Do You Need Permits for Sheds, Cabins, and Garages in Missouri? Here’s What You Need to Know

Building a shed, cabin, or garage can transform your property, giving you extra storage, workspace, or even a cozy getaway. But before you break ground, it’s important to ensure that you have the proper permits in place. While Missouri’s regulations may differ from town to town, understanding the overall requirements for your outdoor building project is key to avoiding fines, delays, or the hassle of modifying or removing your structure.

In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of cabins, garages, and shed permits in Missouri, what factors influence the need for permits, and how you can streamline the process.

Why Do You Need a Permit for a Cabin, Shed, or Garage?

Permits ensure that construction follows local safety, zoning, and building codes. Whether it’s a shed for storage, a cabin for a weekend retreat, or a garage to protect your vehicles, Missouri has guidelines to protect property owners and their neighbors. Permits also help ensure that structures are built to withstand environmental conditions, like high winds or heavy snowfall, and adhere to local regulations.

For sheds, cabins, and garages, permits are often required to:

• Protect property value: Buildings meeting local codes help maintain or boost property values.
• Ensure safety: Proper materials, construction techniques, and design to reduce hazards.
• Avoid fines or penalties: If you build without permits, you could face fines or be required to tear down or make expensive structural adjustments.

Missouri’s General Building Permit Requirements

Missouri doesn’t have a single statewide building code. Instead, local counties and municipalities establish their own building codes, zoning laws, and permit processes. However, most areas in Missouri follow the guidelines of the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC), which regulate aspects like structural integrity, plumbing, and electrical wiring.

Normally, you’ll need a permit for:

• Sheds over a certain size: In many municipalities, sheds that are over 120 square feet (or 10×12 feet) will need a building shed permit in Missouri.
• Permanent structures: A cabin or garage with a foundation, electrical hookups, and plumbing almost always requires a permit.
• Cabins with utilities: If your cabin has electricity or plumbing, you will likely need a permit regardless of its size.
• Garages attached to a home: If your garage is attached to your home, the structural integration will likely trigger the need for a permit.

However, checking with your local building department to confirm their specific requirements is important.

Permit Requirements by Structure Type

Let’s break down the permit needs for each type of structure:

Sheds

Shed permits in Missouri ensure that construction follows local safety, zoning, and building codes. Small storage sheds (normally under 120 square feet) may not need a permit in most towns. However, larger sheds or those used for more than just storage like workshops or hobby rooms with electrical wiring, will likely need a permit.

Key factors include:

• Shed size: Sheds larger than 120 square feet normally need a shed permit in Missouri.
• Shed Use: A permit is usually necessary if you plan to use it as a workspace with utilities.
• Shed location: Check local zoning rules on where to place the shed on your property.

Cabins

Whether you’re building a larger vacation home or a small hunting cabin, you’ll likely need permits for construction in Missouri. Cabins often involve electrical systems, plumbing, and a permanent foundation, factors that usually trigger the need for permits. If you’re building a cabin on a rural property, check with the county to understand zoning regulations, as some areas are stricter than others regarding residential builds in recreational or agricultural zones.

Permit requirements for cabins usually include:

• Zoning approval
• Building permit
• Electrical permit
• Plumbing permit

Garages

Garages are considered larger, more complex structures than sheds. If you’re building a detached or attached garage in Missouri, you’ll almost certainly need permits for construction, electrical work, and possibly plumbing. Additionally, if your garage is going to be used as more than a parking space—such as a workshop or extra living space—it’s crucial to meet all safety and zoning requirements.

Garages often require:

• Building permits
• Electrical permits (for lighting, outlets, etc.)
• Plumbing permits (if installing a bathroom or sink)
• Special zoning or variance approval (depending on the size and location on your property)

Understanding Local Variations

While Missouri doesn’t have a uniform statewide building code, most municipalities adopt national codes (IBC and IRC) with local modifications. This means the specific requirements and thresholds for permits can change depending on where you are in the state.

