Missouri Shed Permits | Things You Need To Know
Joel Steele - October 22, 2024
Table of Contents
You did it! You found the shed you want. And this shed has everything, a loft, double doors for easy ride-in access for your mower, and windows. Everything is going just great until your shed builder says: “Do you have your permit in place for this project?” You feel a flush of embarrassment and realize you have no idea what they are talking about. It’s ok. We’ve helped hundreds of people get their permit needs squared away. So buckle up. We are here to help you get your shed permitting needs set into motion.
*While we at 5-Star Building do not take care of your building permits, we are here to help you succeed. We want to help point you in the right direction so that having your shed brought to your property is as easy as possible.
Do All Sheds Need A Permit In Missouri?
No, not all sheds need a permit in Missouri. However, this is widely variable and based on the location where the shed will be. Generally speaking, our smallest shed of 8×12 measurements (96 square feet) should not need a building permit, no matter where you are located in Missouri. Anything that is less than 100 square feet seldom falls into the required permit category.
In fact, about 70% of the buildings we create for our customers never need to have a permit.
However, it is best practice to check with your HOA and local ordinances to ensure that the codes have not changed in your area.
Permit requirements in Missouri are usually influenced by factors such as size (commonly 120 to 200 square feet), height, proximity to property lines, intended use (e.g., workshops or storage for hazardous materials), and whether the shed is a permanent structure with utilities. Some conditions that may necessitate a permit include:
- Height Restrictions: A permit might be required if your shed exceeds a certain height. This varies by location.
- Property Line Proximity: Permits may be needed if the shed is placed close to property lines or other structures. Local zoning laws often have setback requirements.
- Usage: A permit is usually required if the shed is used for specific purposes such as a workshop, office, or to store hazardous materials,
- Local Codes: Different municipalities have their own codes and regulations. Always check with your local planning or building department to determine if a permit is needed for your specific shed project.
- Permanent Structures: Sheds that are anchored to a foundation or have electrical or plumbing systems typically require permits.
Do I Need Blueprints From My Shed Builder?
Sometimes your municipality may request blueprints of the shed that you are planning to construct and place on your property. To obtain the blueprints that you need, you should contact your builder. They will be able to create the blueprint plans for you; then, you can send them to the municipal office. There may be a small fee associated with these plans, so be sure to ask your shed builder how they go about this process.
How Can I Apply For Shed Permits In MO?
Applying for shed permits in MO may be easier than you thought. Below, we’ve simplified an outline of the step-by-step process that will lead you on the path to enjoying your new shed:
- Check Local Requirements: Check your local county or city building department’s website or contact them to find out about requirements, application procedures, and needed documents.
- Complete the Application: Complete the permit application form from your local building department, including details about the shed’s size, location, and use. You might also need to provide site plans or drawings.
- Submit Documentation: Submit your completed application along with any required documents, such as site plans, construction drawings, and proof of property ownership.
- Pay Fees: Pay the applicable permit fees. Fees are typically based on the cost of construction or square footage of the shed and can vary widely based on location and shed size.
- Review and Approval: The building department will review your application and may conduct an inspection. This process can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the workload and complexity of the project.
- Obtain Permit: Once approved, you will receive your permit. Make sure you follow any conditions or requirements specified by the permit.
Where Can I Find Shed Permit Requirements For Missouri?
We serve a lot of areas in the state of Missouri. Each one seems to have a different standard of what is acceptable for shed requirements. To get to their websites, click the town name below, and you will be directed to their local website, which should assist you in finding their building code guidelines.
| Jefferson City | Jefferson City |
| Cuba | Cuba City |
| Eureka | Eureka MO |
| Hermann | City of Hermann |
| St. Robert | St. Robert MO |
| Salem | Salem MO |
| Farmington | Farmington MO |
| Chesterfield | City of Chesterfield |
| St.Charles | City of St. Charles |
| Bourbon | Bourbon MO |
| Union | City of Union MO |
| Owensville | City of Owensville |
| St.Louis | City of St. Louis |
| Ferguson | Ferguson MO |
Can My Shed Permit Be Denied?
Yes, your shed permit can be denied. The municipal government has the final say as to what can be done on your property as far as building permits. Additionally, the local government may grant your permit request, and then the HOA may disapprove your plans. For this reason, we recommend that you work your steps in the following way.
- HOA approval for the size of your building
- Contact Your Municipality for more information
- Design your Shed on Our 3-D Builder
- Submit Your Plans to the municipality
- Prepare your shed site
- Have your shed delivered
- Schedule and prepare for the final inspection
- Address any issues that may arise during final inspection
- Enjoy using your shed
Doing the steps will ensure that you are able to have the most hassle-free process in having your new shed placed.
Will My Shed Builder Take Care Of Getting My Shed Permit?
You are responsible for obtaining your shed permits. At 5-Star Buildings, we are happy to offer some direction, but we do not obtain the permits for you. If you have additional questions, let us know, and we will be happy to assist you where we can.
What Are Common Requirements For Shed Placement In Missouri?
As you can see from the above table, each area of Missouri has different regulations that must be followed when adding a shed to your property. Not all municipalities require the same thing; in fact, some have no restrictions at all. On the other hand, some HOAs can be a bit of a bear to work with.
What Size Shed Needs A Permit?
In most cases in MO, any shed that is over 200 square feet must have a permit. This means that any of our sheds that are 12×16 should not need a permit for your property. This means that all the following sheds could be acceptable without permits: 12×16, 12×12, 10×16, 10×12, 8×16, 8×12.
How Close To The Property Line Can My Shed Be Located?
If your shed is 120 square feet or less, there are no setback property guidelines in place. However, if your shed is greater than 120 square feet, there are two major guidelines that must the followed. The first is the shed must be 15 feet from the rear property line. The second is that it must be 8 feet away from the side Property line.
How Much Does A Shed Permit Cost?
Shed permit costs vary depending on the size of your building. So long as you are under 200 square feet, you should not need to purchase a shed permit. To know exactly how much your permit will cost, contact the city office, and they will be happy to assist you with any associated costs. Don’t forget to look at the above chart and find your location to learn more!
Will My Shed Need To Be Anchored To The Ground?
Each city and county’s requirements may vary. We highly advise you to contact your local planning and zoning office for this information.
If you are looking for a shed anchoring tutorial, check out the below video!
What Is The Largest Shed I Can Have On My Property?
The size of your shed may be determined by your HOA or other governing bodies where you reside. In addition to this, it is important to remember what is required of your shed distancing in relation to the property lines surrounding you. We advise you to reach out to your local planning and zoning office for information specific to your case.
(Pictured is our Estate Cabin. However, whether you purchase a cabin, shed, or garage, all of our products are built to the same residential standards you need and want.)
How Big Is Your Shed Dream?
At 5 Star Buildings, we specialize in building the dream that you have. Take a look at our 3-D builder to see what shed design you can come up with. When you are ready to have your shed built, contact us, and we will get to work on your project as quickly as we can.
