La Grange, MO Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 500.020(A) places the permitting decision with the City Council itself rather than a separate building department: an applicant must submit, in writing and in duplicate, a plan of the proposed work together with a statement of the materials to be used, and the Council issues the permit in a form set by resolution, keeping one copy on file with the City Clerk. Subsection (B) carves out a narrow exemption: ordinary repairs and minor alterations that do not touch major structural parts such as walls, beams, girders, chimneys or flues, or that cost $1,000 or less, including small detached outbuildings and minor electrical repairs, do not need a permit.

Moving a building also requires its own permit under subsection (C), and the Council may refuse it if the new location would increase fire hazard to surrounding buildings. Subsection (D) gives the enforcement teeth: any wall, structure or building erected within city limits without a permit, or contrary to the chapter, must be taken down or removed, and the City may recover the cost of that removal from the owner through a suit in a court of competent jurisdiction. Section 500.030 then puts inspection in the hands of the Building Inspector, who may halt work entirely if defective or illegal work makes continuing the project contrary to the public welfare.