Bolthole Index

St. Francois County, Missouri

Building permits, zoning and land rules in St. Francois County, Missouri

67Index Score / 100
#74 of 115 in Missouri

St. Francois County, Missouri requires a building permit before any new development begins, including in rural and unincorporated areas; the permit comes from the County Clerk's Office and costs $201. We could not confirm county zoning for unincorporated land, so ask the County Commission; the City of Farmington does run its own zoning and building codes23. Septic permits go through the St. Francois County Health Center's Environmental Health Department under a county onsite wastewater ordinance, and a development in a regulated floodplain needs a separate floodplain permit45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required countywide before all new development; $20 from the County Clerk's Office16
Zoning
Not confirmed; ask the County Commission about the parcel27
Septic permit
Environmental Health issues permits for new systems and major repairs89
Floodplain permit
Required separately for development in a regulated floodplain5
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask the County Commission before relying on either use27
Private well
Contractors need state permits; a landowner may install their own well or pump without one10
State-highway driveway
A new or modified driveway in MoDOT right-of-way needs a permit11

Who to call

Building permits

St. Francois County Clerk's Office

Maintains building permits and other county licenses

1-573-756-5411

1 West Liberty Street, Annex Building, Suite 300, Farmington, Missouri 63640

Online permits →

Floodplain permits

St. Francois County Floodplain Manager

Provides floodplain maps and information on building and floodplain development permits

1-573-431-6505, Extension 719

1 West Liberty Street, Annex Building, Suite 301, Farmington, Missouri 63640

Septic permits

St. Francois County Health Center, Environmental Health Department

Regulates onsite wastewater treatment systems and issues construction permits for new systems and major repairs

573-431-1947

info@sfchealth.org

1025 West Main Street, Park Hills, Missouri 63601

Also useful

St. Francois County Commission

Handles county business and parcel-use questions not assigned to another county office

1-573-756-3623

1 West Liberty Street, Annex Building, Suite 301, Farmington, Missouri 63640

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in St. Francois County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

Do you need a building permit in St. Francois County, Missouri?

Yes. St. Francois County requires a building permit before work begins on all new development, including rural and unincorporated areas covered by the county, and the published fee is $2016. The county materials do not say how city permits fit with the county permit, so owners inside a city should also ask that city before starting work12. Inside Farmington, the city separately requires building permits for new buildings, additions, alterations, changes of use and mechanical, electrical or plumbing work, under the 2015 International Codes adopted in 201813. A city notice has proposed updated 2024 codes, but final adoption was not confirmed14. Septic permits are a separate matter handled by the Health Center, not the Clerk4. A project in a regulated floodplain needs a separate floodplain development permit/application5. New construction in those regulated floodplain locations must be elevated at least one foot above the Base Flood Elevation5. We could not confirm an adopted county building-code edition, a building-inspection schedule, or a certificate-of-occupancy process; ask the County Clerk what plans, inspections, and closeout documents apply to the specific project15.

Who issues St. Francois County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The St. Francois County Clerk's Office maintains building permits and other licenses15. Visit the office at 1 West Liberty Street, Annex Building, Suite 300, Farmington, Missouri 63640, or call 1-573-756-541115. Permit forms are available from the Clerk's Office, and the building permit must be obtained there before work begins16. For flood questions, maps are available at the Floodplain Manager's office in the County Commission office, Room 3015. The Floodplain Manager is at 1 West Liberty Street, Annex Building, Suite 301, Farmington, Missouri 63640, and the phone number is 1-573-431-6505, extension 71917. Ask the Clerk to identify any required inspections because the published county materials do not confirm an inspection schedule15.

Does St. Francois County have zoning?

