St. Louis, MO Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Signs
- Not permitted for home occupations
- Non-resident employees
- Not permitted
- Certificate of Inspection
- Required, per Ch. 25.56
- Some uses
- Need conditional use permit
- Max fine
- $500 per day of violation
Summary
St. Louis allows home occupations in any residential zoning district only if the business leaves the dwelling looking residential, hires no non-resident workers, posts no sign, and takes no walk-in customers: several business types are banned outright and others need a conditional use permit.
Home occupations shall be permitted if the following requirements are met: 1.The home occupation does not change the outside appearance of the residential dwelling; 2.The home occupation does not change the primary use of the home from residential;...7.The applicant of the home occupation resides at the home;8.The home occupation does not display a sign;9.The home occupation does not regularly and routinely accept customers, clients, or the general public into the home.
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
Under Zoning Code § 26.80.060, a home occupation is permitted by right only if it meets 12 conditions: no exterior change to the dwelling, no change from residential use, no excess traffic/noise/odors/storage, no non-resident employees, the applicant must live there, no sign, no regular customers or advertising inviting the public to the home, and the property must hold a valid Certificate of Inspection under Chapter 25.56. Animal clinics, dancing schools, doctor/dentist offices, mortuaries, stables/kennels, private clubs, repair shops, restaurants, tourist homes, and auto repair/sales/detailing are prohibited outright as home occupations. Home cooking/food processing for resale, home daycares, recording/film studios, and general-trade contractor offices are conditional uses requiring approval under § 26.80.010, plus a waiver fee set in Chapter 26.98.
Violations & Fines
Zoning Code violations are punished under the Chapter 1.12 general penalty: a fine of $1 to $500, up to 90 days' imprisonment, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense (§ 26.100.010).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
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