Building Setbacks & Zoning in St. Louis, MO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in St. Louis or are thinking about moving there, building setbacks & zoning are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. St. Louis has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of building setbacks & zoning, and some of them might surprise you.

Setback Rules

In the "A" Single-Family Dwelling District, front yards must be at least 25 feet deep, side yards at least 4 feet each (10 feet total), and rear yards at least 25 feet deep, under the City's lettered zoning code.

Key details: Front yard ("A" District): 25 ft minimum. Side yard: 4 ft each, 10 ft total. Rear yard: 25 ft minimum. Narrow lots (<40 ft wide): side yard may shrink. Height bonus: 45 ft with two 10-ft side yards.

Violating any yard requirement is a zoning infraction punished under Chapter 1.12's general penalty provisions (§ 26.100.010); the City Counselor may also sue in court to restrain the violation (§ 26.100.020).

Structure Height Limits

St. Louis caps 'A' Single-Family Dwelling District homes at 2½ stories or 35 feet, allowing 3 stories or 45 feet only with two 10-foot side yards; churches, schools and government buildings can rise to 85 feet.

Key details: Base height limit: 2½ stories or 35 feet. With two 10-ft side yards: 3 stories or 45 feet. Churches/schools/gov't buildings: up to 85 feet. Governing section: St. Louis Revised Code § 26.20.050. Violation classification: zoning infraction, Chapter 1.12.

Height violations are zoning infractions punished under Chapter 1.12's general penalty; owners, agents, tenants, builders and contractors can all be cited, and the City Counselor can sue to restrain the violation.

The Bottom Line

St. Louis's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming St. Louis is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on St. Louis's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.