Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

General Questions

Where is Resource Management located?
Do you take credit or debit cards?

Planning & Zoning Questions

Addressing

How do I get an address for my property?

Complaints

My neighbor is doing something on his property that is a nuisance and I'd like to file a complaint.
One of my neighbors is doing something that is against our subdivision covenants, can the planning department help?

Zoning

Can you answer zoning questions about my property within the city limits?
What is my zoning?
What are my setbacks?
Is my property in the county or in the city limits?
What are "grandfather" rights?
Is my property in a flood plain?

Building & Roadway Inspection Questions

Permits

When do I need a building permit?
What do I need to submit in order to get a building permit?
What plans are necessary?
What are the fees?
If my property is within the city limits, do I need a building permit from Boone County?
How far in advance should I apply for a permit?
How long is the permit active?
When do I need a driveway permit?

Inspections

Do you have to be a licensed contractor?
When do I need inspections?
How do I know if my current lagoon will work?
My landlord is not making repairs as promised. Can the building inspection department help me?
What building code does the county use?

Utilities

I live in the unincorporated area of Boone County. Who is responsible for trash pickup?

Road Issues

How can I report a road problem?
How can I report a storm drainage problem?
There is a stop sign down on my state road. Is this an issue for Resource Management?
There is a road sign down on my county road. Is this an issue for Resource Management?

Answers

1. Where is Resource Management located?

Resource Management is located on the 3rd floor of the Roger B. Wilson, Boone County Government Center in downtown Columbia on the corner of Ninth and Ash Streets. We are east of the Boone County Court House. Our physical address is 801 E. Walnut Street, Columbia. Visit our directions page to get directions from your location.

2. Do you take credit or debit cards?

We do accept cards with the Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express logo. Please note, a 2.35% convenience fee will be added to all credit card transactions with a minimum fee of $1.55. If you do not wish to pay a convenience fee you are still able to pay by check or cash. For security purposes only the credit card owner may use the card, we will not accept third-party users. Credit Cards are only accepted online or in person; we do not accept payments over the phone

3. How do I get an address for my property?

Addresses are issued only to homes. Barns, garages, etc., will not be issued an address. You must obtain a building permit for a home in order to be issued an address. We will not issue addresses to vacant property. After the building permit is processed (minimum 10 business days) an address will be issued. You will receive a weather proof permit in the mail. This permit will include your new address.

To eliminate confusion and assist emergency management agencies and various public services to locate your property in a timely and efficient manner please post your address as follows:

During Construction

Number height must be minimum four inches
For dwellings less than 75 feet from road, post address at main entrance
For dwellings more than 75 feet from road, post address at main entrance, at dwelling, and at the intersection of any private access easement and residence's driveway

Post Your Address At Occupancy

Number height must be minimum four inches for houses and mobile homes
Number height must be minimum six inches for multiple family dwellings and businesses
For increased visibility at night please use reflective numbers
For dwellings less than 75 feet from road, post address at main entrance and on the side of the dwelling that faces the road
For dwellings more than 75 feet from road, post address at main entrance, on the side of the dwelling that faces the road and at the intersection of any private access easement and the residence's driveway
Please check with area retailers and hardware/lumber stores that stock or can order reflective 911 address plates and numbers
For more specific information please see our Zoning Regulations, Section 27 Addressing Ordinance or you may call the Planning Division

4. My neighbor is doing something on his property that is a nuisance and I'd like to file a complaint.

When the Resource Management Department staff receives a complaint, a zoning enforcement officer is assigned to investigate. The officer examines the site and determines if the alleged use violation exceeds what is allowed by the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations. While some uses can certainly be annoying to an adjacent property owner, the use may not be covered under the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations. There are other offices in Boone County that handle different issues. You may contact other offices to see if they have ordinances or regulations pertaining to your particular complaint. In cases where the zoning rules are being violated, the officer contacts the alleged violator to correct or remove any such violations. If you wish to lodge a complaint, you can contact our office by phone at (573) 886-4330. You may also email the Resource Management Department. Or make a complaint using our mapping system by clicking here. Be sure to include the location of the property you wish to report as well as a description of the activity occurring on the property. Please note that the more information we have regarding the property you are reporting will aid our staff in locating the property (ie: property owner name, address, landmarks, etc.).

