Obtaining an Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Permit

Permits are needed before beginning most electrical, plumbing, or heating and ventilating work in Kansas City, MO. You may apply for a permit using our online system, CompassKC. The Permit Center is located on the 5th floor of City Hall at 414 E 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106; phone (816) 513-1500.

When Do I Need a Permit?

Certain minor repairs such as replacing a faucet or other plumbing fixture, replacing any component part of an appliance, or replacing a light switch or light fixture are exempt from requiring a permit (see full list of work exempt from permitting).

All other projects require a permit and formal inspection at various phases of construction before the work can be approved. These requirements apply not only to new structures, but also to any work that physically changes existing structures and any work regulated by adopted building, plumbing, and electrical codes, the zoning ordinance, and all other ordinances.

Process

1. Assess the type of work: The first step in obtaining an electrical, plumbing, or heating and ventilating permit depends on the nature of the work and who will do it.
   • Single-family dwellings and accessory structures: If you own a single-family dwelling, you are authorized to obtain permits for any work on the premises if you occupy the dwelling and perform the work yourself. Other persons requesting permits to do electrical, plumbing or heating and ventilating work must be licensed contractors.
   • Two-family dwellings, multifamily dwellings and all other commercial buildings: Electrical, plumbing, and heating and ventilating permits for work on these types of structures may be issued only to licensed contractors.
2.  Submit Plans or Descriptions for Review: It may be necessary to submit plans for review and approval, depending on the scope of the work. Permits for work on existing single-family and two-family dwellings and for minor installations in commercial buildings may be issued with only a description of the work. Additional permits for work on new single-family and two-family dwellings are usually issued with a description of the work after the building permit has been issued. Most other permits for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work on multifamily dwellings and commercial buildings will be issued only after the building plans have been approved and the building permit has been issued. Building permits will be issued once the plans meet the requirements of all applicable City departments involved in the review process.
3. Permit Fees: Once plans are approved, the applicant may obtain the building permit by paying a permit fee (or the remainder of the permit fee for projects with valuations of $100,000 or more) based on the total cost of construction (permit fee estimator).
4.  Request an Inspection: City inspectors will inspect the project throughout the construction phase as required by code. You may schedule an inspection one of the following ways:
   • Schedule an inspection using CompassKC. You will receive a confirmation email when your inspection has been scheduled.
   • Request an inspection online through email. You will receive a confirmation email when your inspection has been scheduled.
   • Call (816) 513-1500 and choose Option 1, Sub-Option 1
5. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy: When the completed project complies with the approved plans and all applicable building codes, a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) will be issued, or a written approval of the work will be provided. New or remodeled structures cannot be occupied until a certificate/approval has been issued by the city.