For example:

• Kansas City may have stricter permit regulations compared to rural areas like St. Charles County.
• Columbia and Springfield may have additional requirements for structures in flood zones or within historic districts.
• In more rural counties, shed or cabin regulations might be looser, but septic and well regulations could be tighter for cabins with utilities.

Always check with your local Building Department to ensure compliance. Many local governments provide information online or have staff available to answer questions over the phone or in person.

How to Apply for a Permit

To apply for a building or shed permit in Missouri, follow these general steps:

1. Contact your local building department: Find out what specific permits and documents are needed for your project.
2. Submit necessary documentation: You’ll likely need to submit a site plan, detailed construction drawings, and, if applicable, plumbing and electrical schematics.
3. Wait for approval: The review process may take several days or weeks, depending on the project.
4. Schedule inspections: Once you’ve received the permits and started construction, you’ll need to schedule inspections at different stages to ensure the work follows local codes.

Penalties for Failing to Obtain a Permit

If you fail to get the proper garage, cabin, or shed permit in Missouri, you could face:

• Forced removal or modification: You may be required to demolish the structure or make costly adjustments to bring it up to code.
• Resale issues: When it comes time to sell your property, unpermitted structures can cause legal headaches and reduce your property’s value.
• Fines: Municipalities may issue fines for buildings without permits.

Conclusion

Before you build a shed, cabin, or garage in Missouri, make sure you check your local permit requirements. While smaller sheds might not need a permit, larger or more complex structures will need you to navigate the permitting process. By ensuring your building complies with local codes and safety regulations, you’ll avoid costly penalties and have peace of mind that your project is being done right.

If you’re planning a build, reach out to your local building department early to start the permit process. This ensures that everything is in place before you begin construction, saving you time and hassle in the long run.

Need more help with building permits for your structure in Missouri? Feel free to contact us or your local government office for more details.

Outdoor Buildings for Sale in Missouri

If you’re searching for high-quality sheds, portable cabins, or portable garages in Missouri, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you need extra storage space, a home office, a cozy retreat, or a secure spot for your vehicles, our locally built outdoor structures are designed to meet all your needs. It’s important to consider whether you’ll need a shed permit in Missouri before starting any project, and we’re here to help guide you through the process to ensure compliance with local regulations. 

Our garages offer the ultimate convenience and functionality, with 93″ tall sidewalls providing ample room for taller items, making them ideal for workshops or storage shelves. The 9 ft wide by 7 ft tall roll-up door allows for easy movement of large equipment, and our customizable designs let you add features like workbenches, vents, or ramps to improve your workspace. For those interested in sheds, our products are perfect for decluttering, storing gardening tools, or creating small workspaces. We take pride in our reputation for quality craftsmanship and competitive pricing, ensuring each shed is built to withstand Missouri’s unpredictable weather. As with any project, you may need to obtain a shed permit in Missouri, and we’ll make sure you’re prepared. We deliver our work on time and on budget, ensuring that your structure meets your expectations and complies with any shed permit requirements in Missouri.

Shed Permit in Missouri | FAQs

What are the regulations for building a shed in Missouri?

Requirements for shed permits in Missouri can differ depending on the city or county, but the common guideline is that sheds under 120 square feet usually don’t need a permit.

What is the largest shed size allowed without a permit?

The largest shed size typically allowed without a shed permit in Missouri is 120 square feet. This means sheds measuring 10×12 feet or smaller usually do not require a permit, though local regulations may vary between cities and counties. Always check with your local building department for specific rules in your area.

How close to the house can I have a shed in Missouri?

The distance a shed can be placed from your house is usually regulated by local zoning laws, which often require a minimum setback from property lines, other structures, and the main dwelling. The standard distance is normally between 5 to 15 feet, depending on the municipality. However, setback rules can vary, so it’s important to check with your local building or zoning department for the specific requirements in your area.