City of Columbus (County Seat)

New construction, additions, remodeling, electrical, plumbing, mechanical work, fences, mobile/manufactured home placement, moving buildings

• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops (finish work)
• Exempt Temporary structures (construction sheds, tents) removed in timely manner
• Exempt Minor repairs not affecting structural elements
• Exempt Certain electrical/plumbing repairs (see ordinance for full list)
• Exempt --

Building code

2020 Code of Ordinances; International Residential Code (Appendix Q for tiny homes)

Permit validity

Business licenses valid Jan 1 - Dec 31; building permits typically 6 months

Owner-builder

Homeowners may perform work on own residence

Contractor requirements

Contractors must provide copy of liability insurance; roofing companies require state registration; business license required ($25/year)

1. 01
   | Field | Details |
2. 02
   |-------|---------|
3. 03
   | **Steps** | 1. Complete appropriate permit application<br>2. Submit to City Clerk's Office<br>3. Pay applicable fees<br>4. Schedule inspections as required |
4. 04
   | **Processing Time** | Not specified |
5. 05
   | **Source URL** | https://columbusks.gov/city-clerks-office/business-license-and-permits/ |
6. 06
   ## General Requirements
7. 07
   | Field | Details |
8. 08
   |-------|---------|
9. 09
   | **When Permit Required** | New construction, additions, remodeling, electrical, plumbing, mechanical work, fences, mobile/manufactured home placement, moving buildings |
10. 10
    | **Documents Needed** | Varies by permit type; generally: application, site plan, construction plans |
11. 11
    | **Validity/Expiration** | Business licenses valid Jan 1 - Dec 31; building permits typically 6 months |
12. 12
    | **Owner-Builder Rules** | Homeowners may perform work on own residence |
13. 13
    | **Contractor Requirements** | Contractors must provide copy of liability insurance; roofing companies require state registration; business license required ($25/year) |
14. 14
    | **Building Code Adopted** | 2020 Code of Ordinances; International Residential Code (Appendix Q for tiny homes) |
15. 15
    ## Fees
16. 16
    | Field | Details |
17. 17
    |-------|---------|
18. 18
    | **Fee Schedule URL** | https://columbusks.gov/city-clerks-office/business-license-and-permits/ |
19. 19
    | **Minimum Fee** | Varies by permit type |
20. 20
    | **Formula** | Based on project valuation for building permits; flat fees for other permits |
21. 21
    | **Plan Check Fee** | Included or separate based on project |
22. 22
    | **Reinspection/Penalty Fees** | Work started without permit subject to 100% penalty fee in addition to regular fees |
23. 23
    ## Exempt Work
24. 24
    - Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops (finish work)
25. 25
    - Temporary structures (construction sheds, tents) removed in timely manner
26. 26
    - Minor repairs not affecting structural elements
27. 27
    - Certain electrical/plumbing repairs (see ordinance for full list)
28. 28
    ## Inspection Process
29. 29
    | Field | Details |
30. 30
    |-------|---------|
31. 31
    | **Scheduling Methods** | Contact City Hall at (620) 429-2159 |
32. 32
    | **Windows/Hours** | Business hours Mon-Fri |
33. 33
    | **Sequence** | Foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, final |
34. 34
    | **Reinspection Notes** | Permit must be posted on site during construction |
35. 35
    ## Additional Resources
36. 36
    | Resource | URL |
37. 37
    |----------|-----|
38. 38
    | **City Website** | https://columbusks.gov |
39. 39
    | **Municipal Code** | https://library.municode.com/ks/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances |
40. 40
    | **Forms Page** | https://columbusks.gov/forms/ |
41. 41
    ---

Source: City Clerk's Office - Building Permits ↗

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

Inspection hours

Business hours Mon-Fri

Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, final