We could not confirm that St. Francois County has adopted county zoning or published county zoning districts2. Missouri allows qualifying counties to establish zoning for unincorporated territory only after the question is submitted to county voters and a majority favors zoning18. That statewide authority does not prove St. Francois County adopted zoning18. Ask the County Commission whether zoning applies to the parcel and whether there are rules for setbacks, minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, building height, lot coverage, accessory dwellings, manufactured homes, or subdivision7. The Commission is at 1 West Liberty Street, Annex Building, Suite 301, Farmington, Missouri 63640, and can be reached at 1-573-756-36237. City rules differ: Farmington is divided into zoning districts, and uses in each district follow that district's regulations, with some uses allowed only by Special Use Permit after review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council19. Buildings inside most Farmington zoning districts must sit a minimum distance from each lot line, with the exact distance varying by property20. None of that applies to unincorporated land unless the county confirms its own zoning.

How do septic permits work in St. Francois County?

The St. Francois County Health Center's Environmental Health Department regulates onsite wastewater treatment systems and issues the construction permit required for a new system or a major repair89. To begin, submit a construction permit application, an OWTS design plan, and a soil morphology; the soil scientist and installer must be registered with the Missouri health department9. Call 573-431-1947, email info@sfchealth.org, or visit 1025 West Main Street, Park Hills, Missouri 636019. The Health Center administers permitting under a county onsite wastewater ordinance that may impose requirements beyond the state minimum, and a permit must be issued before construction begins4. A permit is required for residential property under three acres, and the state acreage exemption does not apply in every county, so confirm eligibility with Environmental Health before work21. Missouri's state health department temporarily suspended onsite wastewater application fees effective August 28, 2026, so ask Environmental Health what fee applies today21. Some incorporated cities fall outside the local septic permitting authority, and the state health department takes over the permit for work in those cities, so check the address before applying4. Missouri does not require a septic inspection for every real-estate transaction, but a lender or buyer may request one and any requested inspection must be performed by a licensed individual; ask Environmental Health whether St. Francois County adds a local sale requirement22. Only about 13% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so settle the soil evaluation and system design before choosing a house site23.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in St. Francois County?

We could not confirm a St. Francois County rule that specifically allows or prohibits living in an RV, temporary camping, or occupying a tiny home on private land2. Ask the County Commission whether the parcel is subject to zoning or another occupancy restriction before relying on an RV or tiny home as housing7. A tiny home that constitutes new development still requires the county building permit before work begins12. An off-grid arrangement also does not remove wastewater rules: Missouri generally requires an onsite wastewater construction permit, and wastewater may not be discharged into a road ditch or onto the ground24. The Health Center requires an OWTS construction permit for a new onsite system or a major repair9. We also could not confirm a county minimum dwelling size, setback schedule, or owner-builder exemption, so ask the Commission about land use and the Clerk about permit treatment for the exact structure715.

Building a home in St. Francois County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask the County Commission whether zoning, setbacks, subdivision rules, or an occupancy restriction applies to the parcel27.
  2. Ask the County Clerk what plans and inspections are required, then obtain the $20 building permit before starting new development1215.
  3. Check the county floodplain maps; regulated-floodplain development needs a separate permit, and new construction there must be at least one foot above the Base Flood Elevation5.
  4. If the home needs an onsite wastewater system, submit the application, design plan, and soil morphology to Environmental Health9.
  5. For a private well, confirm the installer has the applicable state permit; Missouri allows landowners to install their own well or pump without that permit10.
  6. Obtain a MoDOT permit before constructing or modifying a driveway in state right-of-way11.
  7. Before closing walls or occupying the home, ask the Clerk which inspections or completion documents apply because we could not confirm a published county schedule15.

What should you check before buying land in St. Francois County?

Start with wastewater feasibility: only about 13% of St. Francois County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field23. Ask Environmental Health for the required soil and design process before fixing the house site9. Check the county floodplain maps because regulated-floodplain development needs an additional permit and new construction there has an elevation requirement5. Confirm legal access, and remember that a new or modified driveway within MoDOT right-of-way requires a state permit11. Ask the County Commission about zoning, setbacks, subdivision, RV use, and tiny-home occupancy because we could not confirm county rules for those topics27. For budgeting, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,1612526. If a private well is planned, decide who will install it and confirm the applicable state permit before work begins10.

