MyGov
The City has contracted with MyGov to provide permitting, licensing and request for service software. The new portal will allow residents, contractors and business owners to apply for permits online and pay for them right away without having to come into the Government Center. Click the link below to go to MyGov.
Building Permits
Building permits are required for all kinds of construction, including room and garage additions, basement finishes, sheds, barns, fences, decks, satellite dishes and swimming pools. Before beginning on any construction, of these items, it may be necessary that a building permit be applied for and obtained. If you have any questions about if a permit is needed or what to do to obtain a permit, please contact the Building Inspections Department at (636) 227-2129. Any plans larger than 11 x 17 must include digital plans.
These forms are available in the Document Center
- Building Permit/Application
- Fence Permit/Application
- Plumbing & Drain Laying Permit/Application
- Roofing Requirements
- Mechanical Permit/Application
- Electrical Permit/Application
- Sign Permit
- Demolition Permit
Permit Information/Resources available in the Document Center
- FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION - Hiring a Contractor
Adding a room, renovating a basement, or doing some much-needed repairs? Finding a good contractor is important — a home improvement project gone wrong can cost you. More information. - Residential Retaining Wall Building Code Information
- Residential Room Addition
- Residential Deck, Porch, Balcony, or Raised Floor Surface Building Code Information
More Information from the American Wood Council - Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs Section AG105 Barrier Requirements
- Sewer Lateral Repair Program Information and Application
- Finishing Your Basement Does Require A Permit
In most cases you will also have to obtain mechanical, electrical and plumbing permits. Finishing your basement can increase the comfort and value of your home. With the assistance of the Ballwin Code Enforcement Department, you can make sure that your project is done in a safe and code-compliant manner At some point in the future, should you want to sell your house, it will have to be inspected and approved by the City of Ballwin. If you do not get a permit for a basement finish, you will have to obtain a building permit and approval before the house can be sold. This may mean that some demolition will have to take place so that the necessary inspections can be made. It is much easier to get the permit when the work is done.
Occupancy Inspection
In the City of Ballwin, all occupied buildings must be inspected and certified for compliance with the Ballwin Housing Code before they can be occupied by a new resident, tenant or business. New occupants are required to obtain an Occupancy Permit before taking up occupancy in any house, condominium, apartment or commercial building. Inspection applications and Occupancy Permits can be obtained through the MyGov portal link above.
These forms are available in the Document Center
- Request for Occupancy Inspection form
- Credit Card Phone/Mail Payment form
- Occupancy Permit
- Ballwin Housing Code Handbook
Petition Forms
Construction and Technical Code update proposed for 2026
The City of Ballwin is taking steps to adopt the 2024 International Building Codes, rules that govern building safety and construction. This is an update from the 2015 standards the City currently uses, covering everything from new home construction and fire safety to energy efficiency and plumbing.
The City’s Building Inspector has spent several months carefully reviewing the new codes and has recommended adopting the following:
- 2024 International Building Code: Rules for general commercial structures
- 2024 International Residential Code: Rules specifically for building new one- and two-family homes
- 2023 National Electric Code: Rules for safe electrical wiring and equipment
- 2024 International Property Maintenance Code: Rules governing the minimum standards for the maintenance of existing structures and properties
- 2024 International Fuel Gas Code: Rules for design, installation and maintenance of fuel gas systems and gas-fired appliances
- 2024 International Plumbing Code: Rules for water systems and sanitation
- 2024 International Mechanical Code: Rules for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
- 2024 International Fuel Gas Code: Rules for the safe installation and use of fuel gas piping
There are some amendments to the code the City is considering adopting. Copies of the proposed amendments are available in draft form here.
You can find the full text of the 2024 International Codes online at www.iccsafe.org
Copies of the new codes can be viewed in the City Clerk's office.
Still have questions? Give our inspections department a call at (636) 227-2129.
