Douglas County, KS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers only the unincorporated portions of Douglas County. Does not apply to the cities of Lawrence, Eudora, Baldwin City, or Lecompton, each of which administers its own permits. Unincorporated populated places such as Big Springs, Stull, Vinland, Lone Star, and Clinton fall under county jurisdiction.

Department

Douglas County Zoning and Codes Department

Address

3755 E 25th Street, Lawrence, KS 66046

Phone

785-331-1343

Email

building@dgcoks.gov

Website

https://www.dgcoks.gov/zoning-and-codes/building-code

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain application package from the Douglas County Zoning and Codes Department or download from https://www.dgcoks.gov/zoning-and-codes/building-code
2. Secure Douglas County Health Department approval of the septic system (new construction requiring on-site wastewater)
3. Obtain road access authorization from the applicable township trustee, Douglas County Public Works, or KDOT depending on road type
4. Prepare two sets of construction drawings and a site plan prepared by a Kansas-licensed land surveyor
5. Include a recorded copy of the property deed
6. Submit completed application with all documents by email to building@dgcoks.gov or in person at 3755 E 25th Street
7. Pay permit fee upon approval (fee based on project valuation)
8. Receive issued permit; post permit on job site
9. Schedule required inspections by calling 785-331-1343 with 24 hours advance notice
10. Obtain all required inspections through final inspection and Health Department approvals
11. Receive certificate of occupancy or final sign-off

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact department for current turnaround

Source: Douglas County Zoning and Codes Department

General Requirements

All buildings and accessory buildings require a building permit. This includes new construction, enlargements, additions, alterations, relocations, and demolitions of structures in the unincorporated county. Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work also require permits.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Two sets of construction drawings
• Site plan prepared by a Kansas-licensed land surveyor
• Recorded property deed
• Douglas County Health Department septic approval (where applicable)
• Road access approval from township/Public Works/KDOT
• Contractor information

Permit validity

Not publicly stated on the website; contact department for current policy

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC)

Owner-builder

Not publicly detailed; contact department

Contractor requirements

Not publicly detailed for county-level contractor licensing; contact department for current requirements

Fees

Plan check fee

Not publicly stated; contact department

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based. Example: permit for a $100,000 residence costs $993.75

Payment note

Contact department for accepted payment methods; office hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Structures erected and used strictly for agricultural purposes that meet the Agricultural Exemption certification requirements (Ag Exemption must be applied for and certified)
• Installation, alteration, or repair of generation, transmission, distribution, or metering equipment under the ownership and control of public service agencies by established right

Important: Agricultural structures are the primary exemption class. All other buildings and accessory structures, including sheds and storage buildings, require a permit in the unincorporated county. This is stricter than most Kansas cities.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 785-331-1343 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

24 hours advance notice required

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing inspection, foundation inspection, temporary power poles, under-slab plumbing, rough-in plumbing, rough-in electrical, mechanical rough-in, framing inspection, masonry fireplace and chimney, insulation inspection, drywall inspection, permanent electrical service, final plumbing, final electrical, final septic system approval, final well water supply or water meter inspection, final entrance permit approval, final inspection

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Fee Schedule PDF
• Building Permit Application Package
• County Code Chapter 13 (Building)
• License lookup guide: Kansas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kansas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kansas hub: Kansas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Douglas County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Douglas County, KS?

All buildings and accessory buildings require a building permit. This includes new construction, enlargements, additions, alterations, relocations, and demolitions of structures in the unincorporated county. Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work also require permits.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Douglas County, KS?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Example: permit for a $100,000 residence costs $993.75. Plan check fee: Not publicly stated; contact department.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Douglas County, KS?

1. Obtain application package from the Douglas County Zoning and Codes Department or download from https://www.dgcoks.gov/zoning-and-codes/building-code 2. Secure Douglas County Health Department approval of the septic system (new construction requiring on-site wastewater) 3. Obtain road access authorization from the applicable township trustee, Douglas County Public Works, or KDOT depending on road type 4. Prepare two sets of construction drawings and a site plan prepared by a Kansas-licensed land surveyor 5. Include a recorded copy of the property deed 6. Submit completed application with all documents by email to building@dgcoks.gov or in person at 3755 E 25th Street 7. Pay permit fee upon approval (fee based on project valuation) 8. Receive issued permit; post permit on job site 9. Schedule required inspections by calling 785-331-1343 with 24 hours advance notice 10. Obtain all required inspections through final inspection and Health Department approvals 11. Receive certificate of occupancy or final sign-off

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Douglas County, KS?

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; contact department for current turnaround.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Douglas County, KS?

The following work is generally exempt: Structures erected and used strictly for agricultural purposes that meet the Agricultural Exemption certification requirements (Ag Exemption must be applied for and certified); Installation, alteration, or repair of generation, transmission, distribution, or metering equipment under the ownership and control of public service agencies by established right. Note: Agricultural structures are the primary exemption class. All other buildings and accessory structures, including sheds and storage buildings, require a permit in the unincorporated county. This is stricter than most Kansas cities.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Douglas County, KS?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 785-331-1343. 24 hours advance notice required.