Watch-outs

  • A county building permit does not replace the separate floodplain development permit required for a project in a regulated floodplain5.
  • We could not confirm county zoning, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, setbacks, or minimum dwelling size; ask the County Commission about the parcel before buying27.
  • The farm-building and farm-structure exemption applies only to county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances; it does not erase building, floodplain, septic, zoning, subdivision, municipal, state, or federal requirements27.

Sources

  1. St. Francois County Floodplain, quoted and re-checked
  2. (2026 county census)
  3. Farmington Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. OWTS Construction Permit Process, quoted and re-checked
  5. St. Francois County Floodplain, quoted and re-checked
  6. St. Francois County Floodplain, quoted and re-checked
  7. St. Francois County Commission (sfcgov.org)
  8. OWTS Construction Permit Process (2026 county census)
  9. St. Francois County Health Center, Environmental Health Department (sfchealth.org)
  10. Water Wells - PUB2945, quoted and re-checked
  11. Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. St. Francois County Floodplain, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  15. St. Francois County Clerk's Office (sfcgov.org)
  16. St. Francois County Floodplain, quoted and re-checked
  17. St. Francois County Floodplain Manager (sfcgov.org)
  18. RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Farmington Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  20. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  21. health.mo.gov, quoted and re-checked
  22. health.mo.gov, quoted and re-checked
  23. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  24. health.mo.gov (Missouri statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  27. RSMo § 64.003 — Farm buildings and farm structures, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, St. Francois County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleSt. Francois CountySte. Genevieve CountyWashington CountyIron CountyMadison CountyJefferson CountyPerry County
Building permitRequiredRequiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredNot required
County zoningNot publishedNot publishedNoNot publishedNoYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Health CenterCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.DHSSMO Dept. of Health & Senior ServicesCounty Code Enforcement Div.DHSS

County locator

St. Francois County in Missouri

67
County map
St. Francois County highlighted among the Missouri counties · colored by Index score

How St. Francois County scores

Seclusion47100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency64100% ev.
Admin Boringness6235% ev.
Durability59100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost78100% ev.

Evidence strength: 89%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$196kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$5,052Land / acre
45.7"Annual rain
4.4% of yrsSevere drought
10.7 / yr (+9.3)Mid-century 100°F days
15.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.11" (+7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.83×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,013Home insurance / yr
1.7% / yrInsurance growth
2.09%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
63,458People within 30 min
3,178,278People within 2 hr
76,467Radius comparison (15 mi)
148.4People / sq mi
0.2%Federal land
69.5%Land at 15% slope or less
13%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
37,089 acWorkable land screen
66.7%Wooded land
41.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.1°FAvg temp

Scout St. Francois County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for St. Francois County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Cities and towns in St. Francois County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Iron Mountain Lake · Leadington · Leadwood

Answers from the rulebook for St. Francois County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

St. Francois County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    All new development in St. Francois County, including development in regulated floodplain areas.

    • A Building Permit must be obtained before beginning work.
    • The permit is obtained from the County Clerk’s Office on the 3rd floor of the County Court Annex.
    • The stated permit cost is $20.00.
    • If the proposed development is in a regulated floodplain area, a separate Floodplain Development Permit/Application must also be obtained and submitted for approval.
    • The cited page does not state whether incorporated municipalities administer separate building-permit rules.

    permit fee: 20 USD · additional floodplain permit: true (Required when the proposed development is located within a regulated floodplain area.)

    “All new development in the County is required to obtain a Building Permit prior to beginning work.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — All new development in St. Francois County, including rural/unincorporated areas covered by the county page.
      “All new development in the County is required to obtain a Building Permit prior to beginning work. This permit can be obtained from the County Clerk’s Office on the 3rd floor of the County Court Annex. The cost of this permit is $20.00. If the proposed development is located within a regulated floodplain area, a “Floodplain Development Permit/Application “must also be obtained and submitted for approval. This permit is also obtained from the County Clerk’s Office”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Domestic onsite wastewater treatment system permitting in St. Francois County, including construction and repair of most OWTS.

