City of St Louis Roofing Permits and Contractor Licensing Explained
Before hiring a roofer in the City of St Louis, it helps to know what permits and licenses are actually required, since Missouri does not license roofing contractors at the state level. This guide walks through the city permit process, the business license every legitimate contractor should hold, and how to verify both before signing a contract.
By Jason Green · Roofing & Gutters · Published August 13, 2026 · Updated August 13, 2026 · 7 min read
When a roofing permit is required
The City of St Louis Building Division, part of the Department of Public Safety, requires a permit for roof replacement and most structural roof repair. Routine maintenance like minor flashing patches generally does not require a permit, but a full tear-off and reroof does.
Permits can be applied for online at stlcitypermits.com or in person at the Building Division office, 1520 Market Street. Your contractor typically pulls the permit as part of the contract, and it should be posted or available on site during the job.
The Graduated Business License requirement
Every contractor and subcontractor performing work inside the City of St Louis is required to hold a Construction Industry Contractor Graduated Business License (GBL), issued by the Office of the License Collector under Ordinance 61094, codified as Section 8.12A of the Revised City Code. This applies regardless of where the contracting company is headquartered.
You can ask a contractor for their GBL number and verify it with the License Collector's office before signing a contract. A roofer without a current city license is operating outside the city's licensing rules even if they hold licenses in other municipalities.
No statewide roofing license in Missouri
Unlike some states, Missouri does not issue a state-level roofing contractor license. This means the City of St Louis business license and county-level licenses elsewhere in the metro (St Louis County has its own contractor licensing requirements) are the primary local credentials to check.
Because there is no statewide licensing board for roofers, general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and manufacturer certifications become more important vetting criteria for homeowners.
Historic district review for exterior roof changes
If your home sits in a local historic district such as Lafayette Square, Soulard, Compton Heights, or parts of the Central West End, changing visible roofing material on a street-facing elevation may trigger a review from the Cultural Resources Office in addition to the standard building permit.
Check your address against the citys historic district map before finalizing a roofing material change, since review can add several weeks to the project timeline.
Inspection and final sign-off
After the roof work is complete, the Building Division schedules a final inspection to confirm the work matches the approved permit scope. Keep your permit number and any inspection reports for your records, since they matter for insurance claims, resale disclosures, and warranty documentation.
If a contractor tells you a permit is not needed for a full roof replacement in the city, treat that as a red flag and confirm directly with the Building Division.
Typical cost ranges
| Residential roofing permit fee | $75 - $250 |
| Reinspection fee (if failed) | $50 - $150 |
| City Graduated Business License (contractor cost, annual) | $50 - $500 |
| Historic district review (if applicable) | $0 - $200 |
Ranges are general estimates gathered from homeowner-reported quotes, not an offer or a quote for your project.
Common questions
Where do I apply for a roofing permit in the City of St Louis?
Online at stlcitypermits.com or in person at the Building Division, 1520 Market Street.
Does Missouri license roofing contractors statewide?
No, Missouri has no state-level roofing contractor license. Local business licenses like the City of St Louis GBL are the applicable requirement.
What is a Graduated Business License?
It is the construction industry contractor license required by the City of St Louis License Collector under Ordinance 61094 for anyone performing contracting work in the city.
Do I need historic district approval to reroof my house?
Only if your home is in a local historic district and you are changing the visible roofing material on a street-facing elevation; check with the Cultural Resources Office.
How do I verify a roofer's city license before hiring?
Ask for their Graduated Business License number and confirm it with the City of St Louis License Collector's office.
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