Please keep in mind that if you email us, we will retain a copy of the correspondence, in which case, your complaint would not be anonymous.

Below is a list of departments throughout Boone County and some of the issues they enforce:

City of Columbia/Boone County Health Department
(573) 874-7346

Weeds
Mold
Leaking lagoon or septic systems

Boone County Road & Bridge
(573) 449-8515

Road maintenance/improvements
Storm drainage

Missouri State Highway Department
(573) 442-4718 Or (888) 275-6636

Driveways on state highways

Boone County Fire Protection District
(573) 447-5000

Controlled burning

Missouri Department of Natural Resources
(800) 361-4827

5. One of my neighbors is doing something that is against our subdivision covenants, can the planning department help?

Subdivision covenants are enforced by your respective Homeowners Association. The Boone County Resource Management Department only enforces the Boone County zoning and subdivision regulations. We have no authority to enforce subdivision covenants. Our office does not have a copy, nor do we maintain a database of subdivision covenants. If you wish to obtain a copy of your covenants please check with the Boone County Recorder of Deeds office as they may have been recorded with their office.

6. Can you answer zoning questions about my property within the city limits?

When it comes to land use planning and building, Boone County does not have jurisdiction within the county's incorporated cities and towns. This means that if you want information about your zoning, about getting a building permit, or any other specific land use question, you must contact the city in which your property lies.

7. What is my zoning?

The zoning on your property depends on your location. To find out your zoning, we can help you in a few different ways:

You can use the Boone County Zoning Information Viewer.
Visit our office in the Boone County Government Center at 801 E. Walnut, Columbia. (Corner of Ninth and Ash Streets in downtown Columbia).
Phone us at (573) 886-4330 with the property owners name, address and /or tax parcel number and we can tell you your zoning over the phone.
Email us at resmgt@boonecountymo.org with the property owners name, address and tax parcel number and we can email you in return.

At this time we do not have zoning maps available for purchase.

8. What are my setbacks?

The setback requirement varies depending on your zoning classification. A setback is the distance between a structure and the property line. Your property line begins where the road right-of-way ends, in other words, the road edge is not your property line. In most cases the front property line is the property line that is along the road. If your property is on the corner of two roads you will have two front property lines and you must meet both front setbacks. Refer to "what is my zoning" above.

9. Is my property in the county or in the city limits?

The easiest way to tell if your property is in the County or in any incorporated city limit is by checking your parcel number. Each piece of property has a tax parcel number. This number is located on your tax bill.

If the third set of numbers of your parcel number is 00 (zero zero) then your property is in the city limits. If the third set of numbers is anything other than zero zero, then your property is not in the city limits.

Example 1

Parcel number 11-500-00-00-006.00 01

Look again at the third set of numbers. This property is in the City limits.

Example 2

Parcel number 11-500-32-00-006.00 01

Look at the third set of numbers. This property is in the unincorporated area of Boone County and not in any city limits.

10. What are "grandfather" rights?

Grandfather rights, known as non-conforming uses, are any lawful use of a building, structure or land which does not conform to the zoning regulations where it is located and for which a Certificate of Occupancy for Nonconforming Use has been issued by the Board of Adjustment.

Nonconforming uses are only for uses that existed (as it existed) at the time the regulations took effect. Things like additions, alterations, and mobile home switch-outs will void the nonconforming use and any changes would have to meet the current regulations.

Example: You have a garage that doesn't meet the current setback regulations however, the garage was built before regulations took effect in 1973. You now wish to tear down the garage and re-build it in the same location. The nonconforming use or "grandfather" right applied only to the garage that existed when zoning took effect. The new garage would be required to meet current zoning regulations.

Only nonconforming uses that have had their nonconforming use status certified actually have "grandfather" rights. If the use has not been formally certified you don't have them even if the property might be eligible to try to certify its status.

Establishing or documenting a nonconforming use may have significant impact on a property. Please contact our office if you would like to discuss any grandfather rights that you believe apply to your property.

11. Is my property in a flood plain?

If you are buying and/or developing property in unincorporated areas of Boone County that is located near creeks, streams or other low lying areas you may contact our office about floodplain regulations and restrictions in any of the following ways:

Visit our office in the Boone County Government Center at 801 E. Walnut, Columbia. (Corner of Ninth and Ash Streets in downtown Columbia).
Phone us at (573) 886-4330 with the property owners name, address and /or parcel number and we may be able to tell you over the phone.
Email us with the property owners name, address and parcel number at resmgt@boonecountymo.org.

