FLOODPLAIN MAPS AND INFORMATION

Contractor Listing
Click this link to view address and phone number information for contractors that are licensed with the City of St. Joseph.

SPECIAL NOTICE!
Code Footprint requirements effective July 1, 2009

Ask A Building Development Question and View the Answers

St Joseph’s Building Development Division employs the one stop shop concept. We are here to meet your building project needs, whatever they may be.

Building permits are a vital aspect in meeting the minimum acceptable standard of codes. An investment in the home or business you are about to build or remodel is a serious decision. When that building project does not comply with the codes, life safety and building integrity would be compromised. Applying for building permits notifies the code official that you are constructing or remodeling a building so that he or she can ensure code compliance, life safety, considerations, and ensure that owners receive serves they contract for.

Building permits are required for many remodeling projects, repairs, replacements, new structures, and additions. Before starting any improvement project, please contact Building Development for permit requirements. Some of the common construction projects requiring permits are listed below. If your project is not listed, be sure to contact the Building Development staff to inquire about permitting requirements, which may apply to your project.

• Any work initiated in the Public Right of Way. The Public Right of Way is from the curb to the property line, which typically can be up to 20 ft from the curb. Some of the permits required to work in the Public Right Of Way are: Tree planting, driveways, grade changes, irrigation, dumpsters and sidewalks. For a complete listing please call 271-4757.
• Balconies
• Carports
• Central air conditioners, new or replacement
• Concrete stoops, slabs and stairs
• Decks or porches
• Dishwashers
• Driveways, replacement or expansion
• Electrical work
• Fences
• Fireplaces
• Furnaces, new or replacement
• Garages, new or attached
• Gas-light conversions
• Gazebos or greenhouses
• Lawn irrigation system
• Patios
• Plumbing work
• Remodeling; interior, exterior or basement
• Retaining walls
• Roofing (greater than 25% of roof area)
• Room additions or sunrooms
• Demolition
• Land Disturbance
• Satellite Dishes
• Sewer repair or replacement
• Sheds
• Sidewalks or stairs
• Swimming pools, in-or-above ground greater than 24” deep
• Wall partitions
• Water heaters, new or replacement
• Water softeners, new or replacement
• Whirlpools/spas
• Windows or doors when added or increased in size
• Yard regarding/filling

Development Review
Prior to construction, plan review, and approval, certain projects will go through a Development Review Committee. This review process allows communication between city departments, utility companies and applicants concerning these projects. Projects for the Development Review Committee will be the following: residential construction involving three units or more, all-new commercial/industrial construction, and planning and zoning related application where in new building construction of a similar type as listed above will be submitted. For additional information and dates of the Development Review Committee meetings, please call (816) 271-5341.

Plan Review
A plan review is required for all projects requiring a permit. Building Development will conduct and route all construction documents to the appropriate departments for reviewing approval. Most minor reviews are conducted at the counter with a permit being issued during the initial visit. A more extensive review is required for major projects. The applicant will be notified of any code-related deficiencies that need to be addressed. A revised set of plans is required to be submitted prior to issuance of a permit.

For your protection, contractors performing work under an approved permit must be licensed and bonded to work in the City of St. Joseph. Bonds provide the city surety against any damage to public improvements.

Inspections
Inspections are required as the work progresses. When you are completely finished a final inspection will be conducted that will be carried out by all inspectors. Upon successful completion of this step, a certificate of occupancy or completion is issued.

• Temporary power or gas
• Underground utilities (power, phone, cable TV, water, sewer)
• Foundation (setback and forms)
• Building (foundation, wall, joists, structural)
• Plumbing (drain, waste and vent piping, water
• Mechanical (ducts and equipment)
• Electrical (service and wiring)

• Setback
• Footing
• Foundation
• Structural rough
• Plumbing rough
• Electrical rough
• Mechanical rough

The rough in or pre-concealment inspections should be coordinated so that all the inspectors are on site at the same time. All rough in should be complete and ready for inspection. When you are completely finished a final inspection will be conducted that will be carried out by all inspectors.

Inspection Requests
A phone line answered by voicemail will take your inspection request. When calling for an inspection please leaves the following information: your name, phone number, permit number, address of project, type of inspection and if requesting a morning or an afternoon inspection. Please understand that the inspector will not be able to give you a specific time for your inspection other than a morning or afternoon time frame. If you prefer you can email or fax your inspection requests. Please see the email address for the inspectors located under staff. Fax your requests to (816)271-4676. Please be sure to include the information referenced above.