St. Louis controls oversized infill homes through Form-Based Code height, lot coverage, and frontage rules and through historic district design review in Local Historic and National Register overlays.
Unlike newer Sun Belt cities, St. Louis growth pressure is limited but rebuilding lots in neighborhoods like Compton Heights, Lafayette Square, and Central West End raises mansionization concerns. The 2024 Form-Based Code regulates building envelope through height, lot coverage, frontage type, and stepback rules calibrated to neighborhood character. Local Historic Districts require Cultural Resources Office review of demolition, additions, and new builds. National Register districts trigger review when public funds or tax credits apply. Owners pursuing larger massing typically need variances or design-review approval.
Exceeding form-based envelope or building without design-review approval triggers stop-work orders; demolition without Cultural Resources approval in local historic districts brings substantial fines and reconstruction orders.
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis residential height limits typically 35-45 ft or 2.5-3 stories in single-family zones. Downtown and form-based districts allow much taller buildings...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis single-family districts typically cap building lot coverage at 40-50% and total impervious coverage at 60-70%. Historic narrow lots in Soulard and ...
See how St. Louis's anti-mansionization rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.