    • The St. Francois County Health Center administers permitting under a county onsite wastewater ordinance and may impose requirements beyond state minimum construction standards.
    • A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most OWTS; some single-family residential lots may be exempt, and the appropriate authority must confirm any exemption.
    • Some incorporated cities may not fall under the local permitting authority; for work in such an incorporated area, the local permitting authority defers the permit process to DHSS.
    • The county health center's FAQ states that systems on less than three acres, or more than one system on 10 acres, require contacting the environmental office to discuss the situation.
    • The FAQ states that construction may begin only after the permit is issued.
    • The FAQ's stated $90 fee is superseded by the DHSS notice that application fees were temporarily suspended effective August 28, 2026, pending new standards.

    single-family residential lot threshold: < 3 acres (Some lots may be exempt; confirm with the permitting authority.) · multiple-system threshold: per 10 acres (More than one system on 10 acres requires discussion with the environmental office.) · permit fee: 0 USD (Application fees temporarily suspended effective August 28, 2026; the DHSS notice says RSMo 701.046 removed the $90 fee and authorizes DHSS to set reasonable fees.)

    “Agency: St Francois County Health Center Authority Type: Ordinance Address: 1025 W. Main PO Box 367 Park Hills, MO 63601 County: St. Francois Phone: (573) 431-1947 Website: www.sfchc.org Alert: Contact the agency above for onsite wastewater permitting instructions. This county has their own Onsite Wastewater Ordinance and may have additional requirements beyond the state minimum construction standards.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installing or repairing an onsite wastewater system in St. Francois County.

    • A construction permit is required for residential property less than three acres.
    • The state FAQ says the acreage exemption does not apply in some counties; the St. Francois County ordinance must be consulted for the local exception.
    • A permit is required regardless of property size for onsite systems serving non-residential structures.
    • The county ordinance may impose requirements beyond state minimum standards.
    • Effective August 28, 2026, Missouri DHSS stated that application fees for onsite sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs were temporarily suspended due to changes to RSMo 701.046.
    • Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption has been confirmed by the appropriate authority.

    residential property acreage threshold: < 3 acres (The state FAQ states the exemption does not apply in some counties; check the county authority.) · application fee suspension effective date: 2026-08-28 (DHSS stated fees were temporarily suspended pending new standards.)

    “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting. [...] Effective August 28, 2026, due to changes to RSMo 701.046, the application fees associated with on-site sewage disposal system construction, modifications, and repairs will be temporarily suspended.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    New construction and proposed development located within a regulated floodplain area in St. Francois County.

    • A Floodplain Development Permit/Application must also be obtained and submitted for approval.
    • The county states that all new construction in floodplain locations must be elevated at least one foot above the Base Flood Elevation.
    • The property’s regulated-flood-zone status is determined using county floodplain maps available for viewing at the Floodplain Manager’s office in the County Commissioners Office, room 301.
    • The county page states that the county entered its FEMA flood-insurance agreement on August 14, 1984.

    minimum elevation above Base Flood Elevation: >= 1 foot

    “all new construction is elevated at least one (1) foot above the Base Flood Elevation”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building permits for new development in St. Francois County.

    • The county page states a $20.00 building-permit cost for new development.
    • The page separately requires a Floodplain Development Permit/Application for proposed development in a regulated floodplain area but does not state a fee for that additional permit.

    building permit fee: 20 USD

    “All new development in the County is required to obtain a Building Permit prior to beginning work. This permit can be obtained from the County Clerk’s Office on the 3rd floor of the County Court Annex. The cost of this permit is $20.00.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    New development requiring a county building permit in St. Francois County.

    • The building permit must be obtained before beginning work.
    • The permit is obtained from the County Clerk’s Office on the 3rd floor of the County Court Annex.
    • If the proposed development is located within a regulated floodplain area, a Floodplain Development Permit/Application must also be obtained and submitted for approval.
    • The county forms page states that permit forms are available at the County Clerk’s office and provides telephone number 573-756-5411.
    “All new development in the County is required to obtain a Building Permit prior to beginning work. This permit can be obtained from the County Clerk’s Office on the 3rd floor of the County Court Annex. The cost of this permit is $20.00. If the proposed development is located within a regulated floodplain area, a “Floodplain Development Permit/Application “must also be obtained and submitted for approval.”

