City of Leavenworth

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Source: Inspections and Permits Division, Public Works Department ↗

1. 01
   Confirm whether your project requires a permit by contacting the Inspections Division at 913-684-0378 or permits@firstcity.org.
2. 02
   Prepare the permit application with finished, unfinished, and garage square footage, plus project scope.
3. 03
   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. 04
   For dirt work, obtain a Land Disturbance Permit.
5. 05
   Email the complete packet to permits@firstcity.org.
6. 06
   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. 07
   Pay permit fees after approval notice. Payment options include mail, in-person, or online (2.5% processing fee applies to online payments).
8. 08
   Do not begin construction until the approved permit is in hand.
9. 09
   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 ↗

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026-01-01) before budgeting.

• 913-684-0378 (phone)
• permits@firstcity.org (email)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Typical 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.