Bolthole Index

Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri

64Index Score / 100
#88 of 115 in Missouri

Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri requires county building permits under an ordinance adopted in 1986, and the county charges no building-permit fee1. The Assessor's Office issues the permit and requires flood-zone verification before construction begins1. Zoning for unincorporated land is unconfirmed. Septic permits are separate: the Ste. Genevieve County Health Department is the state-listed permitting agency, though some incorporated areas may be referred back to the Missouri health department2.

Do you need a building permit in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri?

Yes.

Yes. Ste. Genevieve County requires building permits under a county ordinance adopted in 19861. The county charges no fee for its building permit1. The Assessor's Office issues the permit to applicants who stop by or call, and the county requires verification before construction begins to avoid building in a flood zone1. The county's published permit information does not identify an adopted construction code, a construction-inspection schedule or a certificate-of-occupancy process, so ask the Assessor's Office which requirements apply to the proposed structure1. Missouri building and fire codes are adopted locally rather than through one uniformly adopted statewide building code5.

Who issues Ste. Genevieve County building permits?

The Ste. Genevieve County Assessor's Office is the practical first stop for a county building permit and the required preconstruction flood-zone verification.

The Ste. Genevieve County Assessor's Office is the practical first stop for a county building permit and the required preconstruction flood-zone verification1. The office is at 55 South Third St., Room 4, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, and lists 573-883-2333 ext. 41. The county page says applicants can obtain a permit by stopping by or calling the office, and it states that no fee is charged1. Septic permits do not come from the Assessor's Office; they come from the County Health Department described below2. Ask the Assessor's Office to identify what construction the permit covers, what plans or site information to provide, and whether another jurisdiction has authority over the parcel1. A permit from the county should not be treated as confirmation of an inspection or certificate-of-occupancy requirement because neither process was confirmed in the county information available here1.

Does Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri have zoning?

We could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated Ste. Genevieve County from the county's published information.

We could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated Ste. Genevieve County from the county's published information3. Missouri law allows qualifying counties to establish zoning for unincorporated territory after voter approval, but that authority does not show that Ste. Genevieve County adopted countywide zoning6. Before buying or designing, ask the Assessor's Office which authority can give a written parcel-specific answer about allowed uses, setbacks, minimum lot size, building height and minimum dwelling size1. Land inside an incorporated city, town or village may be governed by that municipality rather than the county6. No county owner-builder exemption was confirmed, so an owner planning to perform construction personally should ask whether the county permit process changes for self-performed work4.

How do septic permits work in Ste. Genevieve County?

The Missouri health department lists the Ste. Genevieve County Health Department as the septic permitting agency under a contract, so the county office, not the Assessor, handles septic permits.

The Missouri health department lists the Ste. Genevieve County Health Department as the septic permitting agency under a contract, so the county office, not the Assessor, handles septic permits2. Some incorporated areas may be referred back to the state when the local authority does not apply, so ask the Health Department whether a city address is covered2. A construction permit is required before most onsite wastewater systems are installed or repaired, although some single-family residential lots may qualify for an exemption; do not begin work until the permit is issued or the exemption is confirmed2. Missouri requires a permit for residential property smaller than 3 acres, while county-specific exceptions can affect the exemption question7. The Health Department lists (573)883-7411 and 115 Basler Drive in Ste. Genevieve8. Only about 5.6% of mapped county soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make the site and soil evaluation an early feasibility step9. The county health department's staff perform site investigations on all permitted septic systems that are installed10. Application fees for onsite sewage construction, modification and repair were temporarily suspended effective August 28, 2026, so ask what fee, if any, applies when you apply2. Larger-flow, direct-discharge and certain other systems fall under Missouri DNR rather than the ordinary local residential process11.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Ste. Genevieve County?

We could not confirm a Ste. Genevieve County rule that allows or prohibits long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping on private land or tiny-home occupancy.