12. When do I need a building permit?

A permit is required for any construction that physically changes or adds structures to your property or for work regulated by codes or resolutions, such as:

New Building - Examples include but are not limited to: dwellings, garages, car ports, detached storage sheds, pole barns, commercial buildings, manufactured housing or mobile homes.
Additions - Examples include but are not limited to: buildings, swimming pools, and decks.
Alterations/Remodeling - Any construction involving structure, electrical, plumbing, insulation, roofing, gas line installation or upgrade.
Installations - Examples include but are not limited to: hot tubs and HVAC installation or upgrade.

Cosmetics do not require a building permit. The County does not require a demolition permit, however, you may check with the Boone County Fire Protection District for any controlled burn of a structure or the Boone County Health Department in the case of any asbestos removal.

If you are unsure whether a permit is required, please contact our office. (573) 886-4339.

13. What do I need to submit in order to get a building permit?

The following information and documentation is required for building permits:

If installing a new on-site wastewater system, a soils report is required to be submitted with the building permit application
Setbacks/Number of feet building will be from all property lines
Square footage of basement
- How much finished
- How much unfinished
Square footage of main floor
Square footage of second floor
Square footage of garage/carport/breezeway
Square footage of porch/decks
Highest peak of building
Name, address, daytime phone number of owner
Name, address, daytime phone number of contractor
Site drawing showing the following:
- location of structure on property
- location of driveway
- location of proposed waste water system
- location and description of other homes/buildings on site
Type of foundation (ie: basement, crawl space, slab)
Number of bedrooms
Number of bathrooms
Type of driveway (ie: gravel, asphalt) if County maintains the road
Height of building to peak
Lot number (if applicable)
Name of subdivision (if applicable)
Copy of recorded deed and survey/legal description
Estimated cost of construction
Size of property (acreage)
How many square feet of land will be disturbed including buildings, wastewater, and driveway areas as well as any other disturbed land on the property

If the all above information is not submitted we will not be able to process your application. We do not accept partial submittals, all information/documentation must be submitted with the application.

14. What plans are necessary?

The Resource Management Department does not require building plans for most projects. Plans ARE required for commercial projects, accessory buildings larger than 3000 square feet, and solar installations. In some instances, an inspector or other staff may require further information or documentation.

15. What are the fees?

Fees for new construction are based on the square footage of the project. Fees for alterations/remodels are based on the estimated cost of construction. Additional fees apply for a waste water permit or driveway permit if applicable.

If you use a credit card to pay your fees a 2.35% convenience fee will be added with a minimum fee of $1.55. To avoid this fee you may pay with a check or cash.

16. If my property is within the city limits, do I need a building permit from Boone County?

The Boone County Resource Management Department does not have jurisdiction over any cities within Boone County but we do have agreements with Centralia, Sturgeon, Harrisburg, Hallsville, Hartsburg, and Rocheport. If your project is within one of these cities, contact each city directly. Some cities take their own building permits in their offices however the Resource Management Department is contracted by these cities to perform inspections. If you live in McBaine or Huntsdale contact the Fire Marshal with The Boone County Fire Protection District to see if they require an inspection; if so, a building permit will be required.

The cities of Ashland, Centralia, Rocheport, and Hallsville take their own permits in house. Please go to their respective offices to obtain your building permit. Please note that these cities may charge a fee in addition to the County's fee.

City of Ashland
Ashland City Hall
107 E. Broadway
Ashland, MO 65010
(573) 657-2091

City of Centralia
Centralia City Hall
114 S. Rollins
Centralia, MO 65240
(573) 682-2139

City of Hallsville
Hallsville City Hall
202 E. Highway 124
Hallsville, MO 65255
(573) 696-3885

City of Rocheport
P.O. Box 61
Rocheport, MO 65279
(573) 698-3245

The City of Columbia has their own planning and inspection departments. If you live in the city limits of Columbia please contact their respective offices.

17. How far in advance should I apply for a permit?

It is recommended that you apply for a permit at least fifteen days prior to starting construction. Inspections will not be scheduled until the application has been reviewed, approved, and the permit issued. Our office accepts permits between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. including the lunch hour.

