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Missouri, Boone County Remodeler Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Boone County, Missouri Remodeling and Renovation Permit Requirements

Boone County's Resource Management Department, through its Building & Safety Division, oversees building permits and inspections for unincorporated areas of the county. If your property is within the city limits of Columbia, you will need to contact their specific building department.

1. Authority Having Jurisdiction: Boone County Building & Safety Division

The Boone County Resource Management Department is responsible for enforcing zoning regulations, stormwater regulations, building codes, and road construction standards. They handle building permits and inspections for areas outside of Columbia.

2. Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

For properties in unincorporated Boone County, a building permit is generally required for any construction that physically alters or adds to a property, or for work regulated by codes. This includes new structures, additions, and alterations or remodeling involving structural, electrical, plumbing, insulation, roofing, or gas line work. Cosmetic work such as painting or re-siding typically does not require a permit.

3. Permit Triggers for Demolition Work During a Remodel

Boone County generally does not require a separate demolition permit for interior demolition during a remodel. However, if you are demolishing an entire private or public building, a demolition permit from the Boone County Health Department is required for unincorporated areas. It is advisable to check with the Boone County Fire Protection District for any controlled burns or the Boone County Public Health and Human Services if asbestos removal is a concern.

4. Permit Requirements for Converting Non-Living Spaces

Converting non-living spaces such as garages, attics, or unfinished basements into habitable living areas requires a building permit. Depending on the scope of work, additional electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits may also be necessary.

It is recommended to consult with the Development Services Center (DSC) staff early in the planning process to understand zoning and building code requirements for these conversions.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Missouri, including Boone County.

Missouri Remodeler Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Missouri State-Level Building Codes and Legislation for Remodelers and Residential Renovations

Missouri does not have a single, statewide building code. Instead, building codes are adopted and enforced at the local level by municipalities and counties. These local jurisdictions typically reference model codes from the International Code Council (ICC). The most commonly adopted versions of these codes in Missouri include the 2015 editions of the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), and International Mechanical Code (IMC). Some areas may also reference the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the National Electrical Code (NEC), which are enforced locally. It is crucial for remodelers to verify the specific codes and any local amendments in effect with the local building department for their project's location. Some municipalities, like O'Fallon and Town and Country, have adopted the 2021 or 2024 editions of the International Existing Building Code, respectively.

The primary state board or agencies that set these standards are not centralized at the state level for building codes. Instead, the Division of Professional Registration supports various professional licensing boards and commissions responsible for regulating professions within the state. However, for building codes, enforcement and adoption are primarily handled by local building departments and officials.

Generally, the classification of remodels and when demolition guidelines apply are determined by local ordinances and the adopted building codes. The International Residential Code (IRC) and International Existing Building Code (IEBC) provide frameworks for alterations and repairs. Structural alterations, such as converting attics or basements to habitable spaces, typically require permits and are subject to more stringent requirements than cosmetic remodels. Demolition guidelines are also locally enforced and often require specific permits, advance notice to neighbors, and adherence to safety and debris removal protocols. For instance, some municipalities require a notice of intention to demolish to be sent to properties within 200 feet, and demolition must proceed continuously and be completed within a specified timeframe.

Missouri law broadly defines remodeling as any work that erects, demolishes, alters, or repairs improvements to a property. This includes kitchen and bathroom renovations, room additions, structural changes, and electrical, plumbing, and HVAC upgrades. For substantial renovations, Missouri statute defines it as modifications affecting at least fifty percent of the square footage of a building or costing at least fifty percent of the building's fair market value.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Boone County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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