The City of St. Louis has approved a major change that will quietly reshape how land is valued, bought, and sold inside the city limits. The minimum buildable lot size, previously set at 4,000 square feet, has now been reduced to 1,500 square feet. It is one of the biggest zoning shifts the city has made in decades, and it affects far more than developers. Homeowners, sellers, and buyers should understand how this change works and what it means for property value.
This update creates new possibilities, but it also introduces new considerations for anyone involved in a real estate transaction in the city.
What the new rule actually means
For the first time, a lot as small as 1,500 square feet can be considered a legal buildable lot for constructing a single-family home.
Under the previous requirement of 4,000 square feet, many small or irregular parcels were functionally unusable for new construction and were treated as side yards or green space. Now they may hold independent value as stand-alone buildable lots.
This change has immediate implications for:
- property owners with unusually small or narrow lots
• homeowners with side yards that were once considered non-buildable
• buyers evaluating lots that previously did not qualify for new construction
• families considering multi-generational living solutions
• investors focusing on small-footprint homes or urban infill
This is not a small update. It expands the definition of what a “viable lot” looks like inside the city.
Why St. Louis made the change
Many older cities across the country are adjusting their land-use rules to encourage more flexible housing options. With a large number of narrow, irregular, or undersized parcels inside St. Louis, the higher 4,000-square-foot minimum effectively prevented many properties from being developed at all.
Lowering the minimum lot size helps:
- unlock parcels that sat unused for years
• support gentle infill without major redevelopment
• increase the number of buildable sites
• allow smaller, more attainable homes
• better utilize the city’s existing infrastructure
For homeowners, this shift means properties once considered “too small to matter” may now hold new potential.
How this differs from ADUs
This change is unrelated to Accessory Dwelling Units, which involve adding a smaller unit to an existing lot.
The new rule is about what counts as a legal stand-alone lot for a primary residence.
In other words:
- ADUs add a small unit to a current property
• The new minimum lot size allows a full home to be built on a smaller parcel
Both increase flexibility, but they apply to different types of land use.
Who benefits
Homeowners with narrow or irregular lots
Your parcel may now qualify as a legal “buildable lot,” increasing its independent value.
Sellers preparing to list a property
A buyer may now view a small side yard or irregular parcel as future potential.
Buyers looking for affordability
Smaller footprint homes may become more common as builders consider compact designs.
Heirs and families managing inherited parcels
Lots that previously had no development path may now generate real market interest.
What buyers and sellers should look out for
1. Confirm legal lot status early
- A survey or title review may be needed to confirm whether a parcel is recognized as a separate, buildable lot.
2. Check utility access and cost
- Even if a lot is legally buildable, extending utilities may be complex or costly.
3. Understand neighborhood context
- Smaller homes will not suit every block equally. Buyer expectations vary widely.
4. Appraisal considerations
- Appraisers will need time to adjust to new comparable standards for small-lot homes.
5. Zoning overlays still matter
- The minimum lot size does not override historic districts, special use overlays, or other local controls.
Why this matters right now
Because this change was recently adopted, most St. Louis property owners are not aware of it yet. That means:
- some small lots may be undervalued
• some sellers may not realize portions of their land are now more valuable
• buyers may overlook newly viable properties
• inherited parcels that were once “non-buildable” may now have real utility
Knowledge is leverage. Understanding this change gives buyers and sellers a clearer picture of what is possible.
Lowering the minimum lot size to 1,500 square feet opens the door for smarter land use and more housing choices within the city. For homeowners, it may reveal value in places that once seemed overlooked. For buyers, it expands the types of properties worth considering. And for sellers, it creates opportunities to market land more effectively.
If you own a parcel in the City of St. Louis and want to understand how this rule change affects your property, I am always happy to review your lot dimensions and guide you through your options.
Karen Moeller
🌐 STLKaren.com
📧 Karen.McNeill@STLRE.com
📞 314.678.7866
About the Author:
Karen Moeller, REALTOR® and St. Louis Real Estate News writer, holds AHWD, SRES®, and ABR® designations. Her renovation & rental background helps clients navigate the St. Louis market with confidence.
