North Kansas City, MO
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Permits and Applications
Permits are required for a wide range of projects and activities in North Kansas City. We know that choosing the correct permit, or even knowing if you need a permit, can be a confusing task. All of the permits are listed below with links to more information and the permit applications. If you have any questions about which permit you may need, please call the Community Development Department at 816-274-6006.
Click here to view currently adopted building codes
NEW! Building permits can now be processed using our new permit portal, NKC Civic Access. Click here to get started.
A building permit is generally required for all projects except:
- One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 200 square feet.
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
- Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one– and two– family dwellings.
Our detailed Building Permit Guide should answer most questions and will guide you through the application process. Please call the Community Development Department at 816-274-6006 for additional information.
Additional Documents
The Certificate of Occupancy helps businesses protect personnel, visitors, and their belongings by ensuring that a building will accommodate the intended use type, occupant load and product type. Consideration of appropriate safety/planning issues are determined by standards in national building/fire codes and local zoning ordinances.
A CO permit is required for all new building occupants when there is a change in the type of use or after significant modifications have been made to a structure, including exits, demising wall, etc. In most instances, new occupants or potential occupants can find out very early on if the project they are planning will be a permissible use, needs any physical improvements or requires an issuance of a new CO.
Please consult our Certificate of Occupancy Guide or call the Community Development Department at 816-274-6006. The cost of a new CO is a onetime flat fee of $40.00
Apply for a Certificate of Occupancy via the Civic Access Portal.
NEW! Demolition permits can now be processed using our new permit portal, NKC Civic Access. Click here to get started.
If you are planning a project which requires demolition or tearing down any structure on your property, you will likely need a demolition permit. To apply for a demolition permit, you will need to fill out a Building Permit application and check RAZING as the type of project. You will also need to submit construction documents and a schedule for demolition to the Community Development Department. The cost for the permit depends on the total valuation of the cost for demolition. Applying for demolition permit can be confusing if you are not a contractor or construction expert so you are encouraged to contact the Community Development Department at 816-274-6006 for assistance.
For more information about the regulations regarding asbestos, set forth by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, please visit the following websites:
A Fire Suppression/Fire Alarm permit is required before you install or upgrade a fire suppression system or fire alarm system.
Click here to download the Building Permit Application for a fire permit.
Permits completed online can be emailed to permits@nkc.org. Permits completed on paper can be delivered in person, or mailed, to the Community Development Department on Floor 2 of City Hall at 2010 Howell Street, North Kansas City, Missouri, 64116.
Fire Suppression/Fire Alarm permits follow the same fee schedule as Building Permits, which can be found in the Building Permit Guide.
The City works with The Compliance Engine for fire alarm and suppression testing and reporting. Please register your inspection company with The Compliance Engine.
Any household wishing to host a garage sale must apply for a permit prior to the date of the sale. A household is limited to two (2) permits per year, including the participation in a neighborhood sale. Each individual involved in a neighborhood or group sale must complete and sign form. The cost of the permit is $3.
Garage sale permits may be submitted by email to publicworks@nkc.org.
Information and application details for Neighborhood Block Parties can be found at nkc.org/blockparty.
An Operational Permit is required for certain hazardous operations or the storage of hazardous materials.
Operational Permits are issued by the North Kansas City Fire Department. Permit details, the application, and accompanying documents are available on their webpage.
Click here to open the Operational Permit webpage.
Completed Operational Permit applications and additional documentation should be emailed to permits@nkc.org.
A Right-of-Way and Utility Excavation Permit must be obtained before any construction, installation, or excavation work within the city right-of-way can be done. Right-of-Way and Utility Excavation permits require sufficient drawings, plans and specifications, a $1000 performance surety bond, a Certificate of Liability Insurance with the City of North Kansas City as the certificate holder, and a $50 permit fee. Work cannot begin until you have been issued an approved permit.
Click here to open the Right of Way Permit Application
Excavation permit applications and associated plans may be submitted to the Public Works Department on the second floor or City Hall or emailed to publicworks@nkc.org. For any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 816-274-6004.
