FAQs • St Charles County, MO • CivicEngage

What do I need to do to open a business?: Before purchasing or leasing a property from which to operate a business, contact the County Planning & Zoning Division at Planning@sccmo.org or 636-949-7335 to verify that the zoning classification for the property allows your specific type of business. Following initial verification, you should apply for a Business Occupancy Permit by submitting the application to the County Building and Code Enforcement Division (201 N. Second St., Suite 412, St. Charles, MO 63301, 636-949-7345, (fax) 636-949-7336, bldgpermit@sccmo.org). If you plan to modify the building or site, you will need to discuss those changes with Building and Code Enforcement Division staff to determine if a building permit will be required. You should also contact the appropriate fire district to see if they will require an inspection. If your business will prepare or serve food you must contact the County’s Environmental Health Division (1650 Boone's Lick, St. Charles, MO 63301, 636-949-1800, environmental@sccmo.org) regarding any additional license requirements.

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Community Development - Building and Code Enforcement Division

1. Do I need a building permit?: Please see our Building Permits page or contact our office at 636-949-7345.

2. Do I need an inspection if I'm selling my house?: If you have a private sewage disposal system, well system, or if during the selling process the home was condemned, an inspection is required

3. What do I need to do to open a business?: Before purchasing or leasing a property from which to operate a business, contact the County Planning & Zoning Division at Planning@sccmo.org or 636-949-7335 to verify that the zoning classification for the property allows your specific type of business. Following initial verification, you should apply for a Business Occupancy Permit by submitting the application to the County Building and Code Enforcement Division (201 N. Second St., Suite 412, St. Charles, MO 63301, 636-949-7345, (fax) 636-949-7336, bldgpermit@sccmo.org). If you plan to modify the building or site, you will need to discuss those changes with Building and Code Enforcement Division staff to determine if a building permit will be required. You should also contact the appropriate fire district to see if they will require an inspection. If your business will prepare or serve food you must contact the County’s Environmental Health Division (1650 Boone's Lick, St. Charles, MO 63301, 636-949-1800, environmental@sccmo.org) regarding any additional license requirements.

4. How do I know if a contractor is licensed?: We license Plumbers, Electricians, Heating and Cooling, Pool Installers Septic Installers, Drain Layers, and Blasters. These are listed online. Or, the customer may call the office at 636-949-7345 and ask any of the clerical staff if a contractor is licensed and in good standing with their insurance and bond.