Do I need a permit for a full kitchen remodel in
Florissant, Missouri?

Florissant full kitchen remodels: the key details

Florissant adopts the 2015 Missouri State Building Code with minimal local amendments. The city enforces IRC Section E3702 (small-appliance branch circuits in kitchens), which requires a minimum of two 20-amp circuits dedicated to counter receptacles—no other outlets or lights on these circuits. IRC E3801 mandates GFCI protection on all kitchen counter receptacles and the sink. IRC P2722 governs kitchen drain and vent sizing: the sink trap arm must slope at least 1/4 inch per foot toward the main drain, and the vent must be sized per table P2701.1 based on fixture-unit load (a kitchen sink is 1.5 units). If you are relocating the sink, you must show the new trap location, vent routing, and a slope diagram on your plumbing plan—this is the single most common rejection item for Florissant kitchen permits. If you are moving or removing a wall, IRC R602 requires you to determine if the wall is load-bearing. Most kitchens sit below a second-floor wall or roof, so the wall is likely load-bearing. Removing or reducing a load-bearing wall requires a structural engineer's letter and a beam-sizing calculation; the permit will be delayed if you submit the application without this. Florissant does not accept verbal assurances that a wall is not load-bearing—you must provide evidence on the plan or a signed letter.

Electrical circuits in a kitchen remodel are heavily regulated. In addition to the two small-appliance circuits, you must show a 20-amp circuit for the refrigerator (or a separate circuit per NEC 210.52(C)); a dedicated circuit for the dishwasher (usually 20 amps, 240V if it is a built-in unit); and a 240V circuit for the range or cooktop (typically 40–50 amps depending on BTU rating—the plan must specify the appliance model to allow the electrical inspector to verify amperage). All counter receptacles must be spaced no more than 48 inches apart (measuring along the countertop edge), and every receptacle must be GFCI-protected. If you add an island, island counter receptacles must also be spaced within 48 inches of the appliance. Under NEC 210.52, you may also need a separate circuit for a microwave or under-cabinet lighting, depending on load. Florissant's electrical inspector will check the plan against these spacing and circuit rules before issuing an electrical permit. If the plan shows receptacles 60 inches apart or missing a GFCI notation, the plan will be marked 'rejected' and you will need to revise and resubmit.

Gas line modifications—whether adding a gas range, converting an electric range to gas, or relocating a gas cooktop—trigger IRC G2406 and Missouri code requirements for shut-off valves, sediment traps, and flexible connectors rated for gas service. If you are moving the gas line, you must show the new routing on a plan, confirm that the gas meter is accessible for the utility company, and ensure the line is sized per the gas supplier's requirements (usually a calculation based on total BTU load in the home). Florissant does not allow homeowners to cut into or modify gas lines themselves; only a licensed Missouri gas fitter or plumber can do this work. If you are a homeowner contractor (owner-occupied, self-performing work), you are exempt from this rule and may do the work yourself, but the gas line must still pass a pressure test and inspection before the utility will reactivate service. Propane and natural gas have different BTU densities, so confirm your fuel type with the utility before sizing the line.

If you are installing a range hood with an exterior vent (ducted to the outside, not recirculating), you must cut through an exterior wall or roof, which triggers additional code compliance. IRC Chapter 12 (Interior Finishes) and IRC R905 require that the duct termination cap is rated for weather exposure, the duct is insulated or pitched to prevent condensation, and the opening in the wall is properly sealed with caulk and flashing. Florissant's building inspector will require a detail drawing showing the duct size (typically 6 inches for residential hoods), the termination cap (louver or damper type), and how the wall opening is sealed. If the duct passes through an attic or exterior wall cavity, it must be insulated to prevent condensation and mold growth. A recirculating (non-ducted) hood does not require a permit, but a ducted hood does—Florissant inspectors treat this as part of the building permit.

Lead-paint disclosure is mandatory if your home was built before 1978. Missouri requires you to provide a lead-paint disclosure form to any contractor you hire and to keep a signed copy in your file. Florissant does not enforce lead-paint remediation as a permit condition, but if you or your contractor disturb lead-painted surfaces during demolition, federal EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rules apply—the contractor must be EPA-certified and follow containment and cleanup protocols. This is separate from the permit, but failure to comply can result in EPA fines of $16,000+ per violation. If your kitchen has original lead-painted cabinet doors or trim, discuss this with your contractor before work begins.

