Zoning

The City of Knob Noster does enforce the International 2003 Zoning Code, please contact the city for further information. Click to see subdivision Regulations

Commercial Permits

All work to commercial structures need to be permitted, and all drawings of proposed work needs to be approved by a certified Engineer or architect by Missouri State Statue.

Residential Permits

This list provides general information regarding permit requirements for various residential construction and maintenance activities. The city may regulate work even if a permit is not necessary; some of those requirements have been included. Please call if you have questions on these projects or on projects that are not included.

Administrative - building permit and plan review fees

• For one- and two-family structures adding new square foot (room additions, decks, porches, garages, etc.) or modifications of existing areas such as attic space to livable area the building permit fee shall be based on per square foot basis.
• Remodels, repair work or other renovations that don't involve adding square foot are based on the value of the work:

SECTION 500.020: PERMIT FEES

• Total valuations will be determined by multiplying the square footage by the current building valuation established by the Building Commissioner.

Building permit fees shall be as follows:

TOTAL VALUATION FEE

• $1.00 to $1,000.00 No fee, unless inspection is required.
• $1,001.00 to $50,000.00 $15.00 for the first $1,000.00, plus $8.50 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00
  
• $50,001.00 to $100,000.00 $431.50 for the first $50,000.00, plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00
  
• $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 $627.50 for the first $100,000.00, plus $3.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to including $500,000.00
  
• $500,000.00 and up $1,827.50 for the first $500,000.00 plus $2.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof.

OTHER INSPECTIONS AND FEES

SECTION 500.030: BUILDING PERMITS

• That building permits shall be issued for a maximum period of one (1) year (365 days), except that where the permit holder can demonstrate that unusual circumstances have created unavoidable delays. The Building Commissioner may, at their discretion, issue an extension not to exceed one hundred-eighty (180) days.
  

SECTION 500.040: VIOLATION AND PENALTY

• Any firm, association, person, partnership, or corporation, or any agent thereof, who violates any provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, upon the conviction of which, shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), or be imprisoned for not more than twenty (20) days or both. Each day during which such violation shall continue to exist is a separate offense.
  

Arbor/Trellis/Shade Structure

• No permit is required with these exceptions: The overhead structure must be at least 50% open, unobstructed, and not be capable of providing for a buildup of water, snow, ice or debris. Under these conditions, there are no load requirements in the code. The structure must comply with setback requirements of the dwelling when associated with the dwelling, or when detached, must maintain the setbacks required for an accessory structure. Maintain 8-foot vertical over roof or 3-foot horizontal clearance to overhead conductors per the National Electrical Code (NEC) 230-42; framing shall be spaced to limit accumulation of water, snow or ice. Also see Awnings and Canopies.
  

Air Conditioner Replacement

• Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Air conditioners (except window air conditioners) require a permit. If the demand for the unit is greater than the old unit, conductor sizes may need to be increased. A means to disconnect power is required within sight of the unit.
• Repair does not require a permit (includes condenser replacement).

Accessory Structures*- detached/residential - garages, sheds, carports, gazebos and greenhouses

• Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Garages, sheds and storage buildings less than 200 square feet must comply with zoning setbacks and subdivision regulations, but do not require a building permit. A permit is required for accessory structures 200 square feet in area or greater. Materials used must be compatible with residential construction.
• A permit is required for any electrical or plumbing installation in an accessory structure.

Alarm/Security System

• No permit is required. Low-voltage wiring (less than 12 volts) does not require a permit.

Addition - residential

• Yes, a permit is required. The addition of a building area to a dwelling requires a permit regardless of the area. Replacement of a deck or porch also requires a permit.

Awning/Canopies

• No permit is required. Awnings on one- and two-family dwellings do not require a permit.

Basement Finish* - residential

• Yes, a permit is required. Permits are required to install walls or framing to finish a basement. A handout is available which describes special plumbing, mechanical, electrical, framing and insulation requirements for basement finishes.

Cabinet Installation/Replacement

• No permit is required with these exceptions: Cabinets and shelves are non-structural and generally are treated similar to furniture, a permit is not required.
• Electrical or plumbing modifications associated with cabinet replacement require a permit.

Decks*

• Yes, a permit is required. New decks or replacement of existing decks (regardless of the height above grade) and balconies require a permit to verify setbacks from property lines and structural stability. A brochure showing comprehensive requirements is available. See also Porches.

Demolition Permits

• Complete demolition needs only to have proof that all utilities have been turned off.
• Partial demolition (i.e. mall renovation) requires plans to be submitted for review.

Dishwasher - new and replacement

• No permit is required to replace an existing dishwasher.
• Yes, a permit is required for new installation. New installation requires a separate circuit (can be combined with garbage disposal circuit). If a new branch circuit is installed, an electrical permit is required. Dishwashers and disposals are to be on a separate circuit from the two required counter top small appliance circuits.