We could not confirm a Ste. Genevieve County rule that allows or prohibits long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping on private land or tiny-home occupancy3. We also could not confirm countywide minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size or setback standards from the county's published information3. Ask the Assessor's Office to identify the land-use authority for the exact parcel and to explain how the proposed unit would be classified before buying or moving it onto the land1. A small or movable dwelling does not avoid wastewater rules: most onsite wastewater installations and repairs require a construction permit or a confirmed exemption2. Tiny homes have a defined path only inside the City of Ste. Genevieve, where a Tiny Home Overlay District allows homes of 200 to 500 square feet on lots of at least 4,500 square feet, with an overlay permit, a 15-foot height limit and 30 percent maximum lot coverage12,13. Those city rules do not apply to unincorporated land. Off-grid wastewater may not be discharged into a road ditch or onto the ground14.

Building a home in Ste. Genevieve County: the steps in order

Ask the Ste. Genevieve County Assessor's Office to confirm the building-permit scope and identify any zoning or municipal authority for the parcel.

  1. Ask the Ste. Genevieve County Assessor's Office to confirm the building-permit scope and identify any zoning or municipal authority for the parcel1,3.
  1. Have the Health Department determine the onsite-wastewater permit or exemption path before fixing the house location2.
  1. Complete the county's flood-zone verification before construction begins1.
  1. Obtain the no-fee county building permit by stopping by or calling the Assessor's Office1.
  1. If the driveway enters Missouri Department of Transportation right-of-way, obtain the state permit before constructing or modifying the driveway15.
  1. Before occupancy, ask the Assessor's Office whether inspections or a certificate of occupancy apply because the county's published permit information does not confirm either process1.

What should you check before buying land in Ste. Genevieve County?

Confirm the parcel's land-use authority and allowed use before closing because countywide zoning, setbacks, minimum lot size and minimum dwelling size were not confirmed.

Confirm the parcel's land-use authority and allowed use before closing because countywide zoning, setbacks, minimum lot size and minimum dwelling size were not confirmed3. Put septic feasibility near the top of due diligence: only about 5.6% of mapped county soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field9. Verify flood exposure before choosing the house site because the county requires flood-zone verification before construction starts1. Confirm legal access and determine whether the entrance meets a county road or Missouri Department of Transportation right-of-way; work on a state right-of-way requires a state permit15. For budgeting context, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,3769.

Watch-outs

  • The no-fee county building permit does not answer whether a construction code, inspections or a certificate of occupancy applies; ask the Assessor's Office before work begins1.
  • Do not assume an RV or tiny home may be occupied on a rural parcel; countywide zoning and occupancy rules were not confirmed3.
  • A large tract is not an automatic septic exemption because some single-family lots may be exempt and county-specific rules can affect the answer; confirm the parcel with the Health Department before work2,8.
  • The City of Ste. Genevieve's tiny-home overlay applies only inside the city and requires an overlay permit; it says nothing about unincorporated Ste. Genevieve County12,13.

Sources

15 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 9, 2026

  1. Assessor
  2. OWTS Construction Permit Process — Ste Genevieve County authority listing
  3. (2026 county census)
  4. RSMo 701.055 — Property owners may install, modify or clean their own on-site sewage disposal system (2026 county census)
  5. RSMo Section 64.170 (Missouri statewide rule)
  6. RSMo § 64.090 — Planning and zoning powers of county commission (Missouri statewide rule)
  7. OWTS Construction Permit Process (Missouri statewide rule)
  8. Ste. Genevieve County Health Department (stegencohealth.org)
  9. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  10. Food Inspections
  11. On-site Septic Systems and Subdivisions (Missouri statewide rule)
  12. Article III: Districts and District Regulations - City of Ste. Genevieve, MO
  13. Documents | City Of Ste Genevieve
  14. health.mo.gov (Missouri statewide rule)
  15. Permits | Missouri Department of Transportation (Missouri statewide rule)

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Ste. Genevieve County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleSte. Genevieve CountySt. Francois CountyPerry CountyMadison CountyBollinger CountyJefferson CountyWashington County
Building permitRequiredRequiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredRequiredNot required
County zoningNot publishedNot publishedNoNoNoYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Health Dept.County Health CenterDHSSMO Dept. of Health & Senior ServicesDHSSCounty Code Enforcement Div.County Health Dept.

