Building and Site Development
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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
- If you would like to appeal a building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical or fire code requirement, submit an application to the Building and Construction Codes Commission.
- If you would like to appeal a Unified Development Code requirement, submit an application to the Board of Adjustment.
Permitting, Plan Review and Inspection Help Documents
- Permitting Process Help Document
- Initial Screening Process (ISP) Help Document
- Commercial Development Plan Review Help Document
- Inspection Process Help Document
- Residential Electrical Construction Standards
- PDF Document Standards
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.
- Building Permit – New Residential Constructionopens pdf file
- Building Permit – Residential Alteration and/or Addition
- Solar Ready Requirements
- Foundation/Retaining Wall Connection Alternatives
- Owner Contractor Affidavit
- Trade Permit Application – Electrical, Fuel Gas, Mechanical, and Plumbing
- Plot Plan Checklist – Applies to lots within plats approved after October 1, 2016
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.
- Schedule of Special Inspections
- Capture and Containment Test
- Sign Permit Application
- Tent Permit Application
- Stage Canopy Application
- Cell Tower Alteration Requirements
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 Appeals 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
- Right-of-way Tree Planting Permit
- Logging Permit
- Standards and Guidelines for Landscaping and Tree Preservation
Emerald Ash Borer
Inventory and Management
Community Tree Board
Learn more about the Tree Board on the Boards and Commissions page.
- How Trees and Forests Benefit You
- Hazardous Tree Information and Contact
- Instructional Videos
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 573.874.7474.
- Right of Way Permit Application
- Trenchless Excavation Utility Damage Prevention Policy
- Street/Sidewalk Closure Application
- Brick Streets Policy
Stormwater Management
- Stormwater Management BMP Facilities Covenant Template
- Stormwater Management BMP Inspection Schedule
- Stormwater Management BMP Maintenance Schedules
- Stormwater Management BMP Inspection Forms
- Stormwater Management BMP As-Built Plan Clarification Letter
- Stormwater Management BMP As-Built Plan Checklist
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 573.874.7474.
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.
Community Development
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Contacts
Search:
Phone: 573.499.4653
Public Health & Human Services
Phone: 573.817.6441
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7781
Fax: 573.874.7756
Email: Health@CoMo.gov
Address:
1005 W. Worley St
Columbia, Missouri 65203
Title: Mayor
Term Expires: April 2025
Phone: 573.874.7222
Email: Mayor@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 1 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2026
Phone: 573.864.7222
Email: CityClerk@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 2 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2027
Phone: 573.823.2274
Email: Ward2@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 3 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2025
Phone: 573.864.4976
Email: Ward3@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 4 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2025
Phone: 573.999.0897
Email: Ward4@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 5 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2026
Phone: 573.864.4972
Email: Ward5@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Title: Ward 6 Council Member
Term Expires: April 2024
Phone: 573.864.4971
Email: Ward6@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Missouri
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65205
Address:
600 Big Bear Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65202
Address:
2300 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO
Address:
100 N Old 63
Address:
N William St
Columbia, MO
Address:
1905 Hillcrest Dr.
Parks and Recreation Department General Office (a.k.a. Gentry Building)
Phone: 573.874.7460
Fax: 573.874.7640
Email: ParksAndRec@CoMo.gov
Address:
1 South 7th Street
P. O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Phone: 573.874.6259
Fax: 573.442.8828
Email: HumanRights@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Address:
2900 East Nifong Boulevard
Columbia, MO 65201
Title: Constituent Services and Legislative Affairs Administrator
Phone: 573.874.7646
Email: Stacey.Weidemann@CoMo.gov
Address:
902 Range Line St.
Phone: 573.817.5015
Address:
5001 E Meyer Industrial Drive, Columbia, MO 65203
Address:
1201 Paquin St.
Phone: 573.874.7378
Fax: 573.874.7761
Email: Business.license@CoMo.Gov
Address:
PO Box 6015, Columbia, MO, 65205
Address:
2002 Grindstone Pkwy.
Stephens Lake Beach (Unguarded) and Spraygrounds
Address:
