On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Smith Center
Required to erect, construct, enlarge, or improve any building or structure in the city. Fences also require a permit.
Addition, repair, or replacement of exterior and interior finishing materials such as shingles, siding, paneling, doors, and windows.
Construction of sidewalks.
Construction of patios.
Redecorating.
Some roofing exceptions apply for owner-performed work and certain exempt contractors under state law.
- Exempt Addition, repair, or replacement of exterior and interior finishing materials such as shingles, siding, paneling, doors, and windows.
- Exempt Construction of sidewalks.
- Exempt Construction of patios.
- Exempt Redecorating.
- Exempt Some roofing exceptions apply for owner-performed work and certain exempt contractors under state law.
Required documents
- Written application
- Project details
- Contractor name and address
- Drawings or plans if requested
- Roofer registration info if roofing work
- Renovation certification for pre-1978 work that disturbs regulated painted surfaces
- Building code
- Smith Center Code of Ordinances, Chapter IV, Buildings and Construction, including Article 2 Building Code and references to the International Building Code.
- Permit validity
- Permit valid for not more than six months unless work has commenced within that period.
- Owner-builder
- Owners may do their own residential work for personal use and permanent occupancy, subject to inspector approval and permit requirements; work must be done without compensation and generally without helper labor except a city-licensed contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- City-licensed contractor required in many cases; roofing work must include roofer registration number and certain state registration or exemption proof; pre-1978 renovation work must comply with applicable certification rules.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Complete the written building permit application from the city website or City Clerk office.
- 02 Provide required project details, including owner, location, work description, dimensions, occupancy class, materials, estimated cost, start date, completion date, and contractor info.
- 03 If owner is doing the work, satisfy the Building Inspector that the owner will perform the work personally.
- 04 If needed, submit drawings, descriptions, or full architectural and engineering plans.
- 05 City reviews the application, verifies any required certifications, and issues the permit if approved.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Smith Center building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Published building permit fee is $10 in the ordinance and $25 on the permit landing page. Treat this as a published discrepancy and verify with City Hall before filing.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Notify the Chief Building Official or Building Inspector; inspection requests are made after completion and at key stages of construction. (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Building Inspector may enter any building, structure, or premises at any reasonable hour.
Typical sequence: Layout and setback inspection after site marking; foundation and footing inspection before pour; additional successive-stage inspections as directed; final inspection after completion; certificate of approval may be issued for occupancy and use.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Smith Center permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Smith Center, KS? ▸
Required to erect, construct, enlarge, or improve any building or structure in the city. Fences also require a permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Smith Center, KS? ▸
Building permit fees in Smith Center, KS are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Published building permit fee is $10 in the ordinance and $25 on the permit landing page. Treat this as a published discrepancy and verify with City Hall before filing..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Smith Center, KS? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Smith Center, KS, follow these steps: 1. Complete the written building permit application from the city website or City Clerk office. 2. Provide required project details, including owner, location, work description, dimensions, occupancy class, materials, estimated cost, start date, completion date, and contractor info. 3. If owner is doing the work, satisfy the Building Inspector that the owner will perform the work personally. 4. If needed, submit drawings, descriptions, or full architectural and engineering plans. 5. City reviews the application, verifies any required certifications, and issues the permit if approved.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Smith Center, KS? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Smith Center, KS. The following work is generally exempt: Addition, repair, or replacement of exterior and interior finishing materials such as shingles, siding, paneling, doors, and windows.; Construction of sidewalks.; Construction of patios.; Redecorating.; Some roofing exceptions apply for owner-performed work and certain exempt contractors under state law.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Smith Center, KS? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Smith Center, KS via: Notify the Chief Building Official or Building Inspector; inspection requests are made after completion and at key stages of construction..
last verified April 2026
source City Clerk / City Hall / Building Official. ↗
entry id permits/kansas/smith/smith-center
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City Clerk / City Hall / Building Official. before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.