When Do I Need a Permit?
This page is designed to help homeowners with knowing when and how to obtain a permit for multiple residential uses.
A permit is required if any building is constructed, added on to, remodeled, renovated, repaired, altered or converted unless it is one of the following exempted items:
- A tool or storage shed 120 square feet or less in size. (A shed of this size is still required to meet zoning requirements such as setbacks and/or easements).
- Moveable cases, counters, walls, or partitions not over 5 ft. 9 in. in height.
- Decks, porches, patios, floor, and/or driveways that are not 30 inches above grade unless it will be covered (All covered decks require a permit.)
- Replacement of sheet rock, painting, papering, replacement of cabinets, or other similar finish work.
For guidance from the Planning & Zoning Division on where to place structures on your property, click here.
Electrical Permits
- Required to install any wiring for transmitting electrical current to provide light, heat, or power, or to make a change or addition to any such wiring.
- Not Required to replace an outlet, a switch, or other minor electrical devices such as light fixtures.
Plumbing Permits
- Required to install, remove, alter, repair, or replace any water, sewer, drainage, or gas piping. The same is also true for water heating equipment.
- Not Required to open clogged pipes, clean pipes, replace washers, faucets, toilet flush valves, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, garbage disposals, dishwashers, ranges, clothes dryers, or flexible gas applicant connectors unless new piping or the relocation of piping is necessary.
Mechanical Permits
- Required to install, repair, alter, or replace any mechanical heating, ventilation or air conditioning system.
- Not Required to install a portable applicant, a component part of assembly of an appliance, or a unit refrigerating system.
Fence Permits
- Not Required in all instances. Please see the help documents below for more information. Property placement and other zoning requirements must be met whether or not a permit a required.
See more information about fences here or on the example documents below.
Maximum Fence Height for a Corner Lot
Maximum Fence Height for a Double Frontage Lot
Maximum Fence Height for an Interior Lot
Demolition Permit
- Is Required to remove, demolish, raze, or relocate any building
Permits for Work in the City Right-of-Way
- Is Required to make any excavation (digging) in any public street, street right-of-way or alley within the city limits.
- Is Required to grade, construct, repair or reconstruct curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and driveways from curb to property line.
Contact the Public Works Engineering Department at (785) 309-5725 for further information or to obtain a ROW construction permit.
This page is designed to help homeowners with knowing when and how to obtain a permit for multiple residential uses.
A permit is required if any building is constructed, added on to, remodeled, renovated, repaired, altered or converted unless it is one of the following exempted items:
- A tool or storage shed 120 square feet or less in size. (A shed of this size is still required to meet zoning requirements such as setbacks and/or easements).
- Moveable cases, counters, walls, or partitions not over 5 ft. 9 in. in height.
- Decks, porches, patios, floor, and/or driveways that are not 30 inches above grade unless it will be covered (All covered decks require a permit.)
- Replacement of sheet rock, painting, papering, replacement of cabinets, or other similar finish work.
For guidance from the Planning & Zoning Division on where to place structures on your property, click here.
Electrical Permits
- Required to install any wiring for transmitting electrical current to provide light, heat, or power, or to make a change or addition to any such wiring.
- Not Required to replace an outlet, a switch, or other minor electrical devices such as light fixtures.
Plumbing Permits
- Required to install, remove, alter, repair, or replace any water, sewer, drainage, or gas piping. The same is also true for water heating equipment.
- Not Required to open clogged pipes, clean pipes, replace washers, faucets, toilet flush valves, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, garbage disposals, dishwashers, ranges, clothes dryers, or flexible gas applicant connectors unless new piping or the relocation of piