St. Louis City is independent from St. Louis County (separate since 1876). Properties within city limits use this Building Division; county municipalities have separate permit offices. Missouri has no statewide building code. New online permit portal launched March 2026 enables 24/7 electronic submission.
St. Louis fence permit rules — the basics
The City of St. Louis Building Division explicitly lists fences among residential projects requiring a building permit. This places St. Louis opposite Madison (no permit required for fences) and aligns with Chandler and Reno (permits required). The 2018 IRC governs construction. The Hot Spot Desk (Mon & Wed 9am–3pm) can process simple fence permits same-day. Height and setback limits vary by zoning district — call 314-622-3315 to confirm applicable rules for your address.
Historic district properties require Cultural Resources Office review (314-657-3865) before the Building Division can issue a fence permit. In Lafayette Square, Soulard, or the Central West End, fence design must respect the historic character — ornamental iron and period-appropriate wood are generally acceptable; solid privacy board fencing in front yards in historic districts may be restricted. Contact Cultural Resources early in planning for any historically designated property.
St. Louis's dense urban grid — many lots 25 feet wide — makes fence location and the property line particularly important. Call a licensed surveyor if the exact property line is uncertain. Missouri One Call (800-344-7483) is required before any post-hole digging. Spire gas lines and Ameren Missouri electric lines run through many St. Louis alleyways.
Three St. Louis fence scenarios
| Fence Type | Permit? | St. Louis Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy (rear/side) | Yes | Hot Spot Desk same-day; call 800-344-7483 |
| Front yard fence | Yes | Zoning height limits apply; confirm with city |
| Historic district fence | Yes + Cultural Resources | Ornamental iron typical; 314-657-3865 |
| Masonry wall | Yes | Structural detail; 30-inch frost footings |
St. Louis fence context — dense urban, brick character, historic districts
St. Louis's fence landscape is shaped by urban density and brick heritage. Many South St. Louis lots are 25×125 feet — the fence between neighbors is within arm's reach. Property line disputes are common in dense urban markets; if in doubt, commission a licensed survey before installing a fence. Common fence types: 6-foot cedar privacy in rear/side yards, ornamental iron or wrought iron for front yards, brick/masonry walls in some older neighborhoods. The city's 14 historic districts affect front-yard fence design more than rear-yard privacy fences.
What the inspector checks
Height compliance, location within property boundaries, post depth and concrete, and for masonry walls: footing depth at 30 inches and mortar quality. For permitted fences in historic districts: material and design compatibility with Cultural Resources approval. Call 314-622-3315.
What a fence costs in St. Louis
Cedar privacy 6-foot: $25–$45/LF. Ornamental iron 4-foot: $55–$100/LF. Chain link 4-foot: $15–$25/LF. Brick masonry wall 4-foot: $75–$150/LF. Permit fees: project-cost-based.
Does a fence require a permit in St. Louis?
Yes — the City of St. Louis explicitly lists fences among residential construction requiring a building permit. This is unlike Madison (no permit required) and consistent with most Missouri municipalities. Hot Spot Desk (Mon & Wed 9am–3pm, 314-622-3315) can process simple fence permits same-day.
How tall can a fence be in St. Louis?
Height limits vary by zoning district. Contact the Building Division at 314-622-3315 to confirm the applicable fence height limits for your address and zoning classification. Historic districts may have additional design requirements beyond height limits.
Do I need to call before digging fence posts in St. Louis?
Yes — Missouri One Call (800-344-7483) at least three business days before any excavation. St. Louis alley system carries Spire gas lines, Ameren Missouri electric, water, and sewer infrastructure. Hitting any of these creates safety risk and financial liability for repair costs.
What is the Cultural Resources Office and when does it affect fence permits?
The Cultural Resources Office (314-657-3865) reviews exterior changes in 14 historic districts and 112 City Landmarks. Fences in these areas must be compatible with historic character. Contact them before designing a fence on a potentially historically significant property.
Is St. Louis City different from St. Louis County for fence permits?
Yes — St. Louis City is independent from St. Louis County since 1876. Building Division at City Hall Room 426 (314-622-3315) serves city addresses only. County municipalities have separate permit offices.
How is a fence permit fee calculated in St. Louis?
Fees are based on estimated total construction cost. The fee rate schedule is available at the Building Division or online. Call 314-622-3315 for current fee rates.
General guidance based on publicly available municipal sources as of April 2026. City of St. Louis uses 2018 IRC. Historic districts require Cultural Resources Office review (314-657-3865). Verify current requirements at 314-622-3315. For a personalized report, use our permit research tool.
Phone: 314-622-3315 (Hot Spot Desk: Mon–Wed 9am–3pm)
Hours: M–Th 8am–4:30pm, F 8am–4pm
Online: stlouis-mo.gov/building/permits
Codes: 2018 IRC · 2017 NEC · 2021 UPC · 2018 IECC
Cultural Resources Office: 314-657-3865
Spire (gas): spire.com · Ameren MO: ameren.com · Missouri One Call: 800-344-7483