Planning a kitchen remodel is exciting—new layout, better appliances, maybe even that oversized island you’ve been dreaming about. But before the demolition starts or any new cabinets go in, there’s something essential that can’t be skipped: permits.
In Missouri, kitchen remodeling permits aren’t just a bureaucratic hurdle. They’re a vital part of ensuring your remodel is done safely, legally, and up to code. Whether you’re knocking down a wall, moving a gas line, or simply updating outlets for modern appliances, permits help protect your investment—and your home.
At Morganco, we’ve seen it all: projects delayed because someone didn’t realize they needed a plumbing permit to move a sink, or buyers backing out of a sale because unpermitted remodel work showed up during inspection. The truth is, doing it right the first time saves money, stress, and time.
This guide breaks down exactly which permits you need for a kitchen remodel in Missouri, how the process works, what they cost, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Click here to learn more about St. Louis’ Kitchen Remodel permits & guidelines
Why Permits Matter in Missouri
Permits aren’t just red tape—they’re there to ensure that your kitchen is safe, built to current codes, and won’t cause headaches down the road. In Missouri, the state adopts the International Residential Code (IRC) with local modifications, which means each city or county can enforce slightly different rules. But most remodels will trigger similar requirements across the board.
Here’s why you shouldn’t skip them:
1. They Keep Your Remodel Safe
Permits require inspections, which verify that things like wiring, plumbing, and structural changes are done to code. This helps prevent fire hazards, leaks, or dangerous load-bearing mistakes.
2. They Protect Your Home’s Value
If you plan to sell your home in the future, unpermitted work can derail the sale. Lenders and inspectors often flag improvements that weren’t documented with proper permits.
3. They Keep You Legally Covered
Some insurance companies may refuse to cover damage linked to unpermitted renovations. Worse, if a contractor skips permits and something fails, you might be left holding the bag.
4. They’re Often Required by Licensed Contractors
In many Missouri cities, licensed electricians, plumbers, and HVAC pros are required to pull their own permits to legally perform work. This protects you from liability and ensures trained professionals are on the job.
Core Permits for Missouri Kitchen Remodels
Whether you're swapping out cabinets or doing a full gut renovation, most kitchen remodels in Missouri will require a combination of the following permits. Each one serves a specific purpose and ensures that the work is done safely and in line with local and state codes.
1. Building Permit
A building permit is the backbone of most remodel projects. You’ll need one if your kitchen renovation involves:
Removing or moving walls
Reconfiguring the room layout
Adding new windows or doors
Making structural modifications (such as reinforcing joists or beams)
Expanding into adjacent rooms
Even seemingly simple changes—like relocating an island—can sometimes require a building permit if they alter the structure or layout.
Building permits trigger inspections for safety, structural integrity, and code compliance. Without one, your remodel could be considered illegal construction.
2. Plumbing Permit
Any changes involving water supply or drainage typically require a plumbing permit. This includes:
Moving or installing new sinks
Relocating dishwashers or refrigerators with water lines
Replacing or adding shut-off valves
Altering or replacing water supply or drain pipes
Plumbing issues are among the most common (and expensive) problems in DIY remodels. A plumbing permit ensures your work is leak-free and meets sanitary code.
3. Electrical Permit
A kitchen remodel often means updating or expanding electrical service to handle modern appliances and lighting. You’ll need an electrical permit for:
Adding new outlets or circuits
Installing new lighting
Updating your panel or breakers
Running wiring for appliances like ovens, microwaves, or garbage disposals
Faulty electrical work is a major fire risk. Permits ensure proper wire sizing, grounding, and circuit protection—all critical for kitchen safety.
4. Mechanical Permit
If your kitchen remodel includes updates to ventilation or HVAC systems, such as:
Installing or relocating a range hood
Adding exhaust ventilation
Extending ductwork
…you may need a mechanical permit.
Proper kitchen ventilation is essential for indoor air quality and moisture control. This permit ensures your setup vents outside correctly and safely.
These four permits—building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical—cover the core components of nearly every kitchen remodel in Missouri. Missing one can delay inspections or force costly rework later.
