Building permits in Kansas City, MO

Short answer: In Kansas City, permits are issued by City of Kansas City, Missouri City Planning and Development Department, Permits Division; of the 6 common projects we checked, 1 always need a permit, 2 do not, and 3 depend on the details.

Permitting authority: City of Kansas City, Missouri City Planning and Development Department, Permits Division. Applies in Kansas City, Missouri (not Kansas City, Kansas). Owner-occupants of single-family homes may pull trade permits for their own work.

Permit rules in Kansas City
Project	Answer	Verified
Deck	Depends on your project No building permit for platforms and decks up to 30 in above grade and not over a basement or story below. Higher decks need one.	2026-10-19
Fence	No permit required No building permit for fences in Kansas City, Missouri.	2026-10-19
Interior / bathroom remodel	Depends on your project Cabinets, finish work and like-for-like fixture replacement without piping changes need no permit. Piping, electrical or structural changes …	2026-10-19
Roof replacement	No permit required No building permit to reroof a one- or two-family home with light roof covering. Replacing sheathing or decking, or structural changes, need…	2026-10-19
Shed	Depends on your project No building permit for a one-story detached shed, garage or carport with roof area up to 200 sq ft. Larger ones need a permit.	2026-10-19
Water heater replacement	Permit required Yes. Most plumbing work needs a permit; only fixture or valve repairs and replacements without piping changes are exempt, and a water heater…	2026-10-19

Fee schedule: https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/electrical-plumbing-and-mechanical-permits

All Missouri cities · All cities · Permit guides

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.