis has no city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. Property maintenance code under ...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to rig...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis has no city ordinance setting installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Lights may stay up year-r...
St. Louis, MO
Built-in outdoor kitchens in St. Louis require permits through the Building Division: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line permit for natural-gas ...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis has no city-specific ordinance regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single-family properties. Operation i...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis adopts the 2018 International Fire Code under SLRC Title 25. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices (charcoal, wood) and propane tanks l...
See how St. Louis's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.