Missouri rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Missouri statewide legal framework for building-code adoption by counties and other communities; the statutes authorize local adoption rather than establishing one uniformly adopted statewide building code.

    • County authority under RSMo 64.170 applies to counties of the first and second classification.
    • A county that had not adopted a building code before August 28, 2001 must obtain voter approval before adopting under RSMo 64.170 to 64.200.
    • The adoption vote is limited to voters in the affected area; a code affecting a county is not voted on by citizens of incorporated territory.
    • A county adopting under RSMo 64.180 must use a current nationally recognized building code edition from calendar year 1999 or later, as amended.
    • A county building ordinance may not conflict with liquefied petroleum gas installation requirements governed by RSMo 323.020.
    • A community may incorporate a code by reference only if it otherwise has legal power to adopt the ordinance.
    • A code incorporated by reference must be filed with the community clerk and available for public inspection for 90 days before adoption.
    • An ordinance adopting a code by reference must state the penalty separately rather than incorporate the penalty by reference.
    • RSMo 67.280 defines community to include any county, fire protection district, or municipality, and municipality to include an incorporated city, town, or village.
    “Because fire and building codes are adopted at the local level in Missouri”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Missouri statutory authority for counties to create zoning districts in unincorporated territory; this does not establish or publish the actual zoning districts for any particular county.

    • The statute applies to unincorporated territory of counties subject to sections 64.211 to 64.295.
    • Actual district boundaries, regulations, and maps depend on county adoption and are not supplied by this statewide statute.
    • District regulations must be uniform for each class or kind of building or land use within each district, although regulations may differ between districts.
    • The regulations must be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    “the unincorporated territory may be divided into districts of such number, shape and area as may be deemed best suited”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Inspection or evaluation of existing onsite wastewater systems in connection with Missouri real-estate transfers.

    • Local public health agencies generally no longer inspect existing systems for real-estate transfers.
    • A private licensed inspector may perform an inspection or evaluation.
    • A lender, buyer, or other transaction participant may require an assessment.
    • Some local standards may be more stringent than state regulations.
    • Inspections and evaluations are distinct; an inspection includes a hydraulic test, while an evaluation does not.
    “For the most part, local public health agencies no longer inspect existing systems related to real estate transfer. The help of a licensed inspector can be obtained to check the condition of the system.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Inspection or evaluation of an OWTS before a Missouri real-estate transaction.
      “No. However, if a lender or buyer requests an inspection/evaluation, it must be conducted by a licensed individual. Some counties may require an onsite system inspection/evaluation for every real estate transaction. Check with the local permitting authority.”
    • Not required — Inspection or evaluation of an OWTS before a real-estate transaction under Missouri state law.
      “No. However, if a lender or buyer requests an inspection/evaluation, it must be conducted by a licensed individual. Some counties may require an onsite system inspection/evaluation for every real estate transaction. Check with the local permitting authority.”
    • Limited — Inspections of existing onsite sewage systems in connection with property sales statewide in Missouri.
      “Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' (DHSS) rules governing onsite sewage systems cover minimum construction requirements, system inspections at the time of property sales, and requirements for percolation testers and soil evaluators.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid domestic wastewater treatment using onsite wastewater treatment systems where central sewer service is unavailable.

    • Onsite systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property where generated.
    • A construction permit is generally required, including for residential property less than three acres, subject to county-specific exceptions.
    • Wastewater may not be discharged into a road ditch or onto the ground.
    • Local permitting authorities may impose additional requirements.

    residential lot threshold: < 3 acres (The exemption does not apply in some counties.)

    “Onsite wastewater treatment systems are sometimes referred to as "septic systems." These systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property where it is generated.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Use of onsite wastewater treatment systems as off-grid sanitation where central sewer service is unavailable in Missouri.
      “In Missouri, where central sewer service is not available, homeowners and small business owners use various types of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction or alteration of a public well serving a Missouri public water system.

