Washington, KS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City limits of Washington, Kansas

Department

City Administrator, acting as building inspector and electrical inspector

Address

301 C Street, Washington, KS 66968

Phone

785-325-2284

Email

washubclerk@washingtonks.net

Website

https://washingtonks.net/

Application Process

1. Submit a written application before work begins on the foundation
2. Provide site, material, dimensions, and estimated cost
3. Submit plans and specifications for inspection and approval
4. Building inspector reviews for code and zoning compliance
5. If approved, permit is issued
6. If denied or in doubt, the matter goes to city council

Typical processing time: Not published as a fixed number of days

Source: City Administrator, acting as building inspector and electrical inspector

General Requirements

Any building construction, repair, alteration, moving, removal, or relocation within city limits

Required Documents

• Written application
• Site
• Materials
• Dimensions
• Estimated cost
• Plans and specifications

Permit validity

180 days from date of issue

Building code

National Building Code, 1976 Edition Abbreviated, incorporated by reference; National Electrical Code, 1975 Edition, incorporated by reference

Contractor requirements

Electrical work requires a permit and bond; plumbing work requires a permit and bond unless the person is doing their own work on their own job

Fees

Trade permit fee

Electrical permit fee: $10; plumbing permit fee: $2

Penalty (no permit)

General ordinance penalty is a misdemeanor fine of $5 to $100 or jail

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Plumbing minor repair work or temporary emergency repairs, including leaks in pipes, traps, or cocks
• Plumbing stoppages in waste or supply pipes, traps or drains
• Replacing broken fixtures when waste pipes are not disturbed
• Replacing frozen pipes inside buildings

Important: No broader building exemption list was located in the published chapter

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours

Electrical inspector may enter buildings between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily, except in emergencies; building inspector may enter at any reasonable hour

Typical inspection sequence: Electrical work is reported immediately upon completion and before concealment, then inspected within 24 hours

Additional Resources

• Building code: National Building Code, 1976 Edition Abbreviated, incorporated by reference; National Electrical Code, 1975 Edition, incorporated by reference
• City code chapter
• City home
• City hall contact
• License lookup guide: Kansas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Kansas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Kansas hub: Kansas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Washington, KS?

Any building construction, repair, alteration, moving, removal, or relocation within city limits

How do I apply for a building permit in Washington, KS?

1. Submit a written application before work begins on the foundation 2. Provide site, material, dimensions, and estimated cost 3. Submit plans and specifications for inspection and approval 4. Building inspector reviews for code and zoning compliance 5. If approved, permit is issued 6. If denied or in doubt, the matter goes to city council

How long does it take to get a building permit in Washington, KS?

Typical processing time is Not published as a fixed number of days.

What work is exempt from building permits in Washington, KS?

The following work is generally exempt: Plumbing minor repair work or temporary emergency repairs, including leaks in pipes, traps, or cocks; Plumbing stoppages in waste or supply pipes, traps or drains; Replacing broken fixtures when waste pipes are not disturbed; Replacing frozen pipes inside buildings. Note: No broader building exemption list was located in the published chapter

Other cities in Washington County