St. George, KS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City limits of St. George

Department

City of St. George Planning and Zoning / Building Inspector

Address

220 First St., PO Box 33, St George, KS 66535

Phone

785-494-2558

Email

cityclerk@stgeorgeks.gov

Website

https://www.stgeorgeks.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated

Source: City of St. George Planning and Zoning / Building Inspector

General Requirements

The city ordinance defines building permits for construction or alteration of a specific building, structure, sign, or fence

Required Documents

• Not fully itemized in the reviewed source

Permit validity

Not publicly stated in the reviewed source

Building code

The reviewed ordinance references the 2009 International Existing Building Code and local permit rules; the city planning and zoning page hosts building codes and zoning codes

Owner-builder

Not publicly stated in the reviewed source

Contractor requirements

City fee list includes contractor license fees for electrical/plumbing to do business

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Public fee list shows several flat permit fees, including fence and shed/carport/garage fees at $25 and a new home permit fee listed as $2.50 x $1,000 on the reviewed fee page snippet

Plan check fee

Not clearly published in the reviewed snippet

Permit fee formula

Mixed flat-fee schedule

Reinspection fee

Other inspections are listed at $25 per inspection on the reviewed fee page snippet

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• When permit required: The city ordinance defines building permits for construction or alteration of a specific building, structure, sign, or fence
• One-story detached accessory structures up to 100 sq. ft.
• Detached pergolas and other detached structures up to 100 sq. ft. that are entirely open and have no solid roofs
• Retaining walls under 3 feet, unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
• Water tanks under 5,000 gallons with qualifying geometry
• Sidewalks, driveways, and non-enclosed or covered decks not more than 30 inches above grade
• Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons
• Changes of occupancy to equal or lesser hazard category where no other permit work is being done
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work
• Temporary motion picture, television, and theater sets and scenery
• Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems
• Swings and other playground equipment
• Zoning ordinance PDF: https://www.stgeorgeks.gov/media/Document/Saint_George_Zoning_Ordinance_04-13-2023.pdf

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Not fully published in the reviewed source (phone)

Inspection hours

Not fully published in the reviewed source

Typical inspection sequence: The city fee list specifically lists plumbing, electrical and mechanical inspections, mobile home inspections, other inspections, and new home inspections

Additional Resources

• Building code: The reviewed ordinance references the 2009 International Existing Building Code and local permit rules; the city planning and zoning page hosts building codes and zoning codes
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Zoning URL
• License lookup guide: Kansas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kansas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kansas hub: Kansas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

St. George Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in St. George, KS?

The city ordinance defines building permits for construction or alteration of a specific building, structure, sign, or fence

How much does a building permit cost in St. George, KS?

The minimum permit fee is Public fee list shows several flat permit fees, including fence and shed/carport/garage fees at $25 and a new home permit fee listed as $2.50 x $1,000 on the reviewed fee page snippet. Fees are calculated as: Mixed flat-fee schedule. Plan check fee: Not clearly published in the reviewed snippet.

How long does it take to get a building permit in St. George, KS?

Typical processing time is Not publicly stated.

What work is exempt from building permits in St. George, KS?

The following work is generally exempt: When permit required: The city ordinance defines building permits for construction or alteration of a specific building, structure, sign, or fence; One-story detached accessory structures up to 100 sq. ft.; Detached pergolas and other detached structures up to 100 sq. ft. that are entirely open and have no solid roofs; Retaining walls under 3 feet, unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids; Water tanks under 5,000 gallons with qualifying geometry; Sidewalks, driveways, and non-enclosed or covered decks not more than 30 inches above grade; Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons; Changes of occupancy to equal or lesser hazard category where no other permit work is being done; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater sets and scenery; Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems; Swings and other playground equipment; Zoning ordinance PDF: https://www.stgeorgeks.gov/media/Document/Saint_George_Zoning_Ordinance_04-13-2023.pdf.

How do I schedule a building inspection in St. George, KS?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Not fully published in the reviewed source.

Other cities in Pottawatomie County