County locator

Ste. Genevieve County in Missouri

64
County map
Ste. Genevieve County highlighted among the Missouri counties · colored by Index score

How Ste. Genevieve County scores

64 / 100 · #88 of 115 in Missouri · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion51100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency59100% ev.
Admin Boringness6568% ev.
Durability43100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost77100% ev.

Evidence strength: 95%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$264kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$4,393Land / acre
44.4"Annual rain
3.1% of yrsSevere drought
13.5 / yr (+11.4)Mid-century 100°F days
16.3 daysMid-century dry spell
2.04" (+8.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.85×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,974Home insurance / yr
1.8% / yrInsurance growth
1.54%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
39,335People within 30 min
3,137,440People within 2 hr
38,498Radius comparison (15 mi)
37.3People / sq mi
3.3%Federal land
57%Land at 15% slope or less
5.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
17,715 acWorkable land screen
66%Wooded land
43 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Ste. Genevieve County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet covered: St. Mary

Answers from the rulebook for Ste. Genevieve County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Ste. Genevieve County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building construction subject to the Ste. Genevieve County ordinance, including construction requiring flood-zone verification.

    • The county states that the permit is issued by stopping by or calling the Assessor's office.
    • There is no permit fee.
    • Verification must be made before construction starts to avoid building in a flood zone.
    • The source does not describe building-code plan review or inspection.

    permit fee: 0 USD

    “Building permits are required per County Ordinance adopted January 1, 1986. There is NO fee for a permit and easily issued by stopping by or calling the Assessor's office. Verification must be made prior to the start of construction to avoid building in a flood zone.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building construction in Ste. Genevieve County subject to the County Ordinance.
      “Building permits are required per County Ordinance adopted January 1, 1986.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater treatment permitting in Ste. Genevieve County.

    • Ste. Genevieve County Health Department is identified by Missouri DHSS as a local contract permitting authority.
    • Work in incorporated areas may be deferred back to DHSS.
    • A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems, although some single-family residential lots may be exempt.
    • The DHSS page states that application fees were temporarily suspended effective August 28, 2026, pending new standards.

    authority type: Contract · temporary permit-fee suspension effective date: 2026-08-28 (The page states the suspension is temporary.)

    “Agency: Ste Genevieve County Health Dept. Authority Type: Contract”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems in Ste. Genevieve County.

    • A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most OWTS.
    • Some single-family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.
    • The first step is determining the agency with permitting authority.
    • The Ste. Genevieve County Health Department is listed by DHSS as the contract permitting authority.
    • Some incorporated areas may be referred back to DHSS.
    “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS). Some single family residential lots may be exempt from permitting.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation or repair of most onsite wastewater treatment systems in Ste. Genevieve County.
      “A construction permit is required before installing or repairing most onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Newly installed permitted septic systems in Ste. Genevieve County.

    • The county health department states environmental staff perform site investigations on all permitted septic systems installed.
    • The state materials describe certification without onsite inspection in some circumstances and generally do not require inspection of existing systems for real-estate transfer.
    • A licensed inspector may be used for an existing-system assessment.
    “The environmental staff runs the on-site sewage program by performing site investigations on all permitted septic systems that are installed.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Construction in or near flood-prone areas in Ste. Genevieve County.

    • The county requires verification before construction starts to avoid building in a flood zone.
    • The source does not state the full floodplain permit process or dimensional requirements.
    “Verification must be made prior to the start of construction to avoid building in a flood zone.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    The county building permit described on the official Assessor page.

