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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lawrence
Permits are required for new construction, additions, most alterations and remodeling, installation of prefabricated buildings, construction or reconstruction of walls, and installation or replacement of electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Commercial and industrial work also requires permits.
Carpet installation, painting, and wallpaper
Replacement of electrical outlet receptacles and fixture replacements (sinks, toilets, lighting fixtures)
Installation of vanities and cabinetry
Construction of small uncovered decks 30 inches or less above grade
One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses, similar uses) with floor area of 200 square feet or less
Roof shingle or siding replacement where no sheathing, decking, or structural framing is replaced
Concrete flatwork (patios, driveways, sidewalks) -- note: work on public sidewalks, curbs, or driveway aprons in the public right-of-way requires separate approval from Municipal Services and Operations
Retaining walls not over 6 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids
- Exempt Carpet installation, painting, and wallpaper
- Exempt Replacement of electrical outlet receptacles and fixture replacements (sinks, toilets, lighting fixtures)
- Exempt Installation of vanities and cabinetry
- Exempt Construction of small uncovered decks 30 inches or less above grade
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses, similar uses) with floor area of 200 square feet or less
- Exempt Roof shingle or siding replacement where no sheathing, decking, or structural framing is replaced
- Exempt Concrete flatwork (patios, driveways, sidewalks) -- note: work on public sidewalks, curbs, or driveway aprons in the public right-of-way requires separate approval from Municipal Services and Operations
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 6 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids
Note: The exempt work list above was compiled from the 2017/2019 Building Safety Division FAQ documents. Verify current exemptions with the Building Safety Division at 785-832-7700 option 2.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Construction drawings or plans appropriate to project scope
- Site plan where required
- Contractor license information
- Estimated project valuation (includes materials and labor)
- Owner-occupant form if owner-builder
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), and related 2018 ICC suite of codes, effective July 1, 2019. Local amendments apply.
- Permit validity
- A permit expires if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance. If work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days, the permit also expires. Applications not pursued within 180 days of filing are deemed abandoned. Extensions may be granted by the Building Official for periods not exceeding 180 days each.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowner-occupants may apply as owner-builders and must complete an owner-occupant form. Owner-builders assume full responsibility for permit compliance and inspection adherence.
- Contractor requirements
- Licensed contractors are required for significant work. The city maintains a contractor license search system to verify credentials. Contact the department for current licensing requirements by trade.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project type; contact department at 785-832-7700 option 2 for current turnaround times
- 01 Create an account in the EPL portal at https://lawrenceks.gov/epl/ using a valid email address
- 02 Log in and select the appropriate permit type (residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc.)
- 03 Complete the application form with project details, property address, contractor information, and estimated valuation
- 04 Upload required documents (site plan, construction drawings, etc.) in PDF format
- 05 Pay applicable permit and plan review fees online through the portal
- 06 Wait for plan review; processing time varies by project complexity
- 07 Receive permit issuance notification via email
- 08 Download and post permit on job site
- 09 Schedule inspections through the inspection hotline (785-832-3488) -- available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with 7 a.m. cutoff for same-day inspection
- 10 Complete all required inspections
- 11 Obtain final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy
Typical processing time: Varies by project type; contact department at 785-832-7700 option 2 for current turnaround times
Source: City of Lawrence Planning and Development Services -- Building Safety Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Lawrence building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
20% of the building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based. Permit valuations include total value of all work including materials and labor, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing. A plan review fee equal to 20% of the building permit fee is charged in addition to the permit fee.
Online payment available through EPL portal; contact department for in-person payment methods
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (785) 832-3488 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 7:00 a.m. cutoff for same-day inspection
- Inspection hours
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Time windows
- Inspections conducted during standard business hours; exact windows not publicly specified
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: foundation, framing, mechanical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, electrical rough-in, insulation, drywall (as applicable), final inspection
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Lawrence permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Lawrence, KS? ▸
Permits are required for new construction, additions, most alterations and remodeling, installation of prefabricated buildings, construction or reconstruction of walls, and installation or replacement of electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Commercial and industrial work also requires permits.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Lawrence, KS? ▸
Building permit fees in Lawrence, KS are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Permit valuations include total value of all work including materials and labor, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing. A plan review fee equal to 20% of the building permit fee is charged in addition to the permit fee.. Plan check fee: 20% of the building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Lawrence, KS? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Lawrence, KS, follow these steps: 1. Create an account in the EPL portal at https://lawrenceks.gov/epl/ using a valid email address 2. Log in and select the appropriate permit type (residential, commercial, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc.) 3. Complete the application form with project details, property address, contractor information, and estimated valuation 4. Upload required documents (site plan, construction drawings, etc.) in PDF format 5. Pay applicable permit and plan review fees online through the portal 6. Wait for plan review; processing time varies by project complexity 7. Receive permit issuance notification via email 8. Download and post permit on job site 9. Schedule inspections through the inspection hotline (785-832-3488) -- available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with 7 a.m. cutoff for same-day inspection 10. Complete all required inspections 11. Obtain final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Lawrence, KS? ▸
Building permit processing times in Lawrence, KS typically run Varies by project type; contact department at 785-832-7700 option 2 for current turnaround times. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Lawrence, KS? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Lawrence, KS. The following work is generally exempt: Carpet installation, painting, and wallpaper; Replacement of electrical outlet receptacles and fixture replacements (sinks, toilets, lighting fixtures); Installation of vanities and cabinetry; Construction of small uncovered decks 30 inches or less above grade; One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses, similar uses) with floor area of 200 square feet or less; Roof shingle or siding replacement where no sheathing, decking, or structural framing is replaced; Concrete flatwork (patios, driveways, sidewalks) -- note: work on public sidewalks, curbs, or driveway aprons in the public right-of-way requires separate approval from Municipal Services and Operations; Retaining walls not over 6 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids. Note: The exempt work list above was compiled from the 2017/2019 Building Safety Division FAQ documents. Verify current exemptions with the Building Safety Division at 785-832-7700 option 2. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Lawrence, KS? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Lawrence, KS via: (785) 832-3488. 7:00 a.m. cutoff for same-day inspection.
last verified April 2026
source City of Lawrence Planning and Development Services -- Building Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/kansas/douglas/lawrence
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Lawrence Planning and Development Services -- Building Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.