MO HB1851

Prohibits political subdivisions from requiring licenses, certifications, or professional registrations for "exempt homeowners" (resident, noncorporate owners of detached single-family homes) to obtain building permits when work is performed by the owner or current resident

Exempts certain activities from requiring any permit, including replacing electric appliances, sinks, faucets, dishwashers, drywall, and floor coverings when no major modifications to wiring or plumbing are involved

Requires 50% permit fee refund if inspection is not performed within 10 business days; inspection requirements are waived entirely if not performed within 20 business days

Caps fines for unpermitted work at double the original permit fee, and prohibits requiring demolition of unpermitted work unless the jurisdiction can provide photographic evidence the work violated codes at the time performed

Prohibits stop-work orders or penalties for code violations discovered during inspection if the violation is outside the scope of work being inspected; also bars government agents from entering private residences for inspections without owner permission or a warrant