St. Louis's Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In St. Louis, Missouri, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Sidewalk Repair

St. Louis puts sidewalk repair on the abutting property owner: the Director of Streets gives 30 days' notice, and unrepaired sidewalks get fixed by the City and billed back as a lien.

Key details: Repair notice period: 30 days. Enforcing office: Director of Streets. Hearing body: Board of Public Service. Unpaid-repair cost recovery: Lien / special tax bill.

Ignoring the 30-day repair notice lets the Board of Public Service order City crews to do the work, with the full cost charged as a lien on the property and billed as a special tax.

Encroachment Permits

St. Louis requires a Board of Public Service permit before erecting any bridge, canopy, awning, or overhead structure over a public street or sidewalk, subject to a $100 fee and the Board's own conditions.

Key details: Permit issuer: Board of Public Service. Base fee: $100 (plus hourly if engineered). Inspections: Semi-annual, Director of Streets. Removal: City may require, 3 months' notice. Covers: Bridges, canopies, awnings, overhead supports.

Building an unpermitted overhanging structure is a code violation; the City reserves the right to require removal of any structure, even a permitted one, on three months' notice, at the owner's expense.

Compared to other cities, St. Louis takes a harder line on encroachment permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Obstruction Rules

Contractors need a Director of Streets permit and a $50 deposit before putting building materials, rubbish, or excavation work on any St. Louis street, alley, or sidewalk.

Key details: Permit issuer: Director of Streets. Required deposit: $50 minimum. Roadway occupation cap: 1/4 of roadway width. Derricks on sidewalks: banned over 4 stories. Max penalty: $500 fine or 90 days.

Occupying a street, alley, or sidewalk without a permit is unlawful. Violations fall under the citywide general penalty: a fine of $1 to $500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, with each day counted as a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

St. Louis's sidewalk & pedestrian rules 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.