St. Louis grading and drainage regulated by the Building Division and MSD. Positive drainage away from structures required. Lot grading must not divert stormwater onto neighboring property. Older neighborhoods have complex historical drainage patterns.
Revised Code Title V incorporates IRC and IBC grading requirements: finished grade must slope at least 6 inches in the first 10 ft away from foundations. Building Division reviews lot grading at permit issuance and final inspection. MSD jurisdiction extends to any grading that affects drainage patterns, especially projects with land disturbance over 1 acre. Missouri common law follows the reasonable use rule: landowners cannot unreasonably alter drainage to damage neighbors. Older St. Louis neighborhoods (South City, North Side) have complex alley and yard drainage relying on historical combined sewers and surface flow; modifications must not worsen existing conditions. Sump pump discharge to streets or alleys is prohibited; must connect to approved stormwater or dry well.
Improper grading: stop-work at inspection, re-grading required. Neighbor drainage disputes may result in civil litigation plus city abatement orders.
St. Louis, MO
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