Building Regulations

Permits are required to protect all Christian County citizens from the effects of repairs, additions, or new construction which are in violation of building codes; such violations could cause harm to life and/or property. Building codes were adopted in March 2008”. Permits can take 5-6 business days to process.

(For Permits, you must apply IN PERSON. Excludes; solar panels and cell tower modifications)

A permit is required before any construction, alteration, repair, movement or demolition of a structure. A permit is also required when the electrical, gas, mechanical and/or plumbing system is installed, altered, repaired or removed.

• To repair, replace or install a wastewater system or sewer line, contact the Christian County Health Department –http://www.christiancountyhealth.com/wastewater.html
• Well permits are issued through the Department of Natural Resources. https://dnr.mo.gov/regions/swro.htm

Permits are issued in the name of the recorded property owner(s). However, authorized agents with appropriate proof of ownership may obtain permits in the owner(s) behalf.

A permit expires if the authorized work is not started within six months of the issue date or if an inspection is not conducted every six months. To renew a permit, the owner or contractor must pay renewal fees. Demolition permits expires 90 days after issuance.

The first step is to check with the Christian County Resource Management office to see if the property is properly zoned for your particular use. Other steps include checking with the Christian County Environmental office about any drainage issues or flood plains, to determine if sewer and water are available or if a well and septic will be required. The Christian County Highway Department would need to be contacted for access from a County Road and your utility provider would need to be contacted about any restrictions that may need to be met. Plans can take a few weeks to be approved and ready for issuance.

Christian County has adopted the 2012 International Codes, the 2011 National Electric Codes with adopted amendments and the 2011 Commercial Codes.

• Application Requirements

In the unincorporated area of Christian County, wastewater installers must be Christian County certified, as well as State Certified.

A Certificate of Occupancy is issued after the required inspections are approved and the requirements of other departments have been met, typically 2-3 business day after an approved Final inspection. This includes an approved final Septic inspection from the Health Department. An original copy of the Certificate of Occupancy is mailed to owner.

Are issued through the Planning & Development Department located inside the Resource Management Office. For more information call 581-7242.