Temporary holiday decorations and lighting are generally allowed on residential property in St. Louis without a permit. Displays cannot obstruct sidewalks, create traffic hazards, or include electrical cords across public rights-of-way.
Title 26 and the zoning code do not specifically regulate residential holiday decorations, treating them as customary accessory use. Lighting must comply with National Electrical Code and local electrical permit rules if new circuits or outdoor outlets are installed. Displays that block pedestrian paths, encroach into the public right-of-way, or project glare onto neighboring properties can trigger nuisance complaints. Amplified music and generators are subject to the noise ordinance quiet hours. Historic districts (Lafayette Square, Soulard, Compton Heights, etc.) may impose additional standards through their Cultural Resources Office review, particularly for exterior fixtures that remain year-round.
Typical enforcement is complaint-driven. Sidewalk obstructions or hazards may be cited under Title 11 with fines around $50-$100 per occurrence. Electrical work without a permit is a separate Building Division violation.
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis has no city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. Property maintenance code under ...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to rig...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis has no city ordinance setting installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Lights may stay up year-r...
St. Louis, MO
Built-in outdoor kitchens in St. Louis require permits through the Building Division: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line permit for natural-gas ...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis has no city-specific ordinance regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single-family properties. Operation i...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis adopts the 2018 International Fire Code under SLRC Title 25. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices (charcoal, wood) and propane tanks l...
See how St. Louis's holiday displays rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.