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Frequently Asked Questions

The material in this question and answer series is for your information only. It is not legal advice and is not designed to be used in place of legal advice. You should consult your own attorney for legal advice. The St. Joseph Legal Department provides this series to provide a general summary of procedures concerning violations of city ordinances in the City of St. Joseph, Missouri. It is issued to inform generally, not to advise of specific rights. As with any general information, the answers given here may not specifically apply to you.
What is zoning?

A property’s zoning determines what uses are permitted on the property and helps guide development. For example, most properties along the Belt are zoned “C-3, Commercial” allowing for uses like restaurants, grocery stores, etc. Zoning districts also determine things like setback requirements for buildings, height requirements, parking requirements, landscaping, and more. Information on every zoning district in St. Joseph can be found in Chapter 31 of the City Code.

Some parts of St. Joseph are in special zoning districts such as Downtown, which is in the Downtown Precise Plan district. These special districts have certain development standards that regulate more specifically than the standard zoning districts. Information on Precise Plans can be found online.

It is helpful to know information about what your property is zoned, as it determines the use and regulation of your property.



Show All Answers

1. What is Planning & Zoning?
2. What applications & permits does Planning & Zoning administer?
3. What is a subdivision or plat?
4. What is the subdivision process or platting?
5. How Do I combine, split, or adjust my property lines?
6. Does the city provide surveying services?
7. What is zoning?
8. What is rezoning?
9. How do I find my property’s zoning?
10. What does zoning determine?
11. How do I get a fence permit and what are the city’s rules for fences?
12. How do I get a pool permit and what are the city’s rules for pools?
13. How do I get a garage/shed/etc. permitted?
14. How do I get a sign permit?
15. What is a site plan?
16. What is the Zoning Board of Adjustment?
17. What is a variance or exception?
18. What is the Planning Commission?
19. What is the Downtown Review Board?