Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Holden, Missouri

Holden’s own rules

• Building permitRequired

  Construction subject to Holden's building-permit provisions.

  • Beginning construction before obtaining a building permit triggers a penalty equal to twice the otherwise applicable permit fee.

  penalty for starting before permit: 2 times otherwise applicable permit fee

  “before a building permit has been obtained”

• Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

  Buildings and structures in Holden city.

  • The cited Chapter 40 text adopts the 2015 International Building Code; Chapter 40 also contains adoptions of other 2015 International Codes.

  building code edition: 2015 International Building Code

  “the International Building Code, 2015 edition, including Appendix Chapters E, F, G, H, I, and J, as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the Building Code of the City of Holden, in the State of Missouri”

• Certificate of occupancyLimited

  A building, structure, or part thereof covered by a Holden permit and approved for temporary occupancy before the entire permitted work is complete.

  • The permit holder must request the certificate; prior Fire and Public Works approval and a Building Official safety determination are required; the temporary certificate has an expiration date and cannot be renewed.

  temporary certificate fee: 50 percent of original building permit fee (Refunded if the work is completed before expiration.)

  “temporary certificate of use and occupancy”

• Driveway accessRequired

  Construction, reconstruction, excavation, or repair of driveway entrances in Holden.

  • Plans must be submitted to and approved by the Street Superintendent before work begins; work is performed under stated City supervision.

  “driveway entrances require a permit declaring the construction plans to be used.”

• Building in a floodplainRequired

  Proposed construction or other development, including manufactured-home placement, in Holden areas described in Chapter 45 Article 2 Section A.

  • A separate permit is required for each structure or other development. The City Engineer administers and implements the ordinance; applicants must apply in writing on the City form with required information, plans, and specifications.

  “A floodplain development permit shall be required for all proposed construction”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Holden or Johnson County directly.

• Owner-builder exemption — Owner-built residential work inside Holden city limits.
• Lot coverage — Lots inside Holden city limits.
• Building height — Buildings inside Holden city limits.
• Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Holden city limits.
• Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Holden city limits.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.