Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Applicant
Licensed plumbing or drainlaying contractor only
Code adopted
2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, Ord. 71644
Fee schedule
Set in Table 107.11.3
Max penalty
$500 fine or 90 days jail
Minor repairs
Exempt if no pipe replacement

Summary

St. Louis requires a licensed plumbing or drainlaying contractor to obtain a permit from the code official before installing, altering, or replacing any plumbing system, under the city's adopted 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code.

Any owner, lessee, authorized agent or contractor who desires to ... erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any plumbing system and/or drainlaying work, the installation of which is regulated by this Code ... shall engage a licensed plumbing contractor and/or licensed drainlaying contractor who shall first make application to the code official and obtain the required permit for the work.

View official code

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

St. Louis adopted the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (Ord. No. 71644) as Chapter 25.04, amending its Section 107 to require a permit before any plumbing or drainlaying work, installation, alteration, repair, removal, or replacement, regulated by the code. Only a licensed plumbing or drainlaying contractor may apply, and the code official issues the permit after reviewing the application and collecting the fee set in Table 107.11.3. Minor repairs, like clearing stoppages or fixing leaks without disturbing supply or vent piping, are exempt. Working without a required permit is punishable by up to a $500 fine, 90 days in jail, or both, with each day counted as a separate offense.

Violations & Fines

Working without a plumbing permit is punishable by up to a $500 fine, 90 days in jail, or both: each day of violation is a separate offense under § 25.04.030.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for a St. Louis plumbing permit?
Only a licensed plumbing or drainlaying contractor registered with the city can apply; the application must list the owner, lessee, and contractor's names and describe the work.
What plumbing work doesn't need a permit?
Minor repairs like stopping leaks, clearing stoppages, or fixing frozen pipes are exempt, as long as they don't involve replacing or rearranging supply, waste, or vent piping.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Louis

Building PermitsSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsGreen Building CodeSignificant RestrictionsFire Sprinkler RequirementsLight RestrictionsLead PaintSignificant RestrictionsCarbon Monoxide DetectorsSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All St. Louis rules

Compare St. Louis to another location·View the Missouri building safety overview

Get notified when Plumbing Permits in St. Louis, MO changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.