Missouri building code

Codes in force in Missouri

Each code family with the edition and the date it took effect, as the adopting agency or statute states them.

Adopted by: Local governing bodies².

Scope, amendments and transition rules

International Residential Code (IRC)

Scope

Adopted locally¹

Applies to

Any county, fire protection district or municipality¹

Local amendments allowed?

Yes¹

International Building Code (IBC)

Scope

Adopted locally¹

Applies to

Any county, fire protection district or municipality¹

Local amendments allowed?

Yes¹

Energy code, commercial

Scope

Adopted locally¹

Applies to

Any county, fire protection district or municipality¹

Local amendments allowed?

Yes¹

International Plumbing Code (IPC)

Scope

Adopted locally¹

Applies to

Any county, fire protection district or municipality¹

Local amendments allowed?

Yes¹

International Mechanical Code (IMC)

Scope

Adopted locally¹

Applies to

Any county, fire protection district or municipality¹

Local amendments allowed?

Yes¹

National Electrical Code (NEC)

Scope

Adopted locally¹

Applies to

Any county, fire protection district or municipality¹

Local amendments allowed?

Yes¹

How Missouri adopts building codes

RSMo §§ 64.170-64.200, 67.280, 77.500 · in effect August 28, 2009¹

• Adopted locally. Any community, if the community otherwise has the power under the law to adopt such an ordinance, may adopt or repeal an ordinance which incorporates by reference the provisions of any code or portions of any code, or any amendment thereof, properly identified as to date and source, without setting forth the provisions of such code in full.¹
• Code means construction, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and fire prevention rules. …regulations concerning the construction of buildings and continued occupancy thereof; mechanical, plumbing, and electrical construction; and fire prevention…¹
• County commissions in first and second classification counties may regulate construction and issue permits. …the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification, as provided by law, is for this purpose empowered, subject to the provisions of subsections 2 and 3 of this section, to adopt by order or ordinance regulations to control the construction, reconstruction, alteration or repair of any building or structure and any electrical wiring or electrical installation, plumbing or drain laying therein, and provide for the issuance of building permits…¹
• Voter approval required for counties without a code before August 28, 2001. Any county which has not adopted a building code prior to August 28, 2001, pursuant to sections 64.170 to 64.200, shall not have the authority to adopt a building code pursuant to such sections unless the authority is approved by voters, subject to the provisions of subsection 3 of this section.¹
• County codes must be a 1999 or later nationally recognized edition. After August 28, 2001, any county seeking to adopt a building code in a manner set forth in section 64.180 shall, in creating or amending such code, adopt a current, calendar year 1999 or later edition, nationally recognized building code, as amended.¹
• Third class city councils may regulate construction. The city council may also regulate and control the construction of buildings, the construction and cleaning of fireplaces, chimneys, stoves and stovepipes, ovens, boilers, kettles, forges or any apparatus used in any building, manufactory or business which may be dangerous in causing or promoting fires, and may provide for the inspection of the same.¹
• Adopted codes are listed by jurisdiction on the state data portal. The building codes adopted by jurisdictions throughout the state are listed on the State of Missouri Data Portal and can be accessed by county or city by following the links below.²
• State list excludes local amendments and trade codes. The lists provided here include the general code adopted but do not include any specific amendments made by the jurisdiction or trade codes adopted; please contact the jurisdiction for specific code details.²
• State building energy standard for state projects. All new state construction, buildings being constructed for lease by the state, and significant renovations and replacement of energy-using equipment shall be at least as stringent as the most recent energy efficiency standards of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).⁴

Applies to

Any county, fire protection district or municipality¹

What local governments may change

RSMo §§ 67.281, 67.288, 67.301, 67.494, 324.925

• Local codes cannot deny purchasers the choice on fire sprinklers. …no purchaser of such a one- or two-family dwelling or townhouse shall be denied the right to choose or decline to install a fire sprinkler system in such dwelling or townhouse being purchased by any code, ordinance, rule, regulation, order, or resolution by any county or other political subdivision.¹
• No local EV-charger mandate for church or nonprofit lots. …no political subdivision shall adopt any ordinance, resolution, regulation, code, or policy that requires electric vehicle charging stations or infrastructure for future installation of electric vehicle charging stations on any parking lot owned or leased to any church or nonprofit organization exempt from taxation…¹
• County building ordinances cannot conflict with LP gas rules. No county building ordinance so adopted shall conflict with liquefied petroleum gas installations governed by section 323.020.¹
• State preempts physical security measure regulation. Any existing or future order, ordinance, policy, or regulation in this field is or shall be null and void.¹

Residential code in Missouri cities

The edition each city enforces, from the city’s own adoption page or ordinance.

For permits, exemptions and owner-builder rules, see Missouri building permits. To compare editions across states, see the code adoption map.