If you are starting a new business or have purchased an existing business, welcome! We are glad to have you in St. Charles. To make things run as smoothly as possible, here are some helpful checklists.

To change ownership of an existing business or to change the business, but not the type (ex. restaurant to restaurant, bar to bar, retail store to retail store, etc.), with no change to the building:

1. Make an appointment with the Fire Department for an occupancy/fire inspection.
2. Bring the inspection slip to Community Development Department to receive your Certificate of Occupancy.
3. Apply to the Collections Office for a business license. The cost of the license varies according to the business type. The following items are required in order to receive the business license:
   • A certificate of occupancy from Community Development
   • A paid personal property tax receipt in the business name from the St. Charles County Collector OR a Personal Property Tax Waiver from the St. Charles County Assessor. Both offices are located in the County Administration Building at 201 N. Second Street, across the street from City Hall. The phone number for the County Collector is (636) 949-7470. The phone number for the County Assessor is (636) 949-7423.
   • A state sales tax number (if required by the State) from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
4. Apply for a sign permit for any new signs located on your building or lot. Sign applications may require review by the Landmarks Board.

NOTE: If you are opening an establishment that serves food, you must also comply with the regulations of the St. Charles County Health Department. Their number is (636) 949-7404.

To change the type of business (ex. retail store to restaurant, restaurant to bar, auto sales to auto body shop, etc.), create a combination of uses, or change the building in any way (new electrical service, repair or replace plumbing, put up new walls, remove existing walls, put in a new doorway, close an existing doorway, etc.):

1. Before signing a lease or a deed to the property, contact the Building Regulations Division at (636) 949-3227 to discuss the required building permits.
2. Contact the Fire Department to discuss change of use.
3. Contact the Planning Division at (636) 949-3222 to discuss zoning regulations.
4. And when you have received both zoning and final building approval, proceed with steps 1-4 at the top of this page.