Additional or Situational Permits
Not every kitchen remodel needs these, but depending on your home’s age, location, or the specific changes you’re making, the following permits may also apply:
1. Demolition Permit
If your remodel involves tearing down walls, removing parts of the ceiling, or gutting an entire space, a separate demolition permit may be required—especially in older homes or homes with potential structural impact.
2. Gas Permit
Any time you’re installing or moving gas lines—for ovens, ranges, or cooktops—you’ll need a gas permit. This is sometimes processed under plumbing or mechanical work, depending on your city or county.
3. Environmental or Specialty Permits
Older homes may require testing for hazardous materials like lead paint or asbestos before renovation begins. If present, you may need abatement permits before any demolition or sanding work can proceed. In some rural areas, updates involving septic or sewer tie-ins may also require approval.
4. Fire Suppression or Hood Permits
If your remodel includes a commercial-grade cooktop or extensive ventilation system, you may need an additional permit for fire safety compliance. This is more common in large remodels or gourmet kitchens with gas appliances and built-in grill stations.
Permit Rules Vary by City and County in Missouri
In Missouri, building permit requirements are enforced at the local level. While most cities and counties follow similar core rules—such as requiring permits for structural changes, electrical updates, plumbing work, and HVAC modifications—there are important differences in how those rules are applied.
Here are some general similarities:
Most municipalities require separate permits for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) work.
Structural changes almost always require plan submissions and formal review.
Many cities now use online permitting systems where you can upload drawings and track approvals.
Some areas allow homeowners to pull their own permits for single-family homes, but others require licensed contractors.
Permit fees and timelines vary based on the scope of the remodel and how complex your project is.
Because of these local differences, it's always best to contact your city or county building department directly before starting your kitchen remodel. They can confirm which permits are required, whether you need professional licensing to pull them, and how long the approval process typically takes.
Permit Timelines and Costs
The time it takes to get permits—and the cost—can vary depending on where you live and how complex your remodel is.
Estimated Timeframes
Simple remodels (no structural changes): 1–5 business days
Moderate remodels (new electrical/plumbing): 5–10 business days
Structural work: Up to 2–4 weeks (especially if plan review is required)
Typical Costs
Building Permit: $95–$300+ depending on city and scope
Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical Permits: $30–$100 each
Plan Review or Revisions: May incur additional fees (~$40–$75)
Some municipalities bundle permits into a single fee, while others charge separately for each trade. Always request a permit estimate up front so there are no surprises.
The Permit Process: Step by Step
A kitchen remodel involves more than just visual upgrades—it’s a construction project that must meet legal and safety standards. Here’s how the permitting process typically works in Missouri, whether you're in a major city or a smaller county.
1. Define the Scope of Work
Before any paperwork begins, get clear on the work being done. Are you removing a wall? Moving a sink? Upgrading electrical for new appliances?
Make a list of:
Structural changes (wall removal, ceiling height adjustments)
Appliance or fixture relocations (sink, range, dishwasher)
Electrical updates (new circuits, outlets, lighting)
Plumbing or gas line modifications
Ventilation or HVAC additions
This helps determine exactly which permits you’ll need—and whether you’ll need a building plan submitted for review.
2. Consult or Hire Licensed Professionals
Depending on your location, certain types of work—like plumbing, electrical, or mechanical—can only be performed and permitted by licensed contractors. Many cities in Missouri require:
Licensed electricians to pull electrical permits
Master plumbers for plumbing permits
HVAC contractors for mechanical or gas permits
If you’re a homeowner tackling some of the work yourself, check if your local department allows owner-permits. Not all municipalities do.
You’ll also need a general contractor or design-build firm if your remodel involves multiple trades or structural changes. These professionals typically manage the permit process for you.
3. Prepare Detailed Plans and Documents
For anything beyond a cosmetic update, cities will require:
A floor plan showing existing vs. proposed layout
Structural drawings, if altering load-bearing elements
A list of licensed contractors involved
Appliance specs, especially for ventilation or gas
Many cities have online submission portals (like Florissant, St. Louis County, and Kansas City), but some may still require printed plans. Be prepared to adjust your design based on reviewer feedback.
4. Apply for the Necessary Permits
Each permit (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) may need to be submitted separately, especially if different contractors are responsible for the work. Some cities allow bundled applications, but in many cases, each trade needs to apply independently.
When applying, you’ll typically need to provide:
Project scope and location
Plans or blueprints
Estimated project cost
Contractor license numbers
Proof of homeowner or contractor insurance (in some cases)
5. Pay Permit Fees
Permit costs vary by city, project scope, and valuation. Fees may be flat-rate or based on estimated construction cost. Expect to pay:
$95–$300+ for a building permit
$30–$100+ each for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical
Additional fees for plan reviews, re-inspections, or expedited processing
Always request a written fee schedule to avoid surprises.
6. Begin Work and Schedule Inspections
Once your permits are issued, construction can begin. Inspections will be required at various stages, including:
Rough-in inspections: After framing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems are in place, but before walls are closed up.
Final inspections: After all finishes are complete—cabinets, tile, lighting, appliances, etc.—to ensure everything is safe and functional.
Your contractor or design-build team should handle scheduling inspections with the city. Missing or failed inspections can delay your project, so they should be part of your project timeline from the start.
7. Final Sign-Off and Project Closeout
Once all inspections are passed:
Your permits are marked as complete and closed
You may receive a Certificate of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy, depending on local policy and the scale of your remodel
This documentation is important. Keep it on file—it may be required during future home sales or insurance updates.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Permits
Even the most organized remodel can run into trouble if permits are misunderstood, delayed, or ignored. These are the pitfalls we see most often:
1. Starting Without Confirming Permit Requirements
Many homeowners assume permits are only needed for big additions. But even moving a sink or adding outlets can require documentation. Always verify with your local building department—or better yet, have your contractor handle it.
2. Hiring Unlicensed Contractors
Missouri law often requires licensed professionals for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and gas work. If your contractor isn’t licensed (or skips pulling permits), you’re left exposed to liability, failed inspections, or even fines.
3. Not Scheduling Inspections
Some homeowners get permits but forget to follow through with inspections. This can leave the permit open and flagged—potentially delaying appraisals or causing resale issues later.
4. Missing Required Documentation
Submitting incomplete plans, missing contractor license numbers, or underestimating project scope can delay approvals by weeks. Make sure you or your contractor prepare everything before submitting.
5. Skipping Permits Altogether
It might seem faster or cheaper to avoid the hassle, but unpermitted work can cost more later—whether it's tearing out finished work for an inspection, paying fines, or losing a home sale over disclosure issues.
How Morganco Makes Permits Simple
At Morganco, we believe remodeling your kitchen should be exciting—not stressful. That’s why we manage the entire permitting process for you. Here’s what we take care of:
Identify every permit your project requires based on local codes
Prepare and submit all necessary plans and documentation
Coordinate with licensed electricians, plumbers, and HVAC pros
Schedule and manage all inspections
Handle revisions, re-submittals, and closeout documentation
We stay in close contact with local building departments throughout the project, so your remodel never hits a standstill over paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pull my own permits as a homeowner?
Yes, in some municipalities—usually for single-family residences you personally own and occupy. However, specialty work (like plumbing or electrical) still often requires a licensed contractor to perform the job, even if you pull the permit.
Q: Do I need a permit if I’m not removing walls?
Possibly. If you’re moving electrical or plumbing, replacing ventilation, or adding outlets, permits are still required—even if the walls stay intact.
Q: What if I already remodeled without permits?
You’ll need to apply for a retroactive or “as-built” permit, which can involve extra inspections and sometimes opening up finished areas. It’s better to correct it now than risk issues when selling your home.
Q: How long does it take to get permits approved?
Simple permits can be approved within a few days. More complex remodels that require plan review (e.g., removing a wall) can take 1–4 weeks. Always build extra time into your schedule for approvals and inspections.
Permits might feel like a hurdle, but they’re really a form of protection—ensuring your remodel is safe, up to code, and legally documented. Whether you’re doing a full kitchen overhaul or simply moving your appliances around, getting the right permits in place is a critical first step.
At Morganco, we’ve helped hundreds of Missouri homeowners remodel smarter—with full permit support, licensed trades, and zero surprises. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and want it done right from start to finish, we’re here to help.
Call Morganco today for a free consultation. We’ll review your project, explain which permits you need, and guide you through the process—so you can focus on the exciting part: designing the kitchen you’ve always wanted.