St. Louis, MO Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2017 National Electrical Code
- Enforcing agency
- Chief Electrical Inspector
- Homeowner permits
- Allowed after one-time written test
- Application fee
- $25, plus per-unit inspection fees
- Lead time
- File at least 24 hours ahead
Summary
St. Louis has adopted the 2017 National Electrical Code and requires a permit before any electrical work begins, issued by the code official within the Division of Building and Inspection to a licensed electrician, contractor, or qualifying homeowner.
No person shall commence any electrical work until a permit for such work has been issued by the code official. An electrical permit is not required for minor repairs as defined in Section 80.3.1. The fees for said permits shall be paid to the City of Saint Louis for each permit herein required. All work shall be done by a certified employee, firm, corporation, limited liability company, or other business entity, institution, or organization who holds an electrical license in whose name the permit or permits required by this section and Section 80.21.3 are issued.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
The City of Saint Louis adopted the 2017 National Electrical Code as its Electrical Code under § 25.02.010, and § 25.02.020's Annex H amendments require a permit before any electrical work begins. Applications go to the code official, the Building Commissioner or Chief Electrical Inspector, and work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor. Minor repairs, like swapping fuses or breakers up to 60 amps, are exempt. An owner-occupant of a single-family dwelling may pull a permit after passing a one-time written test, but must personally buy the materials and do the labor. Applications must be filed at least 24 hours before work starts, and the application fee is $25.
Violations & Fines
Working without a permit, or letting a non-employee of the licensed contractor do the work, can trigger disconnection of electric service and penalties under § 80.15.4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a homeowner pull their own electrical permit in St. Louis?
What electrical work doesn't need a permit in St. Louis?
Who enforces the St. Louis Electrical Code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
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