On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Kansas City
KCMO states permits are required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, changing occupancy, or installing or replacing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems
KCMO publishes a separate exempt-work page rather than summarizing all exemptions on the permit page
Use the city's exempt-work page before relying on an exemption because KCMO treats most regulated construction work as permit-triggering
- Exempt KCMO publishes a separate exempt-work page rather than summarizing all exemptions on the permit page
- Exempt Use the city's exempt-work page before relying on an exemption because KCMO treats most regulated construction work as permit-triggering
Required documents
- When a permit is required: KCMO states permits are required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, changing occupancy, or installing or replacing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems
- Required documents: CompassKC application, plans, and project-specific support documents; a sealed land survey is required for new structures, additions including vertical additions, and exterior-envelope changes, subject to listed small residential exceptions
- Permit validity/expiration: Not clearly captured from the public permit page reviewed
- Owner-builder rules if available: Homeowners are expressly allowed as walk-in exceptions and may apply directly for homeowner work
- Contractor license requirements: KCMO requires contractor licensing for regulated construction-related trade work. Businesses must obtain business license, certificate of qualification where applicable, and contractor license through CompassKC
- Building code adopted: Kansas City Building and Rehabilitation Code based on the 2018 model code update effective June 28, 2020; 2021 IECC effective July 1, 2023 with local amendments
- Building code
- Kansas City Building and Rehabilitation Code based on the 2018 model code update effective June 28, 2020; 2021 IECC effective July 1, 2023 with local amendments
- Permit validity
- Not clearly captured from the public permit page reviewed
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners are expressly allowed as walk-in exceptions and may apply directly for homeowner work
- Contractor requirements
- KCMO requires contractor licensing for regulated construction-related trade work. Businesses must obtain business license, certificate of qualification where applicable, and contractor license through CompassKC
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not uniformly published; zoning compliance letters are published at 15 business days, while permit timelines vary by scope and review complexity
- 01 Create or log into a CompassKC account
- 02 Start the permit application through CompassKC and upload plans and supporting documents
- 03 Complete departmental review and respond to correction comments
- 04 Pay invoiced fees in CompassKC
- 05 Permit is issued in CompassKC; inspections and record access continue through the same system
Typical processing time: Not uniformly published; zoning compliance letters are published at 15 business days, while permit timelines vary by scope and review complexity
Source: City Planning and Development Department, Permits Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Kansas City building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Check current schedule
02
Plan check fee
Included in the Building and Development Fee Schedule
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed schedule by permit and review type
04
Reinspection fee
Included in the Building and Development Fee Schedule and inspection program
Fees are invoiced and paid through CompassKC
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Through CompassKC and the Inspections Division ()
- Inspection hours
- Walk-in permit hours were posted as 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday on the permit page notice; inspection windows depend on assigned inspection type
Typical sequence: Varies by project; special inspections may also be required under the Building and Rehabilitation Code
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Kansas City permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Kansas City, MO? ▸
KCMO states permits are required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, changing occupancy, or installing or replacing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems
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 Check current schedule. Fees are calculated as: Mixed schedule by permit and review type. Plan check fee: Included in the Building and Development Fee Schedule.
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. Create or log into a CompassKC account 2. Start the permit application through CompassKC and upload plans and supporting documents 3. Complete departmental review and respond to correction comments 4. Pay invoiced fees in CompassKC 5. Permit is issued in CompassKC; inspections and record access continue through the same system
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 Not uniformly published; zoning compliance letters are published at 15 business days, while permit timelines vary by scope and review complexity. 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: KCMO publishes a separate exempt-work page rather than summarizing all exemptions on the permit page; Use the city's exempt-work page before relying on an exemption because KCMO treats most regulated construction work as permit-triggering. 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: Through CompassKC and the Inspections Division.
last verified April 2026
source City Planning and Development Department, Permits Division ↗
entry id permits/missouri/platte/kansas-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City Planning and Development Department, Permits Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.