Land Disturbance Permits

What is a Land Disturbance Permit?

A land disturbance permit is required in Florissant for any activity that breaks or disturbs topsoil, such as construction, grading, or excavation work. This permit process protects our community by ensuring proper measures are in place to control soil erosion, which can damage water quality, clog storm sewers, and affect neighboring properties.

Do I Need a Permit?

Major Land Disturbance Permit Required

  • Projects disturbing 1 acre or more
  • Projects that are part of a larger development that will ultimately disturb 1 acre or more (even if your specific portion is less than 1 acre)
  • State permit also required from Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Ordinary Land Disturbance Permit Required

  • Projects disturbing less than 1 acre but more than 2,000 square feet

No Permit Required (Exempt Activities)

The following activities do NOT require a land disturbance permit:

  • Residential gardening on one- or two-family dwelling properties
  • Minor landscaping under 2,000 square feet
  • Additions and accessory structures for one- and two-family dwellings
  • Grass removal and reseeding up to 10,000 square feet (with proper erosion control)
  • Small excavation of less than 30 cubic yards for property improvement
  • Emergency activities immediately necessary for protection of life, property, or natural resources
  • Existing farming and agricultural operations
  • Public utility work for installation, inspection, repair, or replacement of equipment

Important: Even exempt activities must follow proper erosion and sediment control measures and cannot alter drainage patterns or cause damage to neighboring properties.

Permit Transfer Rules

If you purchase property where land disturbance work is already permitted:

  • You must obtain a separate permit for new work
  • Exception: Original permit holder can retain responsibility with Department of Public Works approval

How to Apply

Before You Apply

  • Review all requirements and code references
  • Determine which type of permit you need
  • For projects 1 acre or larger, obtain your Missouri Department of Natural Resources permit first

Zoning Approval if changes in Land Use(s)

Will there be a change in Land Use(s) on the proposed Land Disturbance? If you plan on changing your Land Use(s) and have not applied for Zoning Approval, please contact the Public Works Building Commissioner for a Zoning Approval Request through our Public Works staff 314 839-7648 or send us your questions to bldgcommissioner@florissantmo.com

Application Process

Applications for both Major and Ordinary Land Disturbance Permits must be filed with the City Engineer's office. There is a new electronic submission that will allow you to share plans and site development escrow estimates with the City Engineer's Dropbox.

Land Disturbance Application - PAPER SUBMISSION

Land Disturbance Application - ONLINE SUBMISSION

Note: Once a valid and completed application submission is received, an Invoice will be sent to the applicant. A review of plans for a land disturbance will require a paid invoice. If you do not receive an invoice within 48 hours of your submission contact the City Engineer's office. For a detailed list of steps, download and review the applicable Process Checklist below.

Process Checklist

Ordinary Land Disturbance Permit Checklist

Major Land Disturbance Permit Checklist

Legal References

This information is based on:

Questions?

Contact the City Engineer at 314-839-7643 or email engineering@florissantmo.com to:

  • Determine if your project requires a permit
  • Get answers about the application process
  • Clarify permit requirements for your specific project