On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Kansas City
Permits are required for most building, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, demolition, and related work done in KCMO
City publishes a dedicated exempt-work page for building permit exemptions
Minor categories listed there should still be checked against trade-specific rules before work starts
- Exempt City publishes a dedicated exempt-work page for building permit exemptions
- Exempt Minor categories listed there should still be checked against trade-specific rules before work starts
Required documents
- When a permit is required: Permits are required for most building, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, demolition, and related work done in KCMO
- Required documents: Project-specific plans and forms under the applicable information bulletin, such as IB100 for one- and two-family residential work
- Permit validity/expiration: City states construction must begin within 180 days after issuance and at least one inspection must occur every 180 days or the permit expires
- Owner-builder rules if available: City information bulletins govern applicant eligibility; project-specific rules vary by permit type
- Contractor license requirements: Trade and specialty work requires the applicable licensed permit holder under city rules
- Building code adopted: KCMO public guidance references the KCMO Building and Rehabilitation Code and Chapter 18 local amendments; current adopted editions are administered through that code set
- Building code
- KCMO public guidance references the KCMO Building and Rehabilitation Code and Chapter 18 local amendments; current adopted editions are administered through that code set
- Permit validity
- City states construction must begin within 180 days after issuance and at least one inspection must occur every 180 days or the permit expires
- Owner-builder
- City information bulletins govern applicant eligibility; project-specific rules vary by permit type
- Contractor requirements
- Trade and specialty work requires the applicable licensed permit holder under city rules
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: City states complete applications move under posted guideline timelines; exact time varies by permit type and completeness
- 01 Review the applicable information bulletin and development guide for the project type
- 02 Create a CompassKC account and submit the application with all required plans and supporting documentation
- 03 Route through zoning, plan review, and any required interdepartmental reviews
- 04 Address review comments until plans are approved
- 05 Pay permit and plan review fees in CompassKC
- 06 Receive the issued permit and allow trade subcontractors to obtain sub-permits as needed
- 07 Schedule inspections through CompassKC, by phone, or by email through final approval
Typical processing time: City states complete applications move under posted guideline timelines; exact time varies by permit type and completeness
Source: City of Kansas City, Missouri City Planning and Development Department, Permits Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Kansas City building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Use city fee calculator / schedule for current minimums by permit type
02
Plan check fee
Included through city fee schedule and estimator tools
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based for many building permits with separate calculators for permit, plan check, and site disturbance fees
04
Reinspection fee
Additional fees and extension charges may apply under city code and fee schedule
Fees are paid through CompassKC before permit issuance
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- CompassKC, phone at 816-513-1500, or email request ()
- Inspection hours
- Next-day cut-off is 4:00 pm; certain two-hour priority inspections can be called in until 1:00 pm
Typical sequence: Follow applicable information bulletin; city notes required inspections vary by permit scope and department
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Kansas City permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Kansas City, MO? ▸
Permits are required for most building, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, demolition, and related work done in KCMO
02 How much does a building permit cost in Kansas City, MO? ▸
Building permit fees in Kansas City, MO are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Use city fee calculator / schedule for current minimums by permit type. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for many building permits with separate calculators for permit, plan check, and site disturbance fees. Plan check fee: Included through city fee schedule and estimator tools.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Kansas City, MO? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Kansas City, MO, follow these steps: 1. Review the applicable information bulletin and development guide for the project type 2. Create a CompassKC account and submit the application with all required plans and supporting documentation 3. Route through zoning, plan review, and any required interdepartmental reviews 4. Address review comments until plans are approved 5. Pay permit and plan review fees in CompassKC 6. Receive the issued permit and allow trade subcontractors to obtain sub-permits as needed 7. Schedule inspections through CompassKC, by phone, or by email through final approval
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Kansas City, MO? ▸
Building permit processing times in Kansas City, MO typically run City states complete applications move under posted guideline timelines; exact time varies by permit type and completeness. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Kansas City, MO? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Kansas City, MO. The following work is generally exempt: City publishes a dedicated exempt-work page for building permit exemptions; Minor categories listed there should still be checked against trade-specific rules before work starts. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Kansas City, MO? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Kansas City, MO via: CompassKC, phone at 816-513-1500, or email request.
last verified April 2026
source City of Kansas City, Missouri City Planning and Development Department, Permits Division ↗
entry id permits/missouri/jackson/kansas-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Kansas City, Missouri City Planning and Development Department, Permits Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.