Kansas City, Kansas / Unified Government of Wyandotte County

Any new construction, addition, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of occupancy requires a permit. Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work also require separate trade permits.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds with projected roof area not exceeding 200 square feet
• Exempt Platforms and decks not exceeding 30 inches above grade at any point and not covering a basement or story below
• Exempt Window and door replacements that do not alter the structural frame
• Exempt Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Exempt Replacement of roofing material and underlayment on no more than 32 square feet of decking at one time
• Exempt Minor ordinary repairs not affecting structural members or fire-rated assemblies

Note: Fences may or may not require a permit depending on height and location; verify with the department. The UG has a floodplain overlay — any work in the 100-year floodplain also requires a Floodplain Development Permit.

Building code

2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), 2017 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) — all with local amendments.

Permit validity

Under IBC/IRC standards typically adopted by the UG, permits expire if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended/abandoned for 180 days. Exact current policy should be confirmed at (913) 573-8620.

Owner-builder

Kansas has no statewide owner-builder exemption statute; local rules apply. Check with department for current policy.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must register with the Unified Government. Trade contractors (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing) are required to hold a UG trade license. Roofing contractors must comply with the Kansas Roofing Registration Act (state requirement). The UG Building Inspection Division administers Trade Licensing and Prometric testing.

1. 01
   Determine if your project requires a permit by reviewing the building code or contacting the Building Inspection Division at (913) 573-8620.
2. 02
   Gather required documents: completed application form, site plan/plot plan, construction drawings, valuation of work.
3. 03
   Submit application online via Accela Citizen Access portal or in person at 4601 State Avenue, Suite 88.
4. 04
   Application is reviewed by Building Inspection staff; commercial projects also go through the Development Review Committee (DRC).
5. 05
   Pay applicable permit fees upon approval.
6. 06
   Permit is issued; post permit card on job site.
7. 07
   Schedule required inspections with 24-hour advance notice by calling (913) 573-8620.
8. 08
   Pass all required inspections.
9. 09
   Receive Certificate of Occupancy (for new construction and major remodels) once final inspection is approved.

Source: Neighborhood Resource Center — Building Inspection Division, Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas ↗

Fees payable online through the Accela portal or in person; credit card accepted.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• (913) 573-8620 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

24-hour advance notice required; building permit number required when scheduling

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, framing/rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation, drywall/fire-rating (if applicable), final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy