Building Setbacks & Zoning in St. Louis, MO (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for St. Louis, Missouri, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
St. Louis setback requirements vary by zoning district. Typical single-family: front 25 ft, side 5 ft, rear 25 ft. Historic neighborhoods often have reduced setbacks reflecting pre-war urban fabric. Dense two-family and multifamily districts allow zero-lot-line on sides.
Building Setbacks: Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsStructure Height Limits
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. No height restriction on historic spires like the Arch or Cathedral Basilica.
Building Setbacks: Structure Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLot Coverage Limits
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 Benton Park often exceed modern coverage ratios legally as nonconforming.