JURISDICTION 2: CITY OF EMPORIA (County Seat), KS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Department

Application Process

Typical processing time: ** Varies by project complexity; contact Code Services

Source:

General Requirements

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• **Department Name:** City of Emporia Building and Neighborhood Development Department
• **Website:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/182/Building-Neighborhood-Development
• **Building Department:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/183/Building-Department
• **Address:** PO Box 928, 521 Market St, Emporia, KS 66801
• **Phone:** 620-343-4250 (Main) / 620-343-4270 (Code Services) / 620-343-4274 (Alternate)
• **Email:** Contact through website
• **Jurisdiction Scope:** All properties within Emporia city limits
• **Portal URL:** Contact Building Department for online options
• **Platform:** In-person and mail submissions
• **Account Required:** No for basic permits
• **Submission Method:** In-person at City Hall, mail, or as directed by staff
• **Steps:**
• **Processing Time:** Varies by project complexity; contact Code Services
• **Source URL:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/183/Building-Department
• **When Permit Required:**
• Reroofing house, porch, or garage
• Pouring concrete patio slab with structure over it
• Adding electrical outlets, light fixtures, or running new wiring
• Any room addition regardless of size
• Moving or adding plumbing lines
• Installing/replacing water heater
• Installing/replacing siding
• Hanging drywall (sheetrock)
• Basement remodel
• Replacing windows or exterior doors
• Installing/replacing furnace or air conditioner
• All commercial structure work
• Building/moving pre-built storage shed over 200 sq ft
• Decks/porches exceeding 200 sq ft, over 30 inches above grade, attached to dwelling, or serving egress door
• **Documents Needed:**
• Completed permit application
• Plot plan to scale showing property dimensions, existing structures, distances to property lines, utilities, easements
• Proposed project location and dimensions
• Contractor names and contact information
• Project valuation
• **Validity/Expiration:** Contact Code Services for permit timelines
• **Owner-Builder Rules:** Homeowners may submit applications for work they perform themselves
• **Contractor Requirements:**
• All contractors must be licensed with the City of Emporia
• $5,000 contractor bond required for all contractor license categories
• Examinations required for: General Contractor, Building Contractor, Residential Contractor
• Prometric prepared exams for all trades
• **Building Code Adopted:**
• 2015 International Residential Code (with local modifications)
• 2015 International Building Code (with local modifications)
• 2020 National Electrical Code (with local modifications)
• 2021 Uniform Mechanical Code (with local modifications)
• 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (with local modifications)
• International Energy Conservation Code (Not Adopted)
• **Fee Schedule URL:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/232/Fee-Schedule-for-Certifications-Licensing-Permits-and-Inspections-PDF
• **Minimum Fee:** Contact Code Services for current rates
• **Formula:** Based on project valuation and permit type
• **Plan Check Fee:** May apply - contact office
• **Reinspection/Penalty Fees:** Contact office for details
• Replacing plumbing fixtures in same location without relocating drains/water lines
• Pouring concrete patio slab with no structure over it
• Hanging wallpaper
• Painting inside or outside
• Laying carpet, linoleum, or tile
• Installing/replacing kitchen cabinets
• Installing/replacing gutters
• Installing/replacing storm windows or doors
• Storage shed 200 sq ft or less (no footings required)
• Decks/porches NOT exceeding 200 sq ft, NOT more than 30 inches above grade, NOT attached, NOT serving egress door
• **Scheduling Methods:** Call Code Services at 620-343-4270
• **Windows/Hours:** Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• **Sequence:** Foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, final
• **Reinspection Notes:** Contact Code Services for reinspection fees and procedures
• **Contractor Requirements:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/231/Certification-and-Licensing-Requirements-PDF
• **Deck Construction Pamphlet:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/235/Deck-Construction-Pamphlet-PDF
• **Planning and Zoning:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/184/Planning-Zoning
• **Engineering Permits:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/186/Engineering-Permits

Inspections

How to Schedule

Additional Resources

• License lookup guide: Kansas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kansas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kansas hub: Kansas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

JURISDICTION 2: CITY OF EMPORIA (County Seat) Building Permit FAQ

How long does it take to get a building permit in JURISDICTION 2: CITY OF EMPORIA (County Seat), KS?

