Residential Alterations, Repairs, and Additions

Your home is an expensive investment. When planning a remodel, repair work, or addition, it is important to discuss your plans with the Building Official or a Building Inspector.  This discussion should be done before submitting a Building Permit Application and/or beginning construction.  This will help determine whether you need a permit.  It will also allow the Building Division staff to answer construction questions and provide valuable advice.  Please call 573-634-6410.

Permits are required for the following:

  • Residential Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)
  • Accessory Structures (decks, garages, fences, pools, etc.)
  • Residential Renovations (garage conversions, basement furnishings, kitchen expansions, etc.)
  • Electrical systems repairs and modifications
  • Plumbing systems repairs and modifications
  • To see what residential work is exempt from residential, click on the following link:  Residential Work

In general, the Building Division will need to know what you planning to build before it is constructed.  The documentation may range from a simple sketch on the Building Permit Application to a full set of plans. 

Job-Site Visits On-site inspections by City Inspectors are required to make certain the work conforms to the permit, local codes and plans. The Building Division will work with you as to how many inspections may be needed for your project.  Please call 573-634-6410 to arrange for site inspections.

When construction is complete and code compliance is determined, a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion will be issued for the project.

Some general notes are:

  • Fences in front yards must be located off of City street right of way and not exceed 4' in height.
  • Fences in rear and side yards can not exceed 6' in height and must be located inside the property lines.
  • Check for sewer line locations and any easements that may run through the property.
  • All new structures have setbacks from the side and rear lot lines.
  • The combined area of all existing structures plus new additions and all impervious surfaces can not exceed fifty (50%) of the total lot area.