    • Public water systems must receive written approval from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Public Drinking Water Branch before constructing or altering a public well.
    • The requirement does not apply when the system meets the charitable-and-benevolent-organization exemptions in section 640.116, RSMo.
    • Anyone proposing to install a public well must contact the department’s regional office for a well-site survey.
    • The survey addresses minimum isolation or setback distances from known or potential contaminant sources, including septic tanks, sanitary sewer lines, and landfills.
    • Before applying for construction authorization, the public water system must obtain an estimated casing-depth letter from the Missouri Geological Survey Water Resources Center.
    • There is no fee for the well-site-survey and estimated-casing-depth-letter services.
    • Failure to obtain construction authorization may result in approval delays and possibly require the owner to properly plug the well and drill a new one according to 10 CSR 60-3.

    public water system threshold: at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily, at least 60 days per calendar year

    “Public water systems must receive written approval from the PDWB before constructing or altering a public well”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Construction or repair of private water wells in Missouri, including St. Francois County.
      “A restricted water well or pump installation permit is required for someone to contract these activities or to direct the installation. Landowners may install their own well or pump without a permit pursuant to the above mentioned law and rules.”
    • Limited — Water-well construction, repair, pump installation, and associated plumbing in St. Francois County under Missouri state well-construction rules.
      “A non-restricted water well installation permit is required to construct or repair a water well in Missouri. A non-restricted pump installation permit is required to install or replace a pump in a water well. A non-restricted pump installation permit is also needed to install or repair the plumbing and electrical lines from the well to the point of entry in the structure. A restricted water well or pump installation permit is required for someone to contract these activities or to direct the installation. Landowners may install their own well or pump without a permit pursuant to the above mentioned law and rules.”
    • Required — A person or contractor conducting regulated work to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a water well, heat-pump well, monitoring well, or related well in Missouri.
      “A non-restricted permit is required to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a well.”
    • Limited — Construction or repair of water wells, installation or replacement of pumps, and associated plumbing and electrical work in Missouri.
      “A non-restricted water well installation permit is required to construct or repair a water well in Missouri.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Farm buildings and farm structures used for agricultural purposes under the county building and land-use restriction provisions of RSMo sections 64.800 to 64.905.

    • The exemption does not apply within incorporated portions of counties.
    • The exemption applies to raising crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry and to specified rice-farming or flood-irrigation impoundments.
    • For farm buildings or farm structures, the area must not be within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.
    • The statute preserves the validity of county ordinances or orders adopted before March 4, 1991.
    • Other laws and local requirements may still apply.

    rice-farming or flood-irrigation berm height: <= 18 inches (small berms placed around a field to hold water for growing rice or flood irrigation)

    “This section shall not apply to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for such purposes in an area not within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available — Farm buildings and farm structures in St. Francois County insofar as county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances are concerned
      “Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures as against county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances.
      “Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for agricultural purposes under RSMo section 64.890, outside incorporated portions of counties and outside areas shown on flood hazard area maps.
      “This section shall not apply to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for such purposes [...]”
    • Available (with conditions) — Farm buildings and farm structures statewide, with respect to county fire-protection and fire-prevention ordinances.
      “no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits [...]”
    • Available — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures with respect to county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances.
      “Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures.”
  • Subdividing landLimited

    Subdivision plats in the unincorporated areas of counties covered by RSMo section 64.070 after the county commission adopts subdivision regulations.

    • The county commission must first adopt subdivision regulations.
    • The plat must first be submitted to the planning commission.
    • If the county planning commission does not report upon the plat within thirty days, it may then be deemed approved.
    • If amended or rejected by the planning commission, the action may be overruled and the plat approved only by the county commission, with the reasons for overruling spread upon the county commission minutes.
    • The recorder of deeds may not record the plat until receiving a certificate of authority from the county zoning enforcement officer.
    • The statute also permits a county planning commission, upon written request of an incorporated area's legislative body where there is no municipal planning commission, to pass upon subdivision plats within that incorporated area; those plats are subject to county planning commission rules and approval procedures.

    planning commission reporting period: 30 days (If no report is made, the plat may then be deemed approved.)

