The minimum Housing Code for the City of Winchester requires that all property in the City be inspected and approved by the City's Building Inspector each and every time occupancy and/or ownership changes.  Therefore, should you decide to rent, sell your home, or move out and have other family members move in, a Housing Inspection must be successfully completed. 

The homeowner or his agent may complete a Housing Inspection application at the City Hall.  A minimum of 24-hours notice is required before the inspector can inspect the property.  The inspection application must be completed and the fee paid before the inspection can take place.  The inspector cannot accept payment during the inspection. 

When the application is completed and paid for, an appointment time will be set for the inspection.  Inspections are scheduled during City Hall business hours and someone must be at the property for the inspection to occur.

After the Inspection is approved, the new occupants must obtain an Occupancy Permit from the City Hall before moving into their home.  Upon application, new residents are given useful information concerning their residency in Winchester.  An occupancy permit is a simple one page form listing contact information and the occupants of the home. 

Housing Inspection Fee:  $70.00
Occupancy Permit Fee:    $10.00

BUILDING PERMIT REGULATIONS_____________________________________________________________

Play it safe and check with City Hall before you start that residential or commercial improvement project.  Permits may berequired for many projects (permit authorization forms must be displayed prior to the beginning of construction) including:

In addition, St. Louis County requires the issuing and diplaying of permits for the following projects (prior to starting work):

Bulding Permit Application forms are available from City Hall.  A complete step-by-step procedure form is included with each Building Permit application.  It is intended to help you determine which items need to be done and in what order. 

If you are planning to apply for a Building Permit for your home, you should consider that both West County EMS & Fire Protection District and Metro West Fire District can require permits for all new construction, remodeling, additions and all fireplaces, including wood burning stoves.  Please contact the Fire District that you reside in for their requirements.

BUILDING PERMIT COST - The fee for a building permit depends upon the type of project, the number of inspections required, and the cost of the project.  A certificate of insurance or construction bond may also be required. 
Reminder:  Municipal Code stipulates that building permit fees are doubled if work begins before a permit is secured. 

PERMIT DEPOSIT - Residential and commercial permit applications require a non-refundable deposit.  Upon Building Department approval of your application, we credit the depsit to the actual cost of your permit.  If the Building Department does not approve and issue a permit, the deposit will help cover the Building Commissioner's fee for review of the plans.

Non-Refundable Deposit Required