    • The page states there is no fee for the county building permit.
    • This claim does not establish fees for other county or municipal permits.

    building permit fee: 0 USD

    “There is NO fee for a permit and easily issued by stopping by or calling the Assessor's office.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — Ste. Genevieve County building permits
      “There is NO fee for a permit and easily issued by stopping by or calling the Assessor's office.”
    • Published — County building permits administered through the Assessor's office.
      “There is NO fee for a permit and easily issued by stopping by or calling the Assessor's office.”
    • Published — The Ste. Genevieve County building permit described by the Assessor.
      “There is NO fee for a permit and easily issued by stopping by or calling the Assessor's office.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit and onsite-wastewater permitting process in Ste. Genevieve County.

    • The county building permit is issued by stopping by or calling the Assessor's office.
    • Building-permit verification must occur before construction to avoid building in a flood zone.
    • For OWTS, the Ste. Genevieve County Health Department is the DHSS-listed contract authority.
    • Work should not begin until an OWTS permit is issued or an exemption is confirmed.
    • Some incorporated areas may be referred back to DHSS.
    “DHSS OWTS permitting falls under one of three authority types: DHSS Onsite Program, Local Authority (contract), or Local Authority via Ordinance. The application process varies by permitting authority. Work should not begin until a permit has been issued or an exemption to permitting has been confirmed by the appropriate permitting authority.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — Ste. Genevieve County building-permit process
      “There is NO fee for a permit and easily issued by stopping by or calling the Assessor's office. Verification must be made prior to the start of construction to avoid building in a flood zone.”
    • Partial — The county building-permit process described by the Assessor.
      “stopping by or calling the Assessor's office.”

Missouri rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A property owner installing, modifying, or repairing that owner's on-site sewage disposal system.

    • The owner must comply with RSMo 701.025 to 701.059.
    • The statute separately provides that an owner need not obtain a permit or contractor registration merely to clean that owner's on-site sewage disposal system.
    “Nothing in sections 701.053 to 701.055 shall preclude property owners from installing, modifying or repairing their own on-site sewage disposal system”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Missouri statewide legal framework for building-code adoption by counties and other communities; the statutes authorize local adoption rather than establishing one uniformly adopted statewide building code.

    • County authority under RSMo 64.170 applies to counties of the first and second classification.
    • A county that had not adopted a building code before August 28, 2001 must obtain voter approval before adopting under RSMo 64.170 to 64.200.
    • The adoption vote is limited to voters in the affected area; a code affecting a county is not voted on by citizens of incorporated territory.
    • A county adopting under RSMo 64.180 must use a current nationally recognized building code edition from calendar year 1999 or later, as amended.
    • A county building ordinance may not conflict with liquefied petroleum gas installation requirements governed by RSMo 323.020.
    • A community may incorporate a code by reference only if it otherwise has legal power to adopt the ordinance.
    • A code incorporated by reference must be filed with the community clerk and available for public inspection for 90 days before adoption.
    • An ordinance adopting a code by reference must state the penalty separately rather than incorporate the penalty by reference.
    • RSMo 67.280 defines community to include any county, fire protection district, or municipality, and municipality to include an incorporated city, town, or village.
    “Because fire and building codes are adopted at the local level in Missouri”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • InspectionsLimited

    Construction, major modification, or major repair of an on-site sewage disposal system for which RSMo 701.046 requires notice and an application; this is not a general statewide inspection rule for all buildings.

    • The city, county, or department must receive notice and an opportunity to inspect before completion.
    • A registered contractor must notify the authority before 9:00 a.m. on the day before completion; an unregistered person must notify it before 9:00 a.m. on the second day before completion.
    • The system must remain available for a complete inspection under the state standard until 3:00 p.m. on the completion day unless the authority confirms earlier inspection and approval.
    • The system may not be closed or completed if inspection finds it does not meet the state standard; the authority must provide conspicuous notice at inspection and written confirmation of the result, or of no inspection, within three working days of completion.
    “without providing notice and an opportunity for inspection by the city, county or department as provided in this section.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Missouri statutory authority for counties to create zoning districts in unincorporated territory; this does not establish or publish the actual zoning districts for any particular county.

