St. Louis County’s Re-Occupancy Program Still Not Working

After almost two years in operation, it appears that St. Louis County’s Re-Occupancy Program is still not working as it should. An “inspection and a permit for occupancy should be issued prior to the resident moving in.”

This is the case in many other cities within the county. The problem is evident when a single family residence is rented. Unfortunately the owner often does not inform the new renter of the requirement. After all, the owner is glad and anxious to get the property rented.

This is the point of the program - to limit occupancy based on the square footage of a home. It also appears that it is up to concerned citizens and subdivision trustees to ensure that the ordinance is enforced. St. Louis County is often in a “reactive” as opposed to “proactive” mode of enforcement with respect to many of its ordinances.

Owners of apartment building say they have not been faced with this problem and that St. Louis County aggressively enforces the regulation.

For questions and more information, contact Joseph O'Connell at: JOConnell@stlouisco.com.

Re-Occupancy Permits Required in St. Louis County

Re-occupancy permit requirements are now in effect for all new occupants of any housing units or homes in unincorporated County. Any new occupant of a rental house or rental unit, or anyone who buys a house must have a re-occupancy inspection and permit.

The cost is $80 for a house or condo. Applications may be made in person at the North County Government Center at 21 Village Square, Lindbergh & I-270, or at the South County Government Center at 4558 Lemay Ferry Rd., just south of I-270.

The best way to apply is over the County website at http://www.stlouisco.com/ There is a link to re-occupancy on the homepage. You may type in your checking account number for instant payment approval.

No applications will be taken over the telephone.

Re-Occupancy Program Expanding to Owner-Occupied Houses

Starting July 1, 2007, if you buy a house or condo in unincorporated St. Louis County, a re-occupancy inspection and permit will be required from the Division of Neighborhood Services before you move in. Currently, the County’s re-occupancy program covers rental properties (both apartments and single-family rental houses) and owner-occupied single-family houses in a few, select "conservation districts" in unincorporated St. Louis County. The expansion will add approximately 94,500 condos, single-family homes, and duplexes to the County’s re-occupancy inspection rolls.

St. Louis County property inspectors will check recently sold or about-to-be sold owner-occupied homes for basic property maintenance items such as plumbing, roofing, gutters, and wiring. Defects will have to be repaired before the re-occupancy permit is granted. The inspection and permit will cost $80 – payable by either the seller or buyer or a representative of either.

You may apply for applications in two locations:

• South County Government Center
4558 Lemay Ferry Road
Phone: (314) 615-4142

• North County Government Center
21 Village Square
Phone: (314) 615-7346

You can learn more about the inspection process, apply for an inspection, and view a list of what inspectors look for by visiting the Department of Public Works web site at http://www.stlouisco.com/pubworks/.