100 Old 63 N.
Molly Thomas Bowden Neighborhood Policing Center
Address:
1204 International Drive,
Columbia, MO 65202
Phone: 573.449.1888
Phone: 573.874.2489
Alternate Phone: 573.441.5574
Email: Info@CoMo.gov
Address:
300 S Providence Rd
Columbia, MO 65203
Title: Parks and Recreation
Phone: 573.874.7460
Email: ParksandRec@CoMo.gov
Address:
1 South 7th Street
P. O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Title: Assistant City Manager
Phone: 573.874.2489
Email: Carol.Rhodes@CoMo.gov
Address:
City Hall, Second Floor
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65203
Phone: 573.817.5024
Email: DisabilityServices@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Law Department
ADA Coordinator
701 East Broadway, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Title: IT Director
Phone: 573.874.7500
Email: Cityit1@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E Broadway
Columbia, Missouri 65201
Address:
1900 Blue Ridge Road
Phone: 573.875.8477
Phone: 573.874.6338
Email: Cmo@CoMo.gov
Address:
City Hall, Second Floor
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri 65205
Prevention, Disease Intervention & Case Management
Phone: 573.874.7408
Alternate Phone: 833.402.1458
Email: SexualHealth@CoMo.gov
Title: Assistant Chief, Investigative Operations Support
Email: Lance.Bolinger@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.874.7491
Phone: 573.874.7391
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7450
Fax: 573.874.7446
Email: Fire@CoMo.gov
Address:
201 Orr St
Columbia, MO 65201
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Phone: 573.874.2489
Email: Cc_forms@CoMo.gov
Address:
1313 Lakeview
Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: 573.874.7223
Fax: 573.442.8828
Address:
701 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Phone: 573.874.7230
Fax: 573.874.7531
Email: MunicipalCourt@CoMo.gov
Address:
600 E. Broadway
Columbia, MO 65203
Office of Neighborhood Services
Phone: 573.817.5050
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7339
Email: Neighborhood@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 Broadway
Columbia, MO, 65201
Title: Senior Administrative Supervisor (Administration)
Phone: 573.874.7347
Email: Dana.Vaughn@CoMo.gov
Capen Park Yard Waste Drop-off Center
Phone: 573.874.2489
Address:
1600 Capen Park Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: 573.874.2489
Address:
400 N Providence Rd
Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: 573.874.7380
Email: UCS@CoMo.gov
Address:
City of Columbia, Utility Customer Service, PO Box 6015, Columbia, MO, 65205
Phone: 573.874.7499
Fax: 573.874.7546
Email: Volunteer@CoMo.gov
Address:
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Title: Railroad Operations
Phone: 573.441.5564
Alternate Phone: 573.864.2171
Email: Matthew.Sabath@CoMo.gov
Title: City Manager
Phone: 573.874.2489
Email: Cmo@CoMo.gov
Address:
City Hall, Second Floor
701 E Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65203
Address:
400 N. Providence Rd.
Title: Assistant City Manager
Email: Matt.unrein@CoMo.gov
Address:
City Hall, Second Floor
701 E. Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, Missouri, 65203
Phone: 573.874.7229
Fax: 573.874.7533
Email: CityProsecutor@CoMo.gov
Address:
600 E. Broadway
P. O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205-6015
Title: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Administrator, LGBTQ+ Liaison
Phone: 573.289.5975
Email: D'andre.thompson@CoMo.gov
Gans Creek Cross Country Course
Address:
3350 E. Gans Road
Title: Entrepreneurship Coordinator
Phone: 573.441.5546
Alternate Phone: 573.268.5596
Email: Jay.Sparks@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.874.2489
Email: Cc_forms@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 E. Broadway
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
Convention & Visitors Bureau – Special Events
Phone: 573.817.5052
Email: Specialevents@CoMo.gov
Address:
300 S. Providence Road, Columbia, MO 65203
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Administrator
Title: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Administrator
Phone: 573.874.6259
Email: HumanRights@CoMo.gov
Phone: 573.874.7376
Phone: 573.874.7491
Address:
1615 Business Loop 70 W
Columbia, MO 65202
Address:
3350 Waco Rd
Columbia, MO 65202
Address:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at Battle Garden
800 W. Stadium Blvd.
Columbia, MO 65203
Address:
Grissum Building, 1313 Lakeview Ave.
Address:
2104 Hillcrest Drive
Office of Neighborhood Services
Phone: 573.817.5050
Alternate Phone: 573.874.7339
Email: Neighborhood@CoMo.gov
Address:
701 Broadway
Columbia, MO, 65201
Press Releases
4/9/2024 – City of Columbia receives community forestry grant
3/22/2024 – City's Historic Preservation Commission honors 2024's Most Notable Properties
10/30/2023 – City of Columbia seeks comments on draft short-term rental (STR) regulations
10/26/2023 – Columbia receives federal grant for historic preservation project
10/3/2023 – City of Columbia Community Development seeking feedback on FY 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan