Comprehensive Guide to Building, Construction, and Trade Permits in Kansas City

by Reco Real Estate Advisors

Image Source: Permit Flow

Navigating building permits in Kansas City, Missouri, can be complex—whether you’re pouring a new slab in the Crossroads Arts District or renovating a historic bungalow in Brookside. Without the proper permits in place, property owners risk fines, stop-work orders, and costly project delays. This guide breaks down the essentials, including requirements, exemptions, fees, and the application process, to help keep your project moving efficiently.

When Is a Building Permit Required in Kansas City?

A building permit is generally required for projects involving substantial construction, structural modifications, or safety considerations. Common examples include:

Large accessory structures over 200 sq. ft. (sheds, garages, carports; some may require variances)
Structural roofing work, including decking over 32 sq. ft., trusses, rafters, or major repairs
New buildings, additions, and expansions
Decks, porches, and platforms more than 30 inches above grade or located above a basement
Retaining walls over 4 feet tall or supporting surcharges or adjacent to the public right-of-way
Water tanks over 5,000 gallons or with a height-to-width ratio greater than 2:1
Permanent awnings and structural coverings beyond exempt specifications

If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, consult the Compass KC online portal or contact the Planning & Development Department.

**Projects That Do Not Require a Building Permit**

Certain small-scale or temporary projects are exempt from permit requirements, such as:

Accessory structures 200 sq. ft. or smaller
Retaining walls under 4 feet (unless holding flammable liquids or bordering public right-of-way)
Fences of any height (regulated under Chapter 27 but do not require building permits)
Decks or platforms under 30 inches above grade
Temporary stage sets, theater scenery, or window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep and fully above grade
Minor reroofing on 1–2 family homes (non-structural only)
Movable counters or partitions under 5 ft. 9 in.

For a complete list of exemptions, visit the City of Kansas City website.

Who Issues Building Permits?

All building permits are reviewed and issued by the Kansas City Planning & Development Department, which is responsible for:

Ensuring compliance with building codes
Verifying zoning and land-use requirements
Reviewing plans for safety and regulatory standards
Issuing official construction permits

Permit Review Timelines

Timelines vary by project type and complexity:

Large or complex projects: several weeks to several months
Small residential projects: often approved within days to a few weeks

Submitting accurate, complete documents significantly reduces delays. Tools like PermitFlow can also streamline the process.

Kansas City Permit Fee Schedule

Permit fees are based on total project valuation. Below is an overview:

One- and Two-Family Detached Dwellings

Project Value	Fee
$0–$1,000	$52
$1,001–$2,000	$58
$2,001–$100,000	$58 + $4.33 per additional $1,000
$100,001+	$483 + $1.41 per additional $1,000

All Other Structures

Project Value	Fee
$0–$500	$52
$501–$2,000	$93
$2,001–$200,000	$93 + $14 per additional $1,000
$200,001–$1,000,000	$2,774 + $9 per additional $1,000
$1,000,001+	$9,965 + $3.90 per additional $1,000

For precise calculations, use the City Planning & Development Fee Calculator.

Kansas City Trade Permits

Plumbing Permits

Required for new installations, repiping, sewer taps, water heaters, and backflow devices. Work must be performed by a licensed, city-registered plumber.

Electrical Permits

Required for service upgrades, generators, EV chargers, rewiring, and new circuits. Contractors must follow NEC and local codes.

HVAC Permits

Required for new heating/cooling systems, ductwork, furnace replacements, and ventilation installations.

Trade permit fees follow the same valuation-based structure.

Building Permit Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

Common documentation includes:

Site plans with property lines, setbacks, and adjacent structures
Landscape and grading plans, including soil and water absorption data
Utility plans for electrical, plumbing, gas, and water services
Photometric (lighting) plans
Proof of contractor licensing and insurance
Owner authorization forms
Environmental impact or stormwater plans, as applicable
Project valuation for fee calculations

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Submit online via:

Compass KC Portal (Missouri side)
Wyandotte County Permits Portal (Kansas side)

Upload all documents, select the appropriate permit type, and pay initial fees.

Step 3: Plan Review

City reviewers evaluate:

Building code compliance
Zoning and land-use standards
Fire and life safety requirements
Floodplain, ADA, or historic district considerations

You may be asked to revise and resubmit if items are incomplete or non-compliant.

Step 4: Pay Final Fees

Once approved, pay all final permit fees online or in person.

Step 5: Schedule Inspections

Inspections are required throughout construction to ensure safety and compliance. You may need additional permits as work progresses.

Contact: Kansas City Planning & Development Department

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Address: 414 E. 12th St., City Hall, 5th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: (816) 513-1500
Email: cdpermits@kcmo.org

Additional Resources

City Planning & Development Fee Calculator
Commercial Construction Permit Checklist
Building Permit Application
KCMO Building Inspections

Streamline Your Process with PermitFlow

PermitFlow simplifies the Kansas City permitting process by providing:

Step-by-step application guidance
Direct communication with city reviewers
Real-time status updates
Centralized document management

With PermitFlow, applicants can reduce delays, stay organized, and move projects forward more efficiently.

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