- Missouri Building Codes and scope
- Creates the Missouri Building Codes, covering:
- Building, Electrical, Fire, Mechanical, Existing Building, Fuel and Gas, Plumbing, and Residential codes.
- Codes will be based on model codes from:
- International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
- International Code Council (ICC)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
By August 28, 2028, the Missouri Building Codes Commission must begin implementing these codes.
Implementation and compliance
New state facilities constructed on or after August 28, 2026 must comply with Missouri Building Codes.
State agencies requiring building inspections must follow the same standards of inspection as construction under the act.
Existing communities may adopt codes by reference (not in full text), with public notice and filing requirements. Fire protection districts must follow applicable fire code requirements.
Local adoption and amendments
Jurisdictions with existing codes must adopt the Missouri Building Codes by rule or ordinance, with opportunity to propose local amendments.
Local amendments require Commission approval, considering safety, local conditions, consistency, and housing affordability.
Amendments must be the same code year as the current Missouri Building Codes and subject to a 60-day decision window by the Commission (60 days; if no decision, deemed approved). Appeals allowed with a set timeline.
Elections and special provisions for certain counties
Counties classified as third or fourth class (rural counties) with no prior code adoption may adopt by order or ordinance if voters approve, with a defined election process and effectiveness timing.
Missouri Building Codes Commission
Established within the Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Composed of:
- State Fire Marshal
- Nine governor-appointed members (with Senate consent) representing architects, engineers, building officials, fire marshals, home builders, general contractors, electrical/mechanical/plumbing contractors, and a representative for commercial building owners/users.
- A state codes manager (appointed) to oversee the commission and serve as ex officio member.
Duties include maintaining inspector records, coordinating training, hiring staff (including a state codes manager), maintaining codes, and providing technical assistance.
Advisory committees
Residential Building Codes advisory committee
Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel, and Gas Codes advisory committee
Ability to create additional advisory committees as needed
Fees and funding
The Commission may establish and collect permit-related fees (construction, occupancy, reoccupancy) from state agencies and subdivisions.
Permit fees may not exceed seven dollars, adjusted annually for inflation via CPI (or successor index).
Fees collected are remitted to the state treasury and deposited in the Missouri Building Codes Fund, a dedicated fund.
The Missouri Building Codes Fund can receive grants and apply funds to training, code books, staff, and operations.
Administration and enforcement
Except for the State Fire Code, the State Codes Manager administers the codes; enforcement remains with local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) via their own or intergovernmental enforcement or registered inspectors.
Agricultural buildings are exempt from the Missouri Building Codes; exemptions apply to improvements unless repurposed for nonagricultural use.
Conflicts and rulemaking
Resolution of enforcement conflicts falls to the AHJ adopting the codes.
The Commission, State Codes Manager, and State Fire Marshal may promulgate rules; rules must comply with state law and Chapter 536 (administrative rules).
