Building & Site Development

About Building and Site Development

Building & Site Development is a one-stop shop for individuals planning improvements to their properties. The division reviews construction plans, issues permits, performs inspections, and enforces ordinances that ensure safe buildings and a healthy environment. It also manages the updating of construction codes, licensing of contractors and trades, and collects fees related to new construction.

We are committed to assuring the health, safety and welfare of the Columbia community through the development and operation of an agency that is committed to cooperative and quality code enforcement, courteous, informative and timely service with integrity and impartiality. Please follow the links below for more information.

Citizen Self Service Portal

The Citizen Self Service Portal (CSS) is used as a one-stop-shop for many business needs related to Building & Site Development. This web portal allows applicants such as design professionals and contractors to apply for permits online, from anywhere with an internet connection, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This process replaces traveling to City Hall, filling out permit applications, and submitting multiple sets of paper plan sets and other documents. Applicants simply set up a CSS account with their contact information, confirm their email address, and are then ready to apply online.

Related Documents

Building permits & information

Apply Online or Submit Payments

Building Codes

The City of Columbia uses the 2018 International Building Codes package when reviewing building plans for commercial and residential projects.

This package includes:

  • International Building Code/International Existing Building Code
  • International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings
  • International Fire Code
  • International Plumbing Code
  • International Energy Conservation Code
  • International Mechanical Code
  • International Fuel Gas Code
  • International Property Maintenance Code
  • 2017 National Electric Code
  • ICC/ANSI A117.1 2009 Accessible and Usable Building and Facilities
  • Code books are available for viewing at the City Clerk’s Office on the second floor of City Hall

Code of Ordinances

All ordinances and requirements of the City of Columbia are contained in the Columbia Code of Ordinances.

Codes Appeals

Permitting, Plan Review and Inspection Help Documents

Residential

New one and two family dwelling construction, commonly called the “one-stop permit process” is organized with the professional home builder in mind. This permitting process is intended to expedite the issuance of building permits for new one and two family dwellings. This does not mean that the process is not intended for the one-time owner builder. 

Commercial

All multi-family (more than two dwelling units) and commercial building projects go through a formal plan review, permitting and inspection process.  Construction documents, special inspections and structural observation programs and other data shall be submitted with each application for plan review and building permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a design professional licensed in the State of Missouri. Documents listed below are not yet available on CSS.

Additional Building Permit Information

Building permit reports

For a comprehensive list of building reports, see our building report archive.

Building & Construction Codes Commission

The Building & Construction Codes Commission reviews the building, electrical, plumbing, and fire codes for updating and changes, hears appeals of decisions of the code official or fire marshal. The City Council appoints eleven regular members and eleven alternate members. One regular and one alternate member must represent each of the following fields: a professional engineer with electrical/mechanical experience, a professional engineer with structural/civil experience, a master plumber, licensed electrician or electrical contractor, a major contractor or superintendent, a minor contractor or home builder, a member with personal experience in fire prevention, a registered architect, a residential rental property owner,  a member with experience in energy conservation, and a lay person. The length of terms is three years, with openings occurring in August. Click on Building Construction Codes Appealsopens PDF file for an appeal hearing schedule and application form.

For more information, including a members list and meeting documents, visit the Building Construction Codes Commission page in the Boards & Commissions directory. 

Related Documents

City Arborist

The City Arborist implements and enforces the Tree Preservation Article of the Land Disturbance Act. The Arborist also implements and enforces the landscaping requirements of the local zoning regulations. Other responsibilities of the Arborist are the review of landscaping, tree preservation, and commercial site development plans; processing land disturbance permits; inspecting sites to determine compliance with City requirements; preparing landscaping plans; performing on-site evaluations; and providing design assistance relating to public improvement projects.

General Information

Emerald Ash Borer

Inventory and Management

Community Tree Board

Learn more about the Tree Board on the Boards and Commissions page.

Additional Information

Site Development

Plan Submission Process

Land Disturbance

Work in Rights of Way

A right of way permit is needed any time work is performed within the public right of way or easement. The right of way includes the grass area between the property line and the curb. Permits are needed for constructing or reconstructing sidewalks or driveways and for street cuts for utility or sewer work. Permits are also needed to perform grading or construction within drainage easements, work such as storm pipe extensions and bank stabilization requires a permit. All work must be completed in conformance with the applicable city specifications and standards. Should work in the right of way require the temporary closure or partial closure of a street or sidewalk, please refer to the application for Street/Sidewalk Closure and Restriction for Construction & Repairs shown below. For questions regarding right of way permits, contact Building and Site Development at 573.874.7474opens phone dialer.

Stormwater Management

Floodplain Development

A Floodplain Development Permit is needed anytime work is performed within a regulatory floodplain. The City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program which requires city ordinance and enforcement of floodplain development regulations. The boundaries of the floodplains are established by the Federal Emergency Agency FEMA. Floodplain maps are published by FEMA. Community Development reviews applications for floodplain development. Any land disturbing activity within the regulatory floodplain requires a permit. The city ordinances pertaining to floodplain regulations are found in Section 29-2.3(d). For information regarding floodplain development permits, contact the Building and Site Development at 573.874.7474opens phone dialer.

Trade licensing

Electricians, plumbers, gas fitters and mechanical craftsman must be tested and certified to afford competence and knowledge of the codes and of their craft. The tests used to certify trades persons are sanctioned by the building codes, and administered by a private testing firm according to a regular schedule.