Hazelwood Zoning & Land Use Guide
Official references and local checks
Use the official references below to identify the rules that apply to your address, then confirm parcel-specific requirements with the local authority before filing an application.
Official references
- Population:
- 25,703
- County:
- St. Louis County
- State building code:
- No mandatory statewide building code; local adoption(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- No statewide override; local rules apply
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- City of Hazelwood Planning & Zoning
- Municipal code:
- View code online
- Zoning map:
- View local zoning map
Before you apply
- Call the City of Hazelwood Planning & Zoning: (314) 839-3700
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Use the local zoning map to look up your parcel's zoning designation before applying for a permit.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Hazelwood and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Hazelwood is a city of approximately 25,700 residents in St. Louis County, Missouri, situated in the northern suburbs of St. Louis. Land use and development are regulated through the city's zoning ordinance, codified in the Hazelwood Municipal Code. The city's zoning code establishes residential, commercial, and industrial districts, each with specific standards for lot size, setbacks, height, and permitted uses. Hazelwood's industrial base has historically been anchored by aerospace and manufacturing — the site of the former Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) plant along McDonnell Boulevard remains a significant land use consideration as redevelopment proceeds.
Key Zoning Districts
Hazelwood's residential zoning includes R-1 and R-2 single-family districts differentiated by lot size and setback requirements, and an R-3 multi-family district for higher-density housing. The R-1 district requires a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet with a 30-foot front setback, while R-2 allows slightly smaller lots of 7,500 square feet. The R-3 district permits apartment buildings and townhomes with buildings up to 45 feet in height.
| District | Type | Min Lot Size | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback | Max Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1 | Single-Family | 10,000 sq ft | 30 ft | 8 ft | 25 ft | 35 ft |
| R-2 | Single-Family | 7,500 sq ft | 25 ft | 7 ft | 20 ft | 35 ft |
| R-3 | Multi-Family | 6,000 sq ft | 25 ft | 10 ft | 25 ft | 45 ft |
Commercial districts include C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) for small-scale retail and services and C-2 (General Commercial) for a broader range of uses. The M-1 (Light Industrial) district covers Hazelwood's significant industrial and warehouse corridors.
ADU Rules
Hazelwood does not currently have specific provisions for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in its zoning code. Missouri has no statewide ADU mandate, meaning all ADU policy is determined locally. Property owners interested in adding a secondary dwelling unit should contact the Planning & Zoning department at (314) 839-3700 to discuss what options may be available under current regulations.
Development Process
Development in Hazelwood generally requires obtaining permits from the Planning & Zoning department. The typical process includes:
- Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district by reviewing the municipal code or contacting Planning & Zoning
- Site Plan Review — Commercial and multi-family projects require site plan review by the Planning and Zoning Commission
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents complying with the 2018 IBC/IRC as locally adopted
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections at key stages of construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying any new or substantially modified structure
Projects that do not conform to existing zoning may require a variance, conditional use permit, or rezoning through the Board of Adjustment or City Council.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Hazelwood, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property by contacting Planning & Zoning at (314) 839-3700
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements in the municipal code
- Determine if the property is in a FEMA flood zone using the Flood Map Service Center
- Check whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply, as many Hazelwood subdivisions have active homeowners associations
- Contact Planning & Zoning for pre-application guidance on larger or more complex projects
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Hazelwood and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with Hazelwood Planning & Zoning or the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Hazelwood
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Missouri
- Building Code: IBC/IRC (locally adopted with amendments)
County — St. Louis County
- Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, and coordination on unincorporated area planning.
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional requirements. Many Hazelwood subdivisions have active homeowners associations.
Statewide Context (Missouri)
Local data for Hazelwood is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Missouri and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- No mandatory statewide building code; local adoption
- State ADU Preemption
- No statewide override
- Coastal Zone
- No
- Wildfire Zones
- No
ADU Rules in Hazelwood
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Hazelwood permit information →Official Sources
City-specific