Missouri, Monroe County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Monroe County, Missouri Plumbing Permit Requirements
Monroe County, Missouri, issues building permits for properties located in unincorporated areas of the county. If your property is within an incorporated city in Monroe County, that city's building department will handle your permits, not the county.
For plumbing work, specific permit requirements may be managed by different county departments depending on the nature of the work. For instance, the Monroe County Health Department handles permits and inspections for wastewater and septic systems.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas:
- Monroe County is responsible for issuing building permits for unincorporated areas.
- The county has an on-site domestic wastewater treatment system ordinance, which applies to dwellings or facilities producing domestic wastewater of 3,000 gallons or less per day. Systems in use prior to the ordinance's passage in 1986 are grandfathered in unless they become a nuisance or require modification.
- Permit fees for septic systems are $150.00, payable at the Monroe County Health Department.
- Building permit fees are $60.00, payable at the Monroe County Clerk's Office.
- No person shall construct, install, modify, or operate any wastewater treatment system without the required permit.
- A landowner may install a wastewater treatment system, but using a registered installer in Missouri is recommended.
- Wastewater treatment system permits are dependent on specific setback distances, and any installed lagoon requires a fence before final approval.
Missouri state law also allows township boards in unincorporated areas to regulate building construction to promote health, safety, and general welfare, which may include requirements for permits.
Resources to Learn More
- Monroe County, MO - 2026 Building Permit Guide
- Building Permit | City of Monroe City, MO
- Wastewater & Septic System Inspections - Monroe County Health Department
- Missouri Revised Statutes ยง 65.677 (2025) - Building regulations, unincorporated areas, township board to regulate, when.
- Calculate a Water Heater Replacement Project in Monroe County, Missouri
- Find Plumber Contractors in Missouri