St. Louis Zoning Overview

St. Louis is an independent city in Missouri with approximately 301,578 residents (2020 Census). Unlike most U.S. cities, St. Louis is not located within any county -- it functions as both a city and county, handling all government services independently. Land use and development are regulated through the city's zoning code, codified in the St. Louis Revised Code. The zoning code uses a letter-based district system (A through K) to regulate lot size, setbacks, height, and permitted uses. The code is administered by the St. Louis Planning & Urban Design Agency.

Residential Zoning Districts

St. Louis has four primary residential zoning districts:

The A district is the most restrictive residential zone, limited to single-family detached homes on lots of at least 6,000 square feet with a 35-foot height limit. The B district permits both single-family and two-family (duplex) dwellings on slightly smaller lots. The C and D districts accommodate multi-family housing at increasing densities, with the D district allowing buildings up to 70 feet. Side setbacks in all residential districts vary based on lot width and building type -- consult the revised code for specific requirements.

Commercial Districts

St. Louis has three commercial zoning districts:

• F (Neighborhood Commercial) -- Neighborhood-scale retail, office, and service uses intended to serve nearby residential areas
• G (Local Commercial and Office) -- Local-serving commercial and office uses at a moderate intensity
• H (Area Commercial) -- Broader commercial and retail uses serving a wider area, including larger-format retail

Contact the Planning & Urban Design Agency for specific dimensional standards and permitted uses in commercial districts.

Industrial Districts

The J (Industrial) district accommodates manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution uses. The K (Unrestricted) district permits the most intensive industrial operations with minimal use restrictions. Contact the Planning & Urban Design Agency for specific dimensional standards in these districts.

ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)

St. Louis has provisions for accessory dwelling units. Missouri has no statewide ADU mandate, so St. Louis's ADU provisions are entirely local. Property owners interested in building an ADU should contact the St. Louis Planning & Urban Design Agency at (314) 622-3400 for:

• Current eligible zoning districts
• Maximum size and height requirements
• Setback and lot coverage standards
• Owner-occupancy requirements, if any
• Permit application procedures

Property owners should also check whether neighborhood association rules or deed restrictions may further limit ADU construction.

Development Process

Development in St. Louis generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the Planning & Urban Design Agency and the building department. The process typically involves:

1. Zoning Verification -- Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district by reviewing the revised code or contacting the Planning & Urban Design Agency
2. Site Plan Review -- For commercial, multi-family, and mixed-use projects, submit a site plan for review
3. Building Permit -- Apply for a building permit with construction documents that comply with the 2018 IBC/IRC as locally adopted
4. Inspections -- Schedule required inspections during construction
5. Certificate of Occupancy -- Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, conditional use permit, or rezoning through the Board of Adjustment or Planning Commission.

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in St. Louis, property owners should:

• Verify the zoning classification of their property by contacting the Planning & Urban Design Agency at (314) 622-3400
• Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific zoning district in the revised code
• Check for any overlay districts, historic districts, or special regulations that may apply -- St. Louis has numerous historic and cultural districts with additional design requirements
• Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center -- areas near the Mississippi River and River Des Peres are flood-prone
• Confirm whether neighborhood association rules or deed restrictions apply
• Contact the Planning & Urban Design Agency for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in St. Louis and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the St. Louis Planning & Urban Design Agency or the revised code before making development decisions.