In its building code enforcement role, the Department of Public Works performs many tasks including:

• Coordinating the permit process for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits through St. Louis County for plan review and inspections
• Retaining direct and total responsibility for sign permits, demolition permits and commercial and residential building permits.

The Director of Public Works staffs the Board of Adjustments, which hears appeals of decisions of the Director of Public Works on code enforcement and interpretation issues, and considers variances filed by property owners for relief from the provision of the Zoning Code due to unique hardships.

The City's Building Official is responsible for making certain the City’s Building Code is followed and permit requirements are met. These tasks include:

• Reviewing commercial and residential building plans
• Re-checking the capacity of load bearing members
• Insuring all aspects of the building code are followed
• Performing building inspections for code compliance
• Performing occupancy permit inspections for all new businesses
• Providing assistance to builders and residents who have questions about building and zoning requirements
• Referring citizens to other agencies when their concerns are not under the City’s jurisdiction

To obtain compliance with the City’s various regulations, the Building Official also addresses citizen complaints concerning a wide variety of matters including:

• Exterior housing conditions
• Zoning violations
• Nuisances
• Property maintenance concerns