Wildwood Zoning Regulations & Building Permits
Key Zoning Facts
Wildwood Zoning Overview
Wildwood is a large, predominantly residential city of approximately 36,000 residents in western St. Louis County, Missouri. Incorporated in 1995, Wildwood is known for its extensive green space, rural character in its western portions, and planned Town Center development. Land use and development are regulated through the city's zoning ordinance, codified in the Wildwood Municipal Code. The code divides the city into seven primary zoning districts -- one non-urban (NU), three residential (R-1 through R-3), two commercial (C-1, C-8), and one industrial (MP) -- each with specific standards for lot size, setbacks, height, and permitted uses.
Residential Zoning Districts
Wildwood's residential districts reflect the city's emphasis on preserving open space and low-density development, particularly in its western areas. Lot requirements are notably larger than many other St. Louis County municipalities. The NU (Non-Urban) district requires a minimum of 3 acres per lot, while even the smallest residential district (R-3) requires 10,000 square feet.
| District | Type | Min Lot Size | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback | Max Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NU | Non-Urban Residence | 3 acres | 50 ft | 30 ft | 50 ft | 35 ft |
| R-1 | Residential Estate | 40,000 sq ft | 50 ft | 20 ft | 40 ft | 35 ft |
| R-2 | Single-Family | 20,000 sq ft | 40 ft | 12 ft | 30 ft | 35 ft |
| R-3 | Single-Family | 10,000 sq ft | 30 ft | 8 ft | 25 ft | 35 ft |
All residential districts share a maximum building height of 35 feet. The NU district, which covers much of western Wildwood, has the most generous setbacks at 50 feet front, 30 feet side, and 50 feet rear -- reflecting the area's rural character and emphasis on open space preservation.
Commercial and Industrial Districts
The C-1 (Commercial) district serves neighborhood retail and service needs, while the C-8 (Planned Commercial) district accommodates larger commercial developments with flexible site design subject to plan review. The MP (Planned Industrial) district provides for manufacturing and warehousing uses with oversight through the plan review process. Most commercial activity is concentrated in the Town Center area and along Manchester Road. Consult the municipal code for specific dimensional standards in these districts.
ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Wildwood does not currently have a specific ordinance authorizing ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Missouri has no statewide ADU mandate, so local jurisdictions set their own rules. While accessory structures like detached garages and sheds are permitted under general zoning provisions, constructing a separate dwelling unit within an accessory building is not expressly allowed. Property owners interested in adding a secondary dwelling should contact the Department of Planning at (636) 458-0440 for guidance.
Development Process
Development in Wildwood generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the Department of Planning. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification -- Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district by reviewing the municipal code or contacting the Department of Planning
- Site Plan Review -- For commercial, industrial, and planned district projects, submit a site plan for review by the Planning and Zoning Commission
- Building Permit -- Apply for a building permit with construction documents that comply with the 2018 IBC/IRC as locally adopted
- Inspections -- Schedule required inspections during construction
- 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 or rezoning through the Board of Adjustment or Planning and Zoning Commission.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Wildwood, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property through St. Louis County GIS or by contacting the city
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific zoning district -- note that Wildwood's lot minimums are significantly larger than many neighboring communities
- Check for any overlay districts, tree preservation requirements, or environmental regulations that may apply
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center -- Wildwood has significant floodplain areas
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply -- many Wildwood subdivisions have active HOAs with architectural review requirements
- Contact the Department of Planning at (636) 458-0440 for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Wildwood and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Wildwood Department of Planning or the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Wildwood
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- 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 GIS mapping services. St. Louis County GIS covers Wildwood parcels.
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Many Wildwood subdivisions and planned developments have active HOAs with CC&Rs that may impose restrictions beyond city zoning, including architectural review and tree preservation requirements.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 3 acres
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 50 ft
- Side Setback
- 30 ft
- Rear Setback
- 50 ft
- Min Lot
- 40,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 50 ft
- Side Setback
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 40 ft
- Min Lot
- 20,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 40 ft
- Side Setback
- 12 ft
- Rear Setback
- 30 ft
- Min Lot
- 10,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Wildwood
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Wildwood are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Wildwood permit fees →