On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Baldwin City
A permit is required before erecting any building or structure, making any enlargement or addition that changes outside dimensions, relocating an existing building, or remodeling within the city. All fences require permits.
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses with a projected roof area of 100 square feet or less do not require a building permit
- Exempt One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses with a projected roof area of 100 square feet or less do not require a building permit
Note: All fences DO require a permit in Baldwin City, unlike many other jurisdictions
Required documents
- Completed application including owner name, location, proposed work description, dimensions, occupancy/construction class, materials, estimated cost, contractor information, and commencement/completion dates
- Building code
- International Building Code, 2003 Edition; International Residential Code, 2003 Edition. Note: This is the edition cited in the city's online municipal code. Contact Community Development at 785-594-6907 to confirm whether a more recent edition has been locally adopted.
- Permit validity
- Permit is valid for 180 days from issuance if work commences within that period. All work must be completed within 365 days of permit issuance. If work is suspended for 180 days, a renewal permit is required at 50% of the original fee. If work is suspended for over one year, a new full permit is required.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may perform improvements on their own residences without employing a contractor, provided they: secure a permit, pay all required fees, demonstrate capability to the building inspector, and complete all work personally without paid assistance.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must obtain a city contractor license, file a $10,000 surety bond approved by the city attorney and city council, and comply with all city building laws. Trades permit applications are available for licensed trades contractors.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact department at 785-594-6907
- 01 Download the appropriate permit application from https://www.baldwincity.gov/document-sub-categories/permits (residential, commercial, fence, demolition, swimming pool/spa, sign, trades, or right-of-way)
- 02 Complete the application with: owner name and address, property location, description of proposed work, dimensions and occupancy/construction class, materials to be used, estimated cost, contractor information, and estimated commencement and completion dates
- 03 Submit application to Community Development at 1015 Orange Street or City Hall at 803 8th Street
- 04 Application reviewed by zoning administrator for zoning compliance
- 05 Upon zoning approval, permit issued by city clerk
- 06 Pay permit fee (fee based on project valuation plus $350 park improvement fee for new construction)
- 07 Post permit on job site
- 08 Ensure contractor holds required surety bond and city license
- 09 Schedule and pass required inspections
- 10 Obtain final inspection approval
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department at 785-594-6907
Source: City of Baldwin City Community Development Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Baldwin City building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$23.97 for projects up to $500 in valuation
02
Plan check fee
Not specified in publicly available code text; contact department
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based. Single-family and two-family residential: Up to $500 valuation: $23.97; $501 to $2,000: $23.97 plus $3.11 per additional $100 or fraction thereof; $2,001 to $25,000: varies by tier; Over $1,000,000: $3.72 per additional $1,000. Multi-family and non-residential have similar tiers. Additional $350 park improvement fee applies to all new construction permits.
Contact Community Development at 785-594-6907 or rharding@baldwincity.gov; pay at Community Development office or City Hall
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 785-594-6907 or rharding@baldwincity.gov (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Building inspectors examine work in progress for code compliance. Inspectors maintain comprehensive records open to public inspection. Work found to be non-compliant can be discontinued pending correction and reinspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Baldwin City permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Baldwin City, KS? ▸
A permit is required before erecting any building or structure, making any enlargement or addition that changes outside dimensions, relocating an existing building, or remodeling within the city. All fences require permits.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Baldwin City, KS? ▸
Building permit fees in Baldwin City, KS are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $23.97 for projects up to $500 in valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Single-family and two-family residential: Up to $500 valuation: $23.97; $501 to $2,000: $23.97 plus $3.11 per additional $100 or fraction thereof; $2,001 to $25,000: varies by tier; Over $1,000,000: $3.72 per additional $1,000. Multi-family and non-residential have similar tiers. Additional $350 park improvement fee applies to all new construction permits.. Plan check fee: Not specified in publicly available code text; contact department.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Baldwin City, KS? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Baldwin City, KS, follow these steps: 1. Download the appropriate permit application from https://www.baldwincity.gov/document-sub-categories/permits (residential, commercial, fence, demolition, swimming pool/spa, sign, trades, or right-of-way) 2. Complete the application with: owner name and address, property location, description of proposed work, dimensions and occupancy/construction class, materials to be used, estimated cost, contractor information, and estimated commencement and completion dates 3. Submit application to Community Development at 1015 Orange Street or City Hall at 803 8th Street 4. Application reviewed by zoning administrator for zoning compliance 5. Upon zoning approval, permit issued by city clerk 6. Pay permit fee (fee based on project valuation plus $350 park improvement fee for new construction) 7. Post permit on job site 8. Ensure contractor holds required surety bond and city license 9. Schedule and pass required inspections 10. Obtain final inspection approval
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Baldwin City, KS? ▸
Building permit processing times in Baldwin City, KS typically run Not publicly stated; contact department at 785-594-6907. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Baldwin City, KS? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Baldwin City, KS. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses with a projected roof area of 100 square feet or less do not require a building permit. Note: All fences DO require a permit in Baldwin City, unlike many other jurisdictions When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Baldwin City, KS? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Baldwin City, KS via: 785-594-6907 or rharding@baldwincity.gov.
last verified April 2026
source City of Baldwin City Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/kansas/douglas/baldwin-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Baldwin City Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.