    • The statute applies to unincorporated territory of counties subject to sections 64.211 to 64.295.
    • Actual district boundaries, regulations, and maps depend on county adoption and are not supplied by this statewide statute.
    • District regulations must be uniform for each class or kind of building or land use within each district, although regulations may differ between districts.
    • The regulations must be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    “the unincorporated territory may be divided into districts of such number, shape and area as may be deemed best suited”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Potential county zoning controls on the size of residential buildings in unincorporated portions of first-class counties other than first-class counties without a charter form of government.

    • The county commission is authorized to regulate by order in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    • The statute does not state a statewide minimum dwelling-size measurement.
    • The statute expressly excludes incorporated portions of counties and identifies additional agricultural, rice-farming, flood-irrigation, farm-structure, and underground-mining exclusions.
    “except in counties of the first class not having a charter form of government [...] in the unincorporated portions of the county [...] size of buildings”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Size of yards, courts and other open spaces in unincorporated portions of second- and third-class counties with county zoning; setbacks left to such counties

    • Power exists only for counties to which sections 64.510 to 64.690 apply under section 64.510
    • Exercised only after approval by vote of the people as provided in section 64.530
    • Must be done by order of record and in accordance with a comprehensive plan
    • Applies only to unincorporated portions of the county
    • Does not apply to crops, livestock, orchards, forestry, or farm buildings used for such purposes outside the flood hazard area map area
    • Existing lawful uses protected; ordinances adopted before March 4, 1991 unaffected
    “the size of yards, courts and other open spaces”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Percentage of lots that may be occupied in unincorporated portions of second- and third-class counties with county zoning; lot coverage left to such counties

    • Power exists only for counties to which sections 64.510 to 64.690 apply under section 64.510
    • Exercised only after approval by vote of the people as provided in section 64.530
    • Must be done by order of record and in accordance with a comprehensive plan
    • Applies only to unincorporated portions of the county
    • Does not apply to crops, livestock, orchards, forestry, or farm buildings used for such purposes outside the flood hazard area map area
    • Existing lawful uses protected; ordinances adopted before March 4, 1991 unaffected
    “the percentage of lots that may be occupied”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Developments where land is sold or leased for camping in recreational vehicles (recreational developments) under the state wastewater rule 10 CSR 20-6.030; this is a wastewater-disposal rule, not a zoning rule on camping generally

    • Applies only when land is sold or leased for the purpose of camping in recreational vehicles.
    • To qualify as a recreational development, restrictive covenants must prohibit continuous year-round living on the lot, and no cabins or other structures that could be used for year-round residential purposes are allowed.
    • Minimum lot size of 20,000 sq ft applies where individual on-site wastewater treatment facilities are used; no reduction from the minimum lot size determined by the geohydrologic evaluation, though a one-half reduction as indicated by the soils report may be allowed.
    • Where sewage dump stations provide collection and treatment, they count as centralized collection and treatment.
    • The developer must submit a copy of the restrictive covenants with any plans for dump stations or centralized systems.
    • Any residential housing development required to obtain department approval must get written approval before sale or lease of any lot or start of construction.
    • Rule text says it does not preclude local, municipal, county or other lawful authority from adopting equal or more stringent subdivision, sewer or on-site system regulations.
    • Rule was last amended with an effective date of Jan. 30, 2025.
    • The state rule does not itself regulate temporary camping on private land outside such developments; that is left to local zoning.

    minimum lot size, recreational development with individual on-site wastewater treatment: >= 20000 square feet (one-half reduction per soils report may be allowed; no reduction from geohydrologic evaluation minimum)

    “a development is considered recreational when land is sold or leased for the purpose of camping in recreational vehicles. in order to be considered a recreational development, restrictive covenants must prohibit continuous year-round living on the lot and no cabins or other structures will be allowed that could be used for year-round residential purposes.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid domestic wastewater treatment using onsite wastewater treatment systems where central sewer service is unavailable.