Driveways and Drive Approach Replacement

• No permit is required for driveway replacement on private property. Driveway on private property requires minimum 4-inch air entrained concrete.
• A right-of-way work permit is required for an approach (paving from the property line to the curb). An approach addition or replacement requires a minimum 6-inch paving with approved city concrete mix. Contact the City of Knob Noster for additional information on approach modifications.

Dwelling - new

• Yes, a permit is required for new dwellings. Plans sealed by a licensed architect or engineer must be submitted and reviewed in advance of permit issuance.
• The following handouts are provided as a guide to the requirements for new dwellings:

  Energy Conservation One- and Two- Family Dwellings New One- and Two-Family Dwelling Plan Review Worksheet One- and Two-Family Dwelling Permit Process and Inspection Scheduling One- and Two-Family Dwelling Plan Submittal Checklist Residential Basement Foundations One- and Two- Family Dwellings Residential Plan Review Notes Residential Plan Notes and Standard Details Window Wells

Electrical Low Voltage Wiring

• No permit is required. Low voltage wiring in plenums and return air spaces must meet the applicable flame spread requirements for plenums in the mechanical code. This would also apply to controllers for lawn sprinkler systems and alarm systems.

Electrical Service Upgrade - residential

• Yes, a permit is required for electrical service upgrades.
  

Electrical Service Upgrade - commercial

• Yes, a permit is required for electrical service upgrades. Commercial service upgrades require a schematic of the service upgrade and a seal by a licensed electrical engineer.
  

Electrical Portable Generator - residential

• Yes, a permit is required for a generator that is direct wired to the building's main electrical system - transfer switch required.
• No permit is required otherwise.
  

Electrical Miscellaneous Repair/Replacement

• Yes, a permit is required with new branch circuits or extension of branch circuits or placing additional fixtures or receptacles on an existing circuit require a permit.
• Replacement of receptacles or light fixtures is considered repair and does not require a permit.
  

Fence*

• No permit is required. Max height of 72 inches in rear and side yards, 42 inches in front and street side yards. No setback requirements.
• Yes, a permit is needed for fences over 72 inches require a permit and engineered (sealed) design. No setback requirements.
  

Fence - electric

• No permit is required if used in an agricultural zone, with an off the-shelf, step-down transformers that plug into a standard receptacle. No setback requirements.
  

Fence - electronic (invisible fence)

• No permit needed. Not allowed within 10 feet of adjoining property line or public sidewalk, property must be clearly posted indicating electronic fence confines a dog.
  

Flatwork on Private Property - driveway, sidewalks, concrete patio

• No permit is required with these exceptions: Flatwork (concrete slabs on grade) on private property and not supporting a structure do not require permits. The minimum driveway thickness of 4-inches of air-entrained concrete is required. Homeowners performing work in the right-of-way should contact the City of Knob Noster for specific requirements.
  

Foundation Repair

• Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Wall replacement or the addition of structural columns or bulkhead require a permit and an engineered design (sealed plan).
• No permit is required for maintenance and repair, i.e., epoxy injection.
  

Furnace Replacement

• Yes, a permit is required. Many new furnaces and hot water heaters have venting systems which are fan-assisted and are high efficiency. The existing venting system may not be adequately designed for the new system. Repair does not require a permit (including fan replacement).
  

Garage Door Opener

• No permit is required. Cord and plug-connected equipment does not require a permit.
  

Gas Line (inside a building) - installation/replacement

• Yes, a permit is required. To assure gas line installations and replacement are of approved materials and free of leaks, a permit is required. Copper gas lines are permitted if the copper is listed as gas pipe (minimum Type K or L, identified continuously on each pipe). Pressure test mercury gauge to 10 inches.
  

Gas Line (outside a building) - installation/replacement

• Yes, permit is required. The line from the meter and lines from the house to gaslights, cookers, or other accessory structures (yard lines) would be covered by the building code and require a permit.
  

Garbage Disposal - new/replacement

• No permit is required for replacing a garbage disposal.
• Yes, a permit is required if it is a new installation which requires a separate circuit (can be combined with dishwasher circuit). If a new branch circuit is installed, an electrical permit is required. The dishwasher and disposal are to be on a separate circuit from the two required counter top small appliance circuits.
  

House Move

• Yes, a permit is required for structures to be moved from, to or through the City of Knob Noster. Planning and coordination with multiple government entities and utility companies is required. Applicants should contact the Building Inspector at least 30 days prior to the anticipated move.
• A permit is not required for transporting mobile homes or modular building sections that are designed to be relocated in their transported state.
  

LP Gas Tank - residential

• No permit is required with these exceptions: Permit is not required for a tank with less than 500-gallon capacity (see Fire Code). Tanks must comply with the same setbacks as accessory structures. A minimum 5-foot separation from openings below grade and minimum 10-foot separation from ignition sources.
  

Lawn Irrigation System

• No permit is required with these exceptions: Any work in the public right-of-way requires issuance of a right-of-way work permit; contact the City of Knob Noster for more information. Although the Plumbing Code does have provisions for lawn irrigation systems, building permits are not generally required.
  

Licensing Requirements

• All persons undertaking work for hire requires a valid Knob Noster Business License. For licensing information, please contact the City of Knob Noster.
  

