Façade inspection requirements

The scope of the inspection depends on the building and the exterior elements being evaluated. A typical facade inspection includes: Visual evaluation of exterior facade components Assessment of cornices, trim, belt courses, and projecting architectural features Evaluation of balconies, exterior stairways, and fire escapes where applicable Identification of deteriorated masonry, concrete, stone, metal, or other facade materials Documentation of loose, displaced, or unstable building elements Photographic documentation of observed conditions Preparation of a sealed engineering or architectural report for submission to the City Where conditions warrant, close-up inspections may be performed using rope access, aerial lifts, scaffolding, or other specialized access methods to safely evaluate building components that cannot be adequately observed from the ground.

The City of St. Louis Building Code establishes periodic inspection requirements for exterior building elements that could pose a risk to pedestrians or adjacent public areas if they deteriorate. These requirements help identify unsafe conditions before they become hazards and require property owners to submit inspection reports prepared by a Missouri-licensed architect or professional engineer. The program is administered by the City's Building Division within the Department of Public Safety.

The St. Louis Building Code establishes inspection requirements for two primary types of exterior building elements: Decorative Facade Elements Periodic inspections are required for cornices, entablatures, belt courses, trim, and similar decorative features that project from the face of the building. These requirements apply to buildings that are: More than five stories or 60 feet in height, and Have decorative features that project over a public sidewalk, street, or alley. The Building Official may waive the inspection if the feature does not encroach over a public way. Exterior Balconies, Stairways, and Fire Escapes Exterior cantilevered balconies, stairways, and fire escapes must also be inspected. Unlike decorative facade elements, these requirements apply to all buildings, regardless of height.

Table Building Element Inspection Frequency Decorative facade elements on qualifying buildings Every 3 years Exterior cantilevered balconies, stairways, and fire escapes Every 3 years Inspection reports must be prepared, signed, sealed, and dated by a Missouri-licensed professional engineer or architect before being submitted to the City.

Meeting St. Louis facade inspection requirements often involves more than completing an inspection. Property owners may need assistance evaluating aging building components, coordinating specialized access, interpreting inspection findings, planning repairs, and maintaining compliance over time. Walker Consultants provides engineering, architecture, restoration, and building envelope consulting services to support every phase of the inspection process. Facade Inspections — Our licensed architects and engineers perform inspections that satisfy St. Louis reporting requirements while providing practical recommendations for maintaining building safety. Rope Access Inspections — Walker's SPRAT-certified rope access professionals perform close-up facade evaluations that can reduce disruption, minimize equipment requirements, and improve access to difficult-to-reach areas compared with traditional swing stages or scaffolding. Repair Design — When deterioration is identified, we prepare repair documents and technical specifications to address deficient conditions and restore long-term facade performance. Construction Administration — Our team assists with contractor bidding, construction observation, and repair implementation to help ensure recommended work is completed successfully. Long-Term Building Envelope Consulting — Beyond ordinance compliance, we help owners prioritize repairs, understand building conditions, and incorporate inspection findings into ongoing maintenance and capital planning.