    • Onsite systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property where generated.
    • A construction permit is generally required, including for residential property less than three acres, subject to county-specific exceptions.
    • Wastewater may not be discharged into a road ditch or onto the ground.
    • Local permitting authorities may impose additional requirements.

    residential lot threshold: < 3 acres (The exemption does not apply in some counties.)

    “Onsite wastewater treatment systems are sometimes referred to as "septic systems." These systems treat and dispose of domestic sewage on the property where it is generated.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Use of onsite wastewater treatment systems as off-grid sanitation where central sewer service is unavailable in Missouri.
      “In Missouri, where central sewer service is not available, homeowners and small business owners use various types of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction or alteration of a public well serving a Missouri public water system.

    • Public water systems must receive written approval from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Public Drinking Water Branch before constructing or altering a public well.
    • The requirement does not apply when the system meets the charitable-and-benevolent-organization exemptions in section 640.116, RSMo.
    • Anyone proposing to install a public well must contact the department’s regional office for a well-site survey.
    • The survey addresses minimum isolation or setback distances from known or potential contaminant sources, including septic tanks, sanitary sewer lines, and landfills.
    • Before applying for construction authorization, the public water system must obtain an estimated casing-depth letter from the Missouri Geological Survey Water Resources Center.
    • There is no fee for the well-site-survey and estimated-casing-depth-letter services.
    • Failure to obtain construction authorization may result in approval delays and possibly require the owner to properly plug the well and drill a new one according to 10 CSR 60-3.

    public water system threshold: at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily, at least 60 days per calendar year

    “Public water systems must receive written approval from the PDWB before constructing or altering a public well”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — A person or contractor conducting regulated work to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a water well, heat-pump well, monitoring well, or related well in Missouri.
      “A non-restricted permit is required to drill, construct, repair, reconstruct, plug, or install pumps or pumping equipment in a well.”
    • Limited — Construction or repair of water wells, installation or replacement of pumps, and associated plumbing and electrical work in Missouri.
      “A non-restricted water well installation permit is required to construct or repair a water well in Missouri.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Missouri state law preserves the authority of specified local governments and districts that own or operate a sewage-collection-and-treatment sewer system to require connection by owners of houses, buildings, or other facilities within that entity's territory.

    • This is an authorization for the applicable city, town, village, sewer district, public water supply district, municipality, political subdivision, or district; it is not a statewide mandate that every property connect.
    • The entity must own or operate a sewer system providing collection and treatment of sewage.
    • The house, building, or other facility must be within the municipality, political subdivision, or district.
    • The sewer system must be available.
    • The statute identifies sewer districts organized under chapter 204 or chapter 249 and public water supply districts organized under chapter 247 among the entities whose authority is preserved.
    “to require the owners of all houses, buildings or other facilities [...] to connect to the sewer system [...] when such sewer system is available.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Farm buildings and farm structures used for agricultural purposes under the county building and land-use restriction provisions of RSMo sections 64.800 to 64.905.

    • The exemption does not apply within incorporated portions of counties.
    • The exemption applies to raising crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry and to specified rice-farming or flood-irrigation impoundments.
    • For farm buildings or farm structures, the area must not be within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.
    • The statute preserves the validity of county ordinances or orders adopted before March 4, 1991.
    • Other laws and local requirements may still apply.

    rice-farming or flood-irrigation berm height: <= 18 inches (small berms placed around a field to hold water for growing rice or flood irrigation)

