Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

General Questions

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

Planning & Zoning Questions

Addressing

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

Complaints

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

Zoning

6. Can you answer zoning questions about my property within the city limits?
7. What is my zoning?
8. What are my setbacks?
9. Is my property in the county or in the city limits?
10. What are "grandfather" rights?
11. Is my property in a flood plain?

Building & Roadway Inspection Questions

Permits

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

Inspections

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

Utilities

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

Road Issues

26. How can I report a road problem?
27. How can I report a storm drainage problem?
28. There is a stop sign down on my county road. Is this an issue for Resource Management?
29. 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. In addition, we will only accept cards in person, we will not take card information 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:

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:

• 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 may not be able to issue a permit or perform inspections.

14. What plans are necessary?

The Resource Management Department does not require building plans for most projects. (With the exception of commercial projects) However, 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 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.

The City of Columbia and the City of Ashland have their own planning and inspection departments. If you live in either of these cities, please contact their respective offices.

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

Twenty-four (24) hours is required for initial processing of the application before any inspections can occur. It is recommended you apply for the permit at least two weeks before you plan to begin construction. By this time the permit should have gone through the required processing. During processing the application is checked for zoning requirements which will include setbacks, stormwater, and flood plain regulations. It is recommended the permit application go through the process before starting construction to avoid any potential problems which may be both time consuming and costly. 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 call the day before. Inspections must be scheduled by calling the Resource Management Department, we do not accept inspection requests by email. Inspectors do not schedule inspections in the field and will only visit a site once per day. You must reference your building permit or application number when you request an inspection. NO EXCEPTIONS.

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

Effective June 2022, the Resource Management Department took over on-site wastewater permitting and inspections. For more information, click here. We will need documentation of your current system which you can obtain from Public Health and Human Services. If you need an inspection due to a real estate sale, you will need to contact Public Health and Human Services at (573) 874-7346.

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

Boone County does not have standards or regulations for rental properties. If the problem is a health issue you may contact the Boone County Health Department 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. There are companies listed in the local yellow pages that do trash pickup in the county.

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 county road. Is this an issue for Resource Management?

If the intersection is a county or Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDot) intersection the stop sign 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 Public Works.

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 Public Works, 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.