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

by Reco Real Estate Advisors

Navigating building permits in Kansas City, Missouri, can feel daunting—whether you’re pouring a new slab in the Crossroads Arts District or renovating a bungalow in Brookside. Without the proper permit, you risk fines, stop-work orders, and project delays. This guide simplifies the process and walks you through requirements, costs, and the application process to keep your project moving smoothly.

Photo by Abner Velázquez

What Requires a Building Permit in Kansas City?

You’ll generally need a permit for projects that involve significant construction or structural changes, including:

Large accessory structures (sheds, garages, carports over 200 sq ft; may also require a variance)
Structural roofing work (decking >32 sq ft, trusses, rafters, or major repairs)
New buildings, additions, or expansions
Porches, platforms, and decks over 30 inches above grade or above basements
Retaining walls over 4 ft high or supporting surcharge/adjacent to public right-of-way
Water tanks over 5,000 gallons or with height-to-width ratio >2:1
Permanent awnings and similar structures not meeting exemption specs

If unsure whether your project requires a permit, check the Compass KC permits portal or contact the Planning & Development Department.

What Doesn’t Require a Building Permit?

Some smaller or temporary projects are exempt, including:

Small accessory structures up to 200 sq ft
Retaining walls under 4 ft high (unless holding flammable liquids or next to public right-of-way)
Fences of any height (regulated by Chapter 27)
Decks and platforms under 30 in above grade
Temporary stage sets, theater scenery, or window awnings <54 in projection
Prefabricated pools under 24 in deep and fully above grade
Minor reroofing for 1–2 family homes (excluding structural work)
Movable counters or partitions under 5 ft 9 in

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

Who Issues Building Permits?

All building permits are issued by the Kansas City Planning & Development Department, which:

Reviews applications for code compliance
Ensures zoning and safety regulations are met
Approves and issues construction permits

How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?

Permit timelines vary based on project size and complexity:

Large projects: Several weeks to months
Small projects: Usually approved within days or a couple of weeks

Submitting a complete application and accurate documents can prevent delays. Tools like PermitFlow can help streamline the process.

Kansas City Building Permit Costs

Permit fees depend on your project’s total construction value. Here’s a quick overview:

One- and Two-Family Detached Dwellings:

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

Other Structures:

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

For an accurate estimate, use the City Planning & Development Fee Calculator.

Kansas City Trade Permits

Plumbing Permits

Required for new construction, repiping, backflow devices, sewer taps, and water heater installations. Must be filed by a licensed, city-registered plumber.

Electrical Permits

Needed for service changes, panel upgrades, generators, EV chargers, and wiring additions. Contractors must be registered and follow NEC and local code.

HVAC Permits

Necessary for heating/cooling system installation, ductwork, furnace or condenser replacements, and ventilation systems.

Fees for trade permits follow the valuation-based schedule above.

Photo by Robin Britt

Kansas City Building Permit Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

Typical documents include:

Site plans showing property lines, dimensions, and neighboring structures
Landscape plans with grading, soil info, and water absorbency calculations
Utility plans for water, gas, and electrical connections
Photometric plans for lighting
Contractor licensing and insurance
Owner consent forms
Environmental impact statements (stormwater, stream buffers, etc.)
Project valuation for permit fee calculation

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Apply online via:

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

Upload documents, select your permit type, and pay initial fees. Track your application via your login dashboard.

Step 3: Plan Review

City reviewers assess:

Code compliance
Zoning regulations
Fire safety
Floodplain, ADA, or historical overlays (if applicable)

Expect requests for revisions if submittals are incomplete or non-compliant.

Step 4: Pay Fees

Once approved, pay all assessed fees online or in person, depending on your department.

Step 5: Schedule Inspections

Schedule inspections throughout construction, which may include additional permits. Each stage ensures compliance and project safety.

Contact the Kansas City Planning & Development Department

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
In person: 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

Simplify Permitting with PermitFlow

PermitFlow streamlines every step of Kansas City’s permitting process. Features include:

Step-by-step guidance on applications
Real-time communication with city officials
Automatic status updates
Centralized document management

With PermitFlow, you can reduce delays, stay organized, and get your permit faster.

All rights to the original material belong to The Permitflow Post