    “This section shall not apply to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for such purposes in an area not within the area shown on the flood hazard area map.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures as against county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances.
      “Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for agricultural purposes under RSMo section 64.890, outside incorporated portions of counties and outside areas shown on flood hazard area maps.
      “This section shall not apply to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration or extension of farm buildings or farm structures used for such purposes [...]”
    • Available (with conditions) — Farm buildings and farm structures statewide, with respect to county fire-protection and fire-prevention ordinances.
      “no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits [...]”
    • Available — Erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures with respect to county fire-protection or fire-prevention ordinances.
      “Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no fire protection or fire prevention ordinance adopted by any county in this state shall be exercised so as to impose regulations or to require permits with respect to the erection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of farm buildings or farm structures.”
  • Subdividing landLimited

    Subdivision plats in the unincorporated areas of counties covered by RSMo section 64.070 after the county commission adopts subdivision regulations.

    • The county commission must first adopt subdivision regulations.
    • The plat must first be submitted to the planning commission.
    • If the county planning commission does not report upon the plat within thirty days, it may then be deemed approved.
    • If amended or rejected by the planning commission, the action may be overruled and the plat approved only by the county commission, with the reasons for overruling spread upon the county commission minutes.
    • The recorder of deeds may not record the plat until receiving a certificate of authority from the county zoning enforcement officer.
    • The statute also permits a county planning commission, upon written request of an incorporated area's legislative body where there is no municipal planning commission, to pass upon subdivision plats within that incorporated area; those plats are subject to county planning commission rules and approval procedures.

    planning commission reporting period: 30 days (If no report is made, the plat may then be deemed approved.)

    “After the county commission shall have adopted such subdivision regulations, no plat of a subdivision of land within the unincorporated area of such county [...]”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision or development using onsite wastewater in Ste. Genevieve County
      “DNR must approve subdivisions, mobile home parks and campgrounds if the use of OWTS is planned.”
    • Limited — Subdivision regulations adopted by Missouri cities, towns, or villages under RSMo section 89.410.
      “The planning commission shall recommend and the council may by ordinance adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within its jurisdiction.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction or modification of driveways within MoDOT right-of-way statewide.

    • A permit is required for construction of driveways and modifications to existing driveways on MoDOT right-of-way.
    • An initial online request must be submitted for each planned listed activity.
    • Engineered plans, traffic studies, hydraulic analysis, traffic-control plans, surety deposits, or performance bonds may be required depending on the work.
    • The rule does not establish a permit requirement for driveways outside MoDOT right-of-way.
    “We require you to obtain a permit to work on MoDOT's Right of Way for: Construction of driveways”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Missouri county zoning authority over unincorporated land.

    • RSMo § 64.850 applies to counties of the first class without a charter and counties of the second, third, or fourth class.
    • RSMo § 64.620 applies to counties of the second or third class to which §§ 64.510–64.690 apply.
    • Adoption under §§ 64.510–64.690 requires approval by vote of the people under § 64.530.
    • The authority applies in unincorporated portions and not incorporated portions.
    • The regulations must be in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    • Under § 64.090, the zoning power does not apply to raising crops, livestock, orchards, or forestry; seasonal or temporary rice-farming or flood-irrigation impoundments; specified farm structures outside mapped flood-hazard areas; or underground mining entered through shafts outside mapped flood-hazard areas.
    • Existing lawful uses and specified public-utility services are protected under the cited statutory schemes.
    “the county commission of any county of the first class not having a charter form of government, or of any county of the second, third or fourth class may, after approval by vote of the people as provided in section 64.845, regulate and restrict, by order of record, in the unincorporated portions of the county, the height, number of stories, and size of buildings, the percentage of lots that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts and other open spaces, the density of population, the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • county building authorityLimited

    County authority to regulate residential construction and issue building permits in unincorporated areas of Missouri.