Three Florissant kitchen remodel (full) scenarios

Florissant's permit intake process: in-person only, no online portal

Unlike larger Missouri cities (St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield) and many Illinois suburbs (which have online permit portals), Florissant does not offer online permit submission or pre-screening. You must call the City of Florissant Building Department or visit city hall in person to request an application packet. The staff will ask basic questions about your project scope (walls moving? plumbing? electrical?), provide you with the permit forms, and give you a checklist of what drawings and documents you need to submit. Most staff can tell you on the phone whether a permit is likely required, but they cannot officially accept the application over the phone—you must submit plans and fees in hard copy.

Bring at least three copies of your floor plan and electrical/plumbing plans (if applicable) to the city hall counter. The building inspector or plan-review staff will take your application, date-stamp it, and tell you when to expect a call with plan-review comments (typically 1–2 weeks for simple kitchens, 3–4 weeks for projects with structural changes). If the plan is rejected, you will need to revise and resubmit in hard copy—there is no online revision tracking. Bring a check or be prepared to pay permit fees in cash at the counter; Florissant may not accept credit cards, so verify with the city when you call.

This in-person process is slower than online submissions but allows you to ask questions directly and get immediate feedback. If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, call the building department and describe your work; the intake staff can usually give you a definitive answer on the phone. The phone number for Florissant city hall is 314-831-8400 (main number; ask for Building Department or Building Permits). Hours are typically Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM, though it is worth confirming when you call.

Common rejections and how to avoid them in Florissant kitchen permits

The most common rejection in Florissant kitchen permits is a plumbing plan that does not show trap-arm slope or vent routing. Many homeowners and contractors assume that as long as the drain line connects to the main stack, it will be fine—but IRC P2701 and P3101 have strict rules on vent sizing, rise-and-run, and trap-arm pitch. If your kitchen sink drain is more than 5 feet from the main stack, you need a vent tee (Sanitary T or wye fitting) to bring a vent line back to the main stack. The vent must pitch upward at least 1/4 inch per foot (or be vertical). The horizontal run from the trap to the vent cannot exceed the distance in Table P3101.1, which depends on trap size and drain slope. When you submit your plumbing plan, draw the trap location, the slope arrow (labeled '1/4 in./ft'), the vent routing, and the vent size (typically 2 inches for a kitchen sink). If this detail is missing, Florissant will mark the plan 'rejected' and ask you to add it.

The second-most common rejection is missing GFCI and small-appliance circuit notation on the electrical plan. IRC E3801 requires GFCI on all kitchen counter receptacles, and IRC E3702 requires two 20-amp small-appliance circuits. If your electrical plan shows counter receptacles without GFCI symbols (usually a small 'G' or box labeled 'GFCI'), or if it does not show two dedicated small-appliance circuits, the plan will be rejected. Label these circuits clearly on your plan: 'SA1 (small appliance #1, 20A)' and 'SA2 (small appliance #2, 20A).' Mark each counter receptacle with a 'G' or note 'GFCI-protected.' Also verify that no other outlets (lights, exhaust fan) are on these circuits.

The third-most common rejection is lack of detail on range-hood exterior termination. If you are venting a range hood to the outside, Florissant requires a detail showing the duct size (6 inches), the termination cap (louver, damper, or wall-cap type), and how the exterior wall opening is sealed (caulk, flashing, insulation). If this detail is missing or vague, the plan will be marked 'incomplete' and you will be asked to revise. Sketch the duct routing (horizontal, vertical, or both), the ductwork material (galvanized steel or rigid plastic), and the cap brand/model if you have chosen one. This single detail often resolves half of electrical/building plan rejections.

A fourth and less common but critical rejection is submitting a load-bearing wall removal without a structural engineer's letter. If you are removing any wall, you must state on the plan whether the wall is load-bearing and, if so, provide the engineer's letter and beam calculations. Florissant will not issue a permit without this; the city does not accept verbal confirmation or homeowner assumptions. Even if you are 'pretty sure' the wall is not load-bearing, get the engineer's letter—it typically costs $500–$1,500 and is worth the peace of mind.

Common questions