    “After the county commission shall have adopted such subdivision regulations, no plat of a subdivision of land within the unincorporated area of such county [...]”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Subdivision regulations adopted by Missouri cities, towns, or villages under RSMo section 89.410.
      “The planning commission shall recommend and the council may by ordinance adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within its jurisdiction.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction or modification of driveways within MoDOT right-of-way statewide.

    • A permit is required for construction of driveways and modifications to existing driveways on MoDOT right-of-way.
    • An initial online request must be submitted for each planned listed activity.
    • Engineered plans, traffic studies, hydraulic analysis, traffic-control plans, surety deposits, or performance bonds may be required depending on the work.
    • The rule does not establish a permit requirement for driveways outside MoDOT right-of-way.
    “We require you to obtain a permit to work on MoDOT's Right of Way for: Construction of driveways”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Missouri county zoning authority over unincorporated land.

    • RSMo § 64.850 applies to counties of the first class without a charter and counties of the second, third, or fourth class.
    • RSMo § 64.620 applies to counties of the second or third class to which §§ 64.510–64.690 apply.
    • Adoption under §§ 64.510–64.690 requires approval by vote of the people under § 64.530.
    • The authority applies in unincorporated portions and not incorporated portions.
    • The regulations must be in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    • Under § 64.090, the zoning power does not apply to raising crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry; seasonal or temporary rice-farming or flood-irrigation impoundments; specified farm structures outside mapped flood-hazard areas; or underground mining entered through shafts outside mapped flood-hazard areas.
    • Existing lawful uses and specified public-utility services are protected under the cited statutory schemes.
    “the county commission of any county of the first class not having a charter form of government, or of any county of the second, third or fourth class may, after approval by vote of the people as provided in section 64.845, regulate and restrict, by order of record, in the unincorporated portions of the county, the height, number of stories, and size of buildings, the percentage of lots that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts and other open spaces, the density of population, the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • county building authorityLimited

    County authority to regulate residential construction and issue building permits in unincorporated areas of Missouri.

    • The authority under sections 64.170 to 64.200 applies to counties of the first and second classification.
    • A county that had not adopted a building code before August 28, 2001, must obtain voter approval before adopting one under those sections.
    • Only voters in the area affected by the proposed code may vote; incorporated-territory citizens cannot vote on a code affecting a county.
    • The county commission must hold at least three public hearings and provide the statutory newspaper publication and county posting notices before adoption.
    • Regulations adopted under section 64.180 apply to unincorporated territory, except as otherwise provided.
    • Adopted or amended codes after August 28, 2001, must use a current, calendar year 1999 or later edition of a nationally recognized building code, as amended.
    • A county building ordinance may not conflict with liquefied petroleum gas installations governed by section 323.020.

    public hearings before adoption: >= 3 hearings minimum (Section 64.180(3)) · newspaper notice: >= 15 days (Notice of hearing time and place must be published in at least two newspapers having general circulation within the county) · posted notice: >= 15 days (Notice must be posted in four conspicuous places in the county) · minimum nationally recognized building-code edition: >= calendar year 1999 edition year (Applies after August 28, 2001, under section 64.180)

    “The regulations adopted shall be applicable to the unincorporated territory of the county, except as otherwise provided herein”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — County regulation of construction and issuance of building permits for buildings, including residential construction, in Missouri counties, with the practical focus on county-controlled areas outside incorporated territory.
      “the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification [...] is for this purpose empowered [...] to adopt [...] regulations to control the construction”
    • Limited — Missouri counties' authority to require permits and regulate residential construction in unincorporated areas.
      “Before the adoption of such code of regulations, the county commission shall hold at least three public hearings thereon”

Inside cities and towns in St. Francois County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction and related building work within the City of Farmington, St. Francois County, Missouri.

