Inspections Deadlines and Timeframes

Please Note: The cut-off time for next day building permit inspection requests is 4:00 PM or whenever the maximum number of inspections has been hit. The cut-off time for eligible same-day priority 2-hour inspections remains 1:00 PM.

The Division is committed to responding to most inspection requests within one (1) business day. For example, requests received prior to 4:00 PM on a Friday will be scheduled for the following Monday. Requests received after 4:00 PM on a Monday will be scheduled for Wednesday. Due to short staffing, we have implemented a maximum number of inspections per day. Once this limit has been reached a different day in the future will need to be chosen to schedule the inspection.

To further assist the construction community, the Division responds to certain inspection requests within two (2) hours for the following (between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM):

• Commercial and residential footing inspections
• Residential foundation walls
• Garage slabs and basement slabs
• Masonry fireplace throat inspections

Scheduling an Inspection

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 by email. You will receive a confirmation email when your inspection has been scheduled.
• Call (816) 513-1500 and choose Option 1, Sub-Option 1

Cold Weather Concreting

The temperature must be 20-22° F and rising to pour footings. The temperature must be 30° F and rising to pour masonry walls. When air temperature is below 40° F, or forecast to fall below 40° F during the next 24 hours, weather protection must be on the project site in order to receive a passing inspection. Blankets, straw, and tented plastic with heat may be considered as adequate for weather protection.

Special Inspections

Special inspections (SI) are a requirement of the Kansas City, Missouri, Building and Rehabilitation Code (KCBRC).  Special inspections are defined as the periodic or continuous observation of work, including the performance of tests in order to verify substantial conformance with the reviewed plans and specifications.  Project plans and specifications shall be developed and sealed by the architect and/or structural Engineer of Record (EOR) and reviewed by City Planning & Development - Plans Review Division.  Special inspections will be required as specified in Section 1705 of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), the Special Inspection Manual, and the Building Official.

The Special Inspection Manual 2018 Building Code (adopted April 1, 2021) clarifies what work requires special inspections and the procedure for inspecting and reporting that work.  It defines the duties and responsibilities of the project owner, Registered Design Professional of record, special inspector, and general contractor. 

Project plans and specifications shall be developed and sealed by the architect and/or structural Engineer of Record (EOR) and reviewed by the City.

Elevator Inspections

Elevator Inspections take anywhere between two (2) hours and a couple of days to perform depending on multiple items. 

• Number of stops of the elevator(s)
• Number of doors on the elevator(s)
• Type of the elevator equipment: Traction, Hydraulic, Drum, platform lift, etc.
• Type of Inspection (Annual, 5-year inspection, or acceptance inspection of altered or new equipment)

Elevator Inspections witnesses testing which has to be performed by an elevator mechanic holding a Missouri State license. That license number will be verified by the city inspector.

Scheduling elevator inspection should be done by the company performing the tests in the form of an Outlook request sent to elevatorinspections@kcmo.org. Requests are typically made three (3) or more weeks in advance to ensure space on the calendar.  New Construction Acceptance Inspections should be made thirty (30) days in advance to precede the desired occupancy date of the project.

Periodic Inspections

Requirements: The Building Code requires ongoing ‘periodic inspection” for structural adequacy only for underground spaces (i.e. occupied caves), communication towers for television and radio transmission or reception, and parking structures with habitable space above, structurally supported pools, and Pedestrian Bridges, due to the unique nature of these structures.  A link to the ordinance excerpt with more detail: Periodic Inspections Requirements (KCRBC Section 18-21(g)

How to Submit Inspection Reports: Please email your periodic inspection reports to specialinspections@kcmo.org.   

Building Codes

Find information about the city’s adopted building code and code updates here: Building and Rehabilitation Code.

Helpful Links

• Find complete inspection history and other permit information on CompassKC
  • Compass KC Help Guides
• Inspection information for one- and two-family dwellings Information Bulletin IB104.
• Optional building inspection certification program for one- and two-family dwellings can be found in Information Bulletin IB102.

Contact Staff

You can reach Inspection Division customer service staff on the 5th floor of City Hall or at (816) 513-1500. To reach an Inspections Supervisor, call (816) 513-1568.