Manufactured Homes

• Yes, a permit is required for manufactured homes to be moved to or within The City of Knob Noster. Primary inspections needed are Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, Anchoring, and Skirting. Applicants should contact the Building Inspector at least 30 days prior to the anticipated move.

Painting, Wallpaper, Paneling, Wainscoting

• No permit is required. Painting and wall finish does not require a permit. Commercial facilities, elevators, corridors, stairway enclosures, etc., have specific flame spread requirements that are regulated by the Building Code.
  

Patios

• No permit is required for patios on grade consisting of concrete or brick. See also Flatwork, Retaining Walls and Electrical.
  

Playground Equipment

• No permit is required.
  

Plumbing Fixture Installation - repair/replacement

• Yes, a permit is required for installation or replacement of the building piping or drainage system.
• No permit is required. Fixture replacement is considered repair/ maintenance and therefore does not require a permit. This would include sinks, lavatories, tubs, showers, valves, garbage disposals, dishwashers, etc.
  

Backwater Valve

• Yes, a permit is required since they require a high degree of maintenance. Backwater valves are installed to prevent sewer backups into the floor below the level of the upstream manhole. The code requires these on dwellings in locations subject to sewer backups. Only fixtures below the manhole level can drain through these valves.
  

Plumbing - sump pumps

• No permit required with these exceptions: Replacement of an existing pump does not require a permit. New sump pumps require a dedicated GFCI electric circuit, and a permit is required for new branch circuits. The City of Knob Noster does not permit sump pump connections to the sanitary sewer system.
  

Porches*

• Yes, a permit is required to install, replace or enclose a deck or porch. Porches may project a maximum of 6' into the required front yard with a maximum area of 60 sq. feet. (See residential decks handout)
  

Pools*

• Yes, a permit is required. Swimming pools more than 24 inches deep and all spas and hot tubs require a permit prior to installation. There are specific electrical and enclosure requirements for spas and hot tubs. (See Swimming Pool/Spa Permits for additional information)
  

Pools Less Than 24 Inches Deep

• No permit is required with these exceptions: The code does not regulate pools of water less than 24 inches deep that do not contain re-circulating equipment. Re-circulating equipment requires an electrical permit. (See Swimming Pool/Spa Permits for additional information)
  

Retaining Walls

• Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Retaining walls less than 48 inches in height do not require permits. Walls over 48 inches require a permit and engineered (sealed) design. No setback requirements.
  

Roofing - repair/replacement

• Yes, a permit is required. The code has specific material and installation requirements for roofing and re-roofing. A composition roof may be installed over wood shingles (not permitted over shakes). No more than three layers of any type of covering may be placed on a roof. If three layers of roofing are in place, all layers shall be removed prior to installation of additional roofing. Some homes associations regulate the quality and color of roof coverings - these are not enforced by the city.
• No permit needed for the replacement of single shingles, re-nailing, or screwing.
  

Roof Deck - repair/replacement

• Yes, a permit is required.
  

Satellite Dishes

• No permit is required for one- and two-family dwellings. Dishes less than 24 inches in diameter may be attached to the house. Ground-mounted dishes with maximum 13 feet height, setbacks from adjacent property line equal to height and underground electrical.
  

Sewer Line Replacement - exterior

• No permit is required for sewer line replacement.
• Yes, for sewer tap.
  

Sidewalks New / Replacement / Repair

• No permit is required.
  

Siding - replacement / repair

• No permit is required. Siding repair and replacement are considered maintenance and do not require issuance of a permit. The building code contains requirements regarding siding applications and flashing.
  

Signs and Banners

• Yes, a permit is required with exceptions: Permits for signs are covered in Chapter 10 of the International Zoning Code (IZC).
  

Spas and Hot Tubs*

• Yes, a permit is required. There are specific electrical and enclosure requirements for spas and hot tubs. See Swimming Pool/Spa permits.
  

Swimming Pools*

• Yes, a permit is required. Swimming pools more than 24 inches deep and all spas and hot tubs require a permit prior to installation. There are specific electrical and enclosure requirements for spas and hot tubs. See Swimming Pool/spa permits, see also notes on Pools.
  

Tents

• Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Tents are reviewed and approved by the Knob Noster Fire Department for special events. Tents less than 900 square feet with less than 50 people do not require permits.
  

Tree Houses

• No permit is required. Tree houses are not addressed by the Building Code or Zoning Ordinance if under 200sqf; therefore a permit is not required. Electrical connections to tree houses are not permitted.
  

Towers - radio/communication

• Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Residential - permits required; engineering data to support the design may be required.
  

Water Heater Replacement

• Yes, a permit is required. Many new furnaces and hot water heaters have venting systems that are fan-assisted and are high efficiency, the existing venting system may not be adequately designed for the new system.
  

Water Line Replacement - exterior

• No permit is required for general water line replacement. A permit is required for the replacement or repair of fire service mains serving private fire hydrants, fire suppression systems (sprinkler) or standpipe systems.