    • The City adopted the 2015 International Codes effective January 1, 2018.
    • Implementation and enforcement began March 1, 2018.
    • The adoption occurred through Ordinance 15-11.
    • The city states that amendments may be enacted from time to time.
    • Separate building permits are generally required for new buildings, additions, alterations, changes of use, and changes to mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems, subject to stated exemptions and minor-work exceptions.

    adopted code edition: 2015 International Codes · adoption date: 2018-01-01 · implementation and enforcement date: 2018-03-01

    “The City of Farmington adopted the 2015 International Codes as of January 1, 2018 with an implementation and enforcement date of March 1, 2018 through enactment of Ordinance 15-11 by the City Council. Amendments may also be enacted from time to time.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction within the City of Farmington, St. Francois County, Missouri
      “The City of Farmington adopted the 2015 International Codes as of January 1, 2018 with an implementation and enforcement date of March 1, 2018 through enactment of Ordinance 15-11 by the City Council. Amendments may also be enacted from time to time.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction and related work within the City of Farmington, St. Francois County, Missouri.
      “The City of Farmington adopted the 2015 International Codes as of January 1, 2018 with an implementation and enforcement date of March 1, 2018 through enactment of Ordinance 15-11 by the City Council. Amendments may also be enacted from time to time. Please contact a building inspector for more information.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction and building-code enforcement within the City of Farmington, St. Francois County, Missouri.
      “The City of Farmington adopted the 2015 International Codes as of January 1, 2018 with an implementation and enforcement date of March 1, 2018 through enactment of Ordinance 15-11 by the City Council. Amendments may also be enacted from time to time.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Buildings, structures, and land within the City of Farmington, St. Francois County, Missouri.

    • Uses are subject to the zoning district regulations applicable to the property.
    • Special or conditional uses may require a Special Use Permit reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
    • Rezoning is subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
    • Farmington's zoning ordinance has been amended and updated over time.
    “The city is divided into various districts known as zoning districts. The use of buildings, structures and land in each district is subject to certain zoning regulations which are generally intended to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public; conserve the value of buildings; and encourage the most appropriate use of land.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land within the incorporated City of Farmington, St. Francois County, Missouri.
      “The city is divided into various districts known as zoning districts. The use of buildings, structures and land in each district is subject to certain zoning regulations which are generally intended to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public; conserve the value of buildings; and encourage the most appropriate use of land.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Land, buildings, and structures within the City of Farmington, St. Francois County, Missouri.
      “The city is divided into various districts known as zoning districts. The use of buildings, structures and land in each district is subject to certain zoning regulations which are generally intended to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public; conserve the value of buildings; and encourage the most appropriate use of land.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Land within the City of Farmington, Missouri.
      “The city is divided into various districts known as zoning districts. The use of buildings, structures and land in each district is subject to certain zoning regulations which are generally intended to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public; conserve the value of buildings; and encourage the most appropriate use of land.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings located within the City of Farmington, St. Francois County, Missouri.

    • The rule applies within most city zoning districts.
    • The exact setback or yard-area application may vary based on property characteristics, including lot width or street frontage.
    • The source does not provide a single numeric setback applicable to all city properties.
    “Buildings are required to be located a minimum distance from each line within most zoning districts of the city. The exact application of the required building setback or yard areas may vary slightly based on specific characteristics of each property such as lot width or street frontage.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders seeking an exemption from St. Francois County building-permit requirements.
  • Inspections — Building inspections in St. Francois County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in St. Francois County.
  • County-wide zoning — A countywide zoning ordinance applicable to unincorporated St. Francois County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated St. Francois County
10 more unanswered
  • Minimum lot size
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in St. Francois County, Missouri

Is St. Francois County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

St. Francois County scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 45.7″/yr rainfall with little drought.

Do you need a building permit in St. Francois County, Missouri?

St. Francois County generally requires a residential building permit. Onsite septic is permitted by St. Francois County Health Center, Environmental Health Department. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in St. Francois County, Missouri?

Land in St. Francois County runs about $5,052 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in St. Francois County?

St. Francois County gets about 45.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.4% of years.

How remote is St. Francois County?

A representative private-land location has about 63,458 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,178,278 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How St. Francois compares in Missouri

Compare side-by-side →See all 115 Missouri counties ranked →