Florissant, MO Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2021 International Building Code (Ord. 8748)
- Enforcing office
- Building Official, Dept. of Public Works
- Permit-exempt fences
- repairs ≤25% of total fence length
- Permit-exempt retaining walls
- 2 ft or less, no surcharge load
- Emergency repair filing window
- 48 working hours
- Stop-work order fee
- $50
Summary
Florissant enforces the 2021 International Building Code as its Building Code, so a permit is required for construction, alteration or repair unless the work falls under Section 105.2's exemption list, covering minor items like short fence repairs, low retaining walls, ramps, painting and playground equipment.
The International Building Code, 2021 Edition, including Appendixes C, E, F, and I as published by the International Code Council, Inc. ... is hereby adopted as the Building Code of the City of Florissant, Missouri, subject to the amendments, additions, insertions, deletions and changes set out in Section 500.050 of this Chapter. ... Section ... 105.2 Work exempt from permit (Amended). Building: 1. (Deleted) 2. (Amended) Fence repairs if total linear feet of repair is twenty-five percent (25%) or less than the total fence length added together. ... ... 4. (Amended) Retaining walls that are not over two (2) feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge load. ... ... 6. (Amended) Sidewalks and driveways not more than thirty (30) inches above grade and not over any basement or story above. However, any excavation in a public right-of-way requires an approval and/or excavation permit from the City of Florissant.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4989395; v43 updated 2026-05-26; through 05-26-2026).
Full Breakdown
Ordinance No. 050. 080, with every additional day counted as a separate offense. 2, Work Exempt From Permit. As amended, no building permit is required for fence repairs affecting twenty-five percent or less of the total fence length, retaining walls two feet or less in height measured from the bottom of the footing unless they carry a surcharge load, sidewalks and driveways no more than thirty inches above grade that do not sit over a basement or story, painting, papering, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work that does not disturb another required system, and swings, playground equipment and similar recreational accessories to one- and two-family homes.
Any excavation within a public right-of-way still needs a separate excavation approval even when the surface work itself is exempt. 3 lets the Building Official issue a single integrated permit covering building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical work on one application.
Violations & Fines
Working without a required permit, or beyond the scope of an issued one, violates the Building Code and is punishable under Section 100.080's general penalty, referenced in Section 500.020; the ordinance treats each day a violation continues after notice as a separate offense, and the Building Official can issue a stop-work order, billed at fifty dollars, until the permit is obtained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard project in Florissant?
What code edition does Florissant enforce?
What happens if I build without a Florissant building permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Florissant
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