A Special Event Permit or Short Term Conditional Use Permit is required if a property is going to be used for something other than its intended use. Please call the Community Development Department at 816-274-6006 for more information.
Events that include a road closure are required to submit a traffic control plan that meets MoDOT standards for road closures. Applicants may hire traffic control professionals for assistance in this.
Note: All races, walks, and fun run applications must provide race route information as well as a diagram for the start/finish location. Potential applicants should contact the Community Development Department prior to application to discuss race day logistics and requirements
- Short Term Conditional Use Permit Application
- Short Term Conditional Use - Attachments A and B
- Click here to view the Clay County Health Department's Temporary Food Event Guideline
Click here to view and download the short-term rental application form.
Completed applications or questions can be emailed to permits@nkc.org. Paper copies are also available at City Hall, located at 2010 Howell Street. You can also call the Community Development Department at 816-274-6006 with any questions.
Click here to view Ordinance 9583 - Short Term Rentals, as passed by City Council and signed by the Mayor.
Select this permit type if you own a restaurant or bar and would like to place seating on the public sidewalk.
Attention: If you are serving alcohol on the public sidewalk, your liquor license will need updated to include this area. Information about this process can be found here.
Click here to view the Sidewalk Dining/Alcohol Consumption Application
NEW! Sign permits can now be processed using our new permit portal, NKC Civic Access. Click here to get started.
The City of North Kansas City regulates signs in an effort to provide adequate means of expression and to promote the economic viability of the business community, while preventing a proliferation of signs of a type, size, location and character that would adversely impact the community.
Signs are also regulated in order to ensure compliance with minimum construction standards as well as confirming that the sign does not present any public safety issues. Along with protecting property values by ensuring that signs are compatible with the surrounding properties, this process also allows for the safe and free flow of traffic and eliminates the potential for a new sign to block access to a pre-existing sign.
The city is sectioned into a variety of sign districts, based on the characteristics and needs of a specific area around town. Use the interactive sign district map below to determine in which district your business sits, and then refer to Chapter 15.44 of the NKC Code of Ordinances to view the specific sign standards of that district.
The sign permit guide will tell you when you need a sign permit, the types of sign are permitted and prohibited.
Taxi permits are obtainable Monday through Friday in the lobby at 2020 Howell Street, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m and 1:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. To obtain a taxi permit, you must have a valid chauffeurs license, a completed application, a copy of a physical examination received within the last two years and two written personal references from persons who have known you at least six months. The references must be signed and dated. Application forms are available in the police department lobby, or you may complete and print the PDF application below prior to coming in. The cost for a taxi permit is $30.00 (cash only). Permits are valid for two years.
A Temporary Catering Permit is required for a company selling/serving alcohol outside their location within the city limits of North Kansas City. Example would be someone having a wedding event in NKC and they have hired XYZ Catering for their open bar, XYZ Catering would need to obtain a Temporary Caterer’s Permit in order to sell and serve alcohol.
The applicant must acquire and submit a State Liquor License for the event with application and fee of $10 per day.
Liquor licenses can be obtained Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m at the records window in the lobby of the North Kansas City Police Department. To obtain a Liquor ID Card you must bring a valid driver’s license or photo ID and $25.00, payable by cash or check. Applications are available in the police department lobby, or you may complete and print the liquor license application prior to coming in.
A Water and Sewer Connection permit is required anytime a property owner needs a new tap into the City's water or sewer main. Once the application is submitted and approved, a representative of the City will contact you.
Water and Sewer Connection - Permit Application
Email application to publicworks@nkc.org.
No person shall operate a massage establishment without first having obtained a massage establishment permit. For more information please refer to Section 5.32 of the Code of the City of North Kansas City.
Massage Establishment Permits are valid January 1 through December 31. Permits must be renewed by January 1, of each calendar year. This renewal permit application will request any updated information your business may need to document. There is no additional cost for the renewal.
Any person employed as a massage therapist, whether a part-time, full-time, permanent or temporary employee or independent contractor, in any establishment must apply for and maintain a valid employee permit. For more information, please refer to Section 5.32 of the Code of the City of North Kansas City.