18. How long is the permit active?

The permit is active for six (6) months and renews each time you receive an inspection. Construction must begin within six months of issuance. If construction stops or no inspections are requested for six (6) months the permit will be voided and you may be required to obtain a new permit subject to current fees. Your temporary or permanent permit must be posted at the site. Inspectors reserve the right not to perform an inspection if the permit is not on site at the time of inspection.

19. When do I need a driveway permit?

A driveway permit is required when you place a new driveway off a county maintained road. Permits may also be required when you re-surface an existing driveway or replace a culvert. Please contact the Resource Management Department to see if a driveway permit is required for the type of work you wish to do.Do you have to be a licensed contractor?

20. Do you have to be a licensed contractor?

According to State Statute, Boone County is not allowed to license General Contractors (cities on the other hand can require a contractor to be licensed).

21. When do I need inspections?

The type and number of inspections vary depending on the complexity of your project. A minimum of one-day notice is required for an inspection. You must request an inspection the business day prior to guarantee a next day inspection. It is necessary for you to contact the Resource Management Department to schedule your inspection by phone. We do not accept inspection requests via email and inspectors do not schedule inspections in the field. You must reference your building permit number when you request an inspection. NO EXCEPTIONS.

22. How do I know if my current lagoon will work?

When you apply for a building permit for additions, alterations, new homes, single or doublewides and wish to use an existing on-site wastewater system, you will need to provide documentation regarding the current system. If the existing system was not previously approved by Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) or Resource Management, you may be required to install a new system. If you have documentation that the system was approved by a governing authority, a site inspection will be performed to ensure the system meets current code, is working properly, large enough, fenced, free from vegetation, and will meet the requirements for what you are proposing.

23. My landlord is not making repairs as promised. Can the building inspection department help me?

In February 2024, Boone County adopted Rental Housing Standards for the unincorporated areas of Boone County. These standards specifically identify issues enforcable by Boone County Resource Management. Complaining tenants must meet specific criteria in order to file a complaint with Resource Management. Please view our Rental Housing Standards page for more information (page currently under construction).

If you have a mold issue, please contact the Public Health and Human Services at (573) 874-7346. If there is a fire hazard you may contact the Boone County Fire Marshal at (573) 447-5000 to see if they can help. Most issues between a renter and landlord are civil matters however there are statewide Landlord-Tenant Laws through State Statutes, specifically, Missouri Revised Statutes Section 441.234. You may also check the State of Missouri Attorney General's Office website at ago.mo.gov for further information.

24. What building code does the county use?

If you have specific code questions it is recommended that you speak with one of our building inspectors. Please note that the building inspectors spend most of their time out of the office. The best time to reach an inspector is before 9:00 a.m.

Effective April 1, 2017 Boone County follows:

2015 International Building Code
2015 International Residential Code for One-and-Two Family Dwellings
2015 International Mechanical Code
2015 International Plumbing Code
2015 International Fuel Gas Code
2015 International Existing Building Code
2015 International Energy Conservation Code
2014 National Electric Code

25. I live in the unincorporated area of Boone County. Who is responsible for trash pickup?

Boone County does not have a refuse department. Any trash pickup is the responsibility of the property owner. You may perform a web search to find companies that do trash pickup in your area.

26. How can I report a road problem?

Please use the Boone County Public Works Road Problem Reporting Application.

27. How can I report a storm drainage problem?

Please use the Boone County Public Works Storm Drainage Problem Reporting Application.

28. There is a stop sign down on my state road. Is this an issue for Resource Management?

State roads are lettered and numbered (Highway 124, Highway 63, Route K, etc) If the sign is on a State road or at an intersection of a Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDot) maintained road, it should be reported to MoDot .

29. There is a road sign down on my county road. Is this an issue for Resource Management?

County road signs are named, green signs with white lettering and are maintained by Boone County Road and Bridge.

Report the problem using our contact form.

State road signs are lettered and numbered (124, 63, 763, A, K, etc.) and maintained by MoDot . Private Road I.D. Signs are white with black lettering. The I.D. sign is provided by Boone County Road and Bridge, however, the street maintenance is not. If you are experiencing road maintenance issues contact your Neighborhood Association representative, if you do not have an association in place speak to your neighbors.