On this page 5
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for St. George
The city ordinance defines building permits for construction or alteration of a specific building, structure, sign, or fence
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
- Exempt When permit required: The city ordinance defines building permits for construction or alteration of a specific building, structure, sign, or fence
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures up to 100 sq. ft.
- Exempt Detached pergolas and other detached structures up to 100 sq. ft. that are entirely open and have no solid roofs
- Exempt Retaining walls under 3 feet, unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
- Exempt Water tanks under 5,000 gallons with qualifying geometry
- Exempt Sidewalks, driveways, and non-enclosed or covered decks not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Changes of occupancy to equal or lesser hazard category where no other permit work is being done
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater sets and scenery
- Exempt Shade cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excluding service systems
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment
- Exempt Zoning ordinance PDF: https://www.stgeorgeks.gov/media/Document/Saint_George_Zoning_Ordinance_04-13-2023.pdf
Required documents
- Not fully itemized 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
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated in the reviewed source
- Owner-builder
- Not publicly stated in the reviewed source
- Contractor requirements
- City fee list includes contractor license fees for electrical/plumbing to do business
§ 03
Fee schedule
St. George building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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
02
Plan check fee
Not clearly published in the reviewed snippet
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed flat-fee schedule
04
Reinspection fee
Other inspections are listed at $25 per inspection on the reviewed fee page snippet
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Not fully published in the reviewed source (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Not fully published in the reviewed source
Typical sequence: The city fee list specifically lists plumbing, electrical and mechanical inspections, mobile home inspections, other inspections, and new home inspections
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about St. George permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in St. George, KS? ▸
Building permit fees in St. George, KS are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in St. George, KS? ▸
Building permit processing times in St. George, KS typically run Not publicly stated. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in St. George, KS? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in St. George, KS? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in St. George, KS via: Not fully published in the reviewed source.
last verified April 2026
source City of St. George Planning and Zoning / Building Inspector ↗
entry id permits/kansas/pottawatomie/st-george
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of St. George Planning and Zoning / Building Inspector before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.