City Building Permits

Leavenworth, KS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Leavenworth, Kansas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Kansas Leavenworth County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers construction within the City of Leavenworth corporate limits only. Fence and sign permits are handled separately by Community Development at 913-680-2626.

Department
Inspections and Permits Division, Public Works Department
Address
100 N. Fifth Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048 (City Hall)
Phone
913-684-0378
Website
https://www.leavenworthks.gov/publicworks/page/inspections-and-permits-division

Online Permit Portal

Open GIS and Permit Portal

Platform: City of Leavenworth GIS and Permit Portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Confirm whether your project requires a permit by contacting the Inspections Division at 913-684-0378 or permits@firstcity.org.
  2. Prepare the permit application with finished, unfinished, and garage square footage, plus project scope.
  3. For new homes, duplexes, and additions: include building construction plans, elevation plans (foundation and sidewalk/driveway), site plan drawn by a Kansas-licensed surveyor (new homes), and separate M.E.P. (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) trade permit applications.
  4. For dirt work, obtain a Land Disturbance Permit.
  5. Email the complete packet to permits@firstcity.org.
  6. Wait for initial review: up to 10 business days for standard residential projects; 3-5 weeks for commercial projects. Expedited review is not offered.
  7. Pay permit fees after approval notice. Payment options include mail, in-person, or online (2.5% processing fee applies to online payments).
  8. Do not begin construction until the approved permit is in hand.
  9. Schedule required inspections as work progresses; call 913-684-0378.

Typical processing time: Up to 10 business days (residential); 3-5 weeks (commercial)

Source: Inspections and Permits Division, Public Works Department

General Requirements

A permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert, or demolish any building or structure. Each structure requires its own separate permit. New construction, major improvements, additions, accessory buildings, pools, hot tubs, pergolas, decks, porches, roofs, siding, windows, and doors all require permits.

Required Documents

  • Permit application (with square footage breakdown)
  • Building construction plans
  • Elevation plans
  • Site plan (surveyor-drawn for new homes)
  • Separate M.E.P. trade permit applications
  • Land Disturbance Permit for grading/dirt work
  • Sewer connection plans
Permit validity
180 days. Work must commence within 180 days of issuance. If construction or work is suspended or abandoned for 180 consecutive days at any point, the permit becomes void.
Building code
2018 International Codes (IBC, IRC, and related), effective May 1, 2020. Projects submitted before May 1, 2020 remain under 2006 ICC standards. Swimming pools follow the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
Owner-builder
Homeowners performing work on their own residence have the same licensing obligations as licensed trade contractors for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Contractor requirements
City of Leavenworth does NOT require a business license or general contractor license. However, all persons performing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work must hold a City of Leavenworth M.E.P. trade license. Roofing companies must hold a Kansas state roofing registration.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Valuation-based for construction permits; estimated valuations for decks, roofs, additions, and new homes increased effective July 1, 2025
Payment note
Mail, in-person, or online. Online payments carry a 2.5% processing fee. M.E.P. trade contractor license: $200; master/journeyman license: $35; apprentice: $15.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026-01-01).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Single-story detached storage sheds under 120 square feet
  • Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height
  • Private driveways and sidewalks under 30 inches above grade
  • Interior finishing work (painting, tiling, carpeting)
  • Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
  • Above-ground pools under 24 inches deep

Important: Separate electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits may still be required for some of the above.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 913-684-0378 (phone)
  • permits@firstcity.org (email)
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections required at various stages and upon project completion. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections are conducted daily for both commercial and residential work. Specific staged inspection sequence not detailed on public website; contact the Inspections Division for a checklist.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Inspections and Permits Division, Public Works Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Leavenworth Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Leavenworth, KS?
A permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert, or demolish any building or structure. Each structure requires its own separate permit. New construction, major improvements, additions, accessory buildings, pools, hot tubs, pergolas, decks, porches, roofs, siding, windows, and doors all require permits.
How much does a building permit cost in Leavenworth, KS?
Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for construction permits; estimated valuations for decks, roofs, additions, and new homes increased effective July 1, 2025.
How do I apply for a building permit in Leavenworth, KS?
1. Confirm whether your project requires a permit by contacting the Inspections Division at 913-684-0378 or permits@firstcity.org. 2. Prepare the permit application with finished, unfinished, and garage square footage, plus project scope. 3. For new homes, duplexes, and additions: include building construction plans, elevation plans (foundation and sidewalk/driveway), site plan drawn by a Kansas-licensed surveyor (new homes), and separate M.E.P. (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) trade permit applications. 4. For dirt work, obtain a Land Disturbance Permit. 5. Email the complete packet to permits@firstcity.org. 6. Wait for initial review: up to 10 business days for standard residential projects; 3-5 weeks for commercial projects. Expedited review is not offered. 7. Pay permit fees after approval notice. Payment options include mail, in-person, or online (2.5% processing fee applies to online payments). 8. Do not begin construction until the approved permit is in hand. 9. Schedule required inspections as work progresses; call 913-684-0378.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Leavenworth, KS?
Typical processing time is Up to 10 business days (residential); 3-5 weeks (commercial).
What work is exempt from building permits in Leavenworth, KS?
The following work is generally exempt: Single-story detached storage sheds under 120 square feet; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height; Private driveways and sidewalks under 30 inches above grade; Interior finishing work (painting, tiling, carpeting); Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches; Above-ground pools under 24 inches deep. Note: Separate electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits may still be required for some of the above.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Leavenworth, KS?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 913-684-0378, permits@firstcity.org.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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