Typical processing time is ** Varies by project complexity; contact Code Services.

What work is exempt from building permits in JURISDICTION 2: CITY OF EMPORIA (County Seat), KS?

The following work is generally exempt: **Department Name:** City of Emporia Building and Neighborhood Development Department; **Website:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/182/Building-Neighborhood-Development; **Building Department:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/183/Building-Department; **Address:** PO Box 928, 521 Market St, Emporia, KS 66801; **Phone:** 620-343-4250 (Main) / 620-343-4270 (Code Services) / 620-343-4274 (Alternate); **Email:** Contact through website; **Jurisdiction Scope:** All properties within Emporia city limits; **Portal URL:** Contact Building Department for online options; **Platform:** In-person and mail submissions; **Account Required:** No for basic permits; **Submission Method:** In-person at City Hall, mail, or as directed by staff; **Steps:**; **Processing Time:** Varies by project complexity; contact Code Services; **Source URL:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/183/Building-Department; **When Permit Required:**; Reroofing house, porch, or garage; Pouring concrete patio slab with structure over it; Adding electrical outlets, light fixtures, or running new wiring; Any room addition regardless of size; Moving or adding plumbing lines; Installing/replacing water heater; Installing/replacing siding; Hanging drywall (sheetrock); Basement remodel; Replacing windows or exterior doors; Installing/replacing furnace or air conditioner; All commercial structure work; Building/moving pre-built storage shed over 200 sq ft; Decks/porches exceeding 200 sq ft, over 30 inches above grade, attached to dwelling, or serving egress door; **Documents Needed:**; Completed permit application; Plot plan to scale showing property dimensions, existing structures, distances to property lines, utilities, easements; Proposed project location and dimensions; Contractor names and contact information; Project valuation; **Validity/Expiration:** Contact Code Services for permit timelines; **Owner-Builder Rules:** Homeowners may submit applications for work they perform themselves; **Contractor Requirements:**; All contractors must be licensed with the City of Emporia; $5,000 contractor bond required for all contractor license categories; Examinations required for: General Contractor, Building Contractor, Residential Contractor; Prometric prepared exams for all trades; **Building Code Adopted:**; 2015 International Residential Code (with local modifications); 2015 International Building Code (with local modifications); 2020 National Electrical Code (with local modifications); 2021 Uniform Mechanical Code (with local modifications); 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (with local modifications); International Energy Conservation Code (Not Adopted); **Fee Schedule URL:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/232/Fee-Schedule-for-Certifications-Licensing-Permits-and-Inspections-PDF; **Minimum Fee:** Contact Code Services for current rates; **Formula:** Based on project valuation and permit type; **Plan Check Fee:** May apply - contact office; **Reinspection/Penalty Fees:** Contact office for details; Replacing plumbing fixtures in same location without relocating drains/water lines; Pouring concrete patio slab with no structure over it; Hanging wallpaper; Painting inside or outside; Laying carpet, linoleum, or tile; Installing/replacing kitchen cabinets; Installing/replacing gutters; Installing/replacing storm windows or doors; Storage shed 200 sq ft or less (no footings required); Decks/porches NOT exceeding 200 sq ft, NOT more than 30 inches above grade, NOT attached, NOT serving egress door; **Scheduling Methods:** Call Code Services at 620-343-4270; **Windows/Hours:** Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; **Sequence:** Foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, final; **Reinspection Notes:** Contact Code Services for reinspection fees and procedures; **Contractor Requirements:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/231/Certification-and-Licensing-Requirements-PDF; **Deck Construction Pamphlet:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/235/Deck-Construction-Pamphlet-PDF; **Planning and Zoning:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/184/Planning-Zoning; **Engineering Permits:** https://www.emporiaks.gov/186/Engineering-Permits.

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