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

St. Louis, MO Local Taxes & Fees: Vacancy Tax (2026)

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

Key Facts

Registration fee
$200 semiannual, per Section 121.1
Vacancy threshold
Vacant 6+ months and in violation
Late payment penalty
$250 per occurrence, Section 121.8
Lien after
1 year of delinquent fees
Enforcing office
Building Commissioner, Division of Building and Inspection

Summary

St. Louis charges a $200 semiannual registration fee on any residential or multi-unit commercial building that has sat vacant and in code violation for six months or more, rising to a $250 penalty for late payment.

121.1 Vacant Building Registration Fee. The owner of any parcel of residential property improved by a residential structure or of commercial property improved by a structure containing multiple dwelling units which is vacant and has been vacant for at least six months and which is in violation of this code shall pay a semiannual registration fee of two hundred dollars.

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

Under Building Code § 121, the Building Commissioner inspects any parcel that may qualify, then notifies the owner by mail; owners can appeal to the St. Louis municipal court within 30 days. Absent a successful appeal, the $200 semiannual fee begins accruing the following calendar quarter. Owners must also register their contact information with the Assessor's Office and, within 30 days of vacancy, enclose and secure the building's doors and windows. Registration fees unpaid for a year become a lien on the property, foreclosable like delinquent real estate taxes. Half the collected funds fund code enforcement; half go to blight-reduction grants.

Violations & Fines

Missing the 30-day payment deadline adds a $250 penalty; failing to register owner contact info or secure a vacant building is punishable by up to $500 and 90 days in jail, per day of violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does St. Louis have a vacancy tax?
Not a tax, but a $200 semiannual registration fee (Building Code § 121.1) on residential or multi-unit commercial buildings vacant 6+ months and in code violation, notified by the Building Commissioner and appealable to municipal court.
What happens if the fee isn't paid?
It becomes a lien on the property after one year of delinquency, foreclosable the same way as unpaid real estate taxes, plus a $250 late-payment penalty per occurrence.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Louis

Parking TaxSome RestrictionsBusiness Tax ClassificationHeavy 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 local taxes & fees overview

Get notified when Vacancy Tax 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.