It depends on the city your home is in. Some St. Louis County cities, such as Kirkwood, Webster Groves and Ballwin, require an occupancy inspection and permit when a home changes hands. Others, such as Chesterfield, Creve Coeur and Town and Country, state that a resale of an existing home does not need one. Check your city's rule before you list.
Why this matters for your sale
An occupancy (or point-of-sale) inspection is a city check of the home before a new owner or tenant moves in. Where it is required, items like handrails, smoke detectors and electrical outlets often need to be corrected, and the permit can affect your closing date. Finding out in week one keeps it off the critical path.
What city websites say (checked October and November 2026)
| City | Resale of an existing home | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkwood | All changes in occupancy require a permit, which includes an inspection. The application must be in before utilities transfer. | City of Kirkwood |
| Webster Groves | Inspection, Certificate of Compliance and Occupancy Permit on every change of ownership. Inspection fee $75, permit fee $30. | City of Webster Groves |
| Ballwin | A house being sold must be inspected and approved by the city, and new occupants need an Occupancy Permit. | City of Ballwin |
| Clayton | The city guide says permits are required for rental properties only. | City of Clayton |
| Chesterfield | Existing homes do not need a re-occupancy permit when sold to a new owner. | City of Chesterfield |
| Creve Coeur | No occupancy inspection when a single-family home or condo is sold or rented; the program covers apartments. | City of Creve Coeur |
| Town and Country | Not required when new owners or renters occupy an existing home; required for new construction. | City of Town and Country |
Rules, fees and forms change. Always confirm with the city's building or planning office before you list.
St. Louis City is a separate government
Many addresses read "St. Louis, MO" but sit in the county, not the City. In the City of St. Louis, a Certificate of Inspection must be obtained before a sold home is occupied, and the certificate is valid for 12 months (City of St. Louis).
Unincorporated areas
Areas such as Concord, Mehlville, Oakville and Affton are not cities, so St. Louis County handles permits there. Rules can depend on the property and its use, so check the current requirement for your exact address.
A simple plan for sellers
- Confirm which city or unincorporated area your address is in. Your tax bill shows it.
- Find the city's occupancy page and checklist, and note the fee and turnaround time.
- Apply early, before photos if you can, so repairs are done once.
- Fix required items first, then cosmetic items.
- Coordinate city items with any buyer inspection requests so nothing is paid for twice.
Related reading: what to fix before selling and what sellers must fix after an inspection.
How I handle it
Every listing plan I build starts with the occupancy rule for your address, the fee, the expected timeline and a prep list priced out on your net sheet. See what your home may be worth or get your Clear Path Plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does every St. Louis County city require an occupancy inspection to sell?
No. Some cities, like Kirkwood, Webster Groves and Ballwin, require one on a sale. Others, like Chesterfield, Creve Coeur and Town and Country, state that a resale does not.
Who pays for the occupancy inspection?
The seller usually applies and pays the city fee, but the contract can assign repairs or costs differently. Webster Groves notes a buyer may assume some or all repairs.
Can I close without an occupancy permit?
It depends on the city. Some tie the permit to moving in or transferring utilities. Ask the city and your title company early.
How long does an occupancy inspection take?
Turnaround varies by city and season. Apply as soon as you decide to sell so it does not delay closing.
Is an occupancy inspection the same as a buyer's home inspection?
No. The city inspection checks the city's code list; the buyer's inspection is a broader review of the home's condition for the buyer.
About the author: Stephanie Muhlenfeld, PMP, REALTOR® with LPT Realty. Stephanie helps buyers and sellers across St. Louis City and St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin Counties move with a plan, not pressure. (314) 597-7494.
LPT Realty (417) 813-1762