    • The authority under sections 64.170 to 64.200 applies to counties of the first and second classification.
    • A county that had not adopted a building code before August 28, 2001, must obtain voter approval before adopting one under those sections.
    • Only voters in the area affected by the proposed code may vote; incorporated-territory citizens cannot vote on a code affecting a county.
    • The county commission must hold at least three public hearings and provide the statutory newspaper publication and county posting notices before adoption.
    • Regulations adopted under section 64.180 apply to unincorporated territory, except as otherwise provided.
    • Adopted or amended codes after August 28, 2001, must use a current, calendar year 1999 or later edition of a nationally recognized building code, as amended.
    • A county building ordinance may not conflict with liquefied petroleum gas installations governed by section 323.020.

    public hearings before adoption: >= 3 hearings minimum (Section 64.180(3)) · newspaper notice: >= 15 days (Notice of hearing time and place must be published in at least two newspapers having general circulation within the county) · posted notice: >= 15 days (Notice must be posted in four conspicuous places in the county) · minimum nationally recognized building-code edition: >= calendar year 1999 edition year (Applies after August 28, 2001, under section 64.180)

    “The regulations adopted shall be applicable to the unincorporated territory of the county, except as otherwise provided herein”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — County regulation of construction and issuance of building permits for buildings, including residential construction, in Missouri counties, with the practical focus on county-controlled areas outside incorporated territory.
      “the county commission in all counties of the first and second classification [...] is for this purpose empowered [...] to adopt [...] regulations to control the construction”
    • Limited — Missouri counties' authority to require permits and regulate residential construction in unincorporated areas.
      “Before the adoption of such code of regulations, the county commission shall hold at least three public hearings thereon”

Inside cities and towns in Ste. Genevieve County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Tiny homes in the City of Ste. Genevieve THO overlay district.

    • The dimensional rule applies specifically to the THO overlay and does not establish a countywide minimum dwelling size.
    • The THO overlay is available only in specified locations and requires an overlay permit.

    minimum tiny-home living area: >= 200 square feet (maximum living area is 500 square feet)

    “Tiny home between two hundred (200) square feet to five hundred (500) square feet.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in the City of Ste. Genevieve THO Tiny Home Overlay District.

    • The requirement applies specifically in the THO Tiny Home Overlay District.
    • The minimum lot width is 30 feet.
    • The THO overlay may be allowed only in the locations and through the permit process specified in Section 405.136.

    minimum lot area: >= 4500 square feet · minimum lot width: >= 30 feet

    “The minimum lot area in the "THO" Tiny Home Overlay District is four thousand five hundred (4,500) square feet; minimum lot width shall be thirty (30) feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings in the City of Ste. Genevieve THO Tiny Home Overlay District.

    • The THO district incorporates the setbacks of the R-2 General Residential District.
    • The THO rule also imposes a maximum building height of 15 feet and maximum lot coverage of 30 percent.
    • The THO overlay permit and applicable zoning approval process are required.

    setback standard: same as R-2 General Residential District · maximum building height: 15 feet · maximum lot coverage by structures: 30 percent

    “Setbacks shall be the same as "R-2" General Residential District; maximum building height shall be fifteen (15) feet; maximum lot coverage by structures shall be thirty-percent (30%).”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Ste. Genevieve County
  • County-wide zoning — A current county zoning ordinance or explicit no-zoning policy for unincorporated Ste. Genevieve County.
  • Local zoning — Whether incorporated municipalities or other subordinate local authorities within Ste. Genevieve County administer zoning; no official aggregate source was located.
  • Building height — Building-height limits in unincorporated Ste. Genevieve County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Ste. Genevieve County.
4 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Short-term rentals

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.

Living off-grid in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri

Is Ste. Genevieve County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Ste. Genevieve County scores 64/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.

How much does land cost in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri?

Land in Ste. Genevieve County runs about $4,393 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Ste. Genevieve County?

Ste. Genevieve County gets about 44.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.1% of years.

How remote is Ste. Genevieve County?

A representative private-land location has about 39,335 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,137,440 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Ste. Genevieve compares in Missouri

Compare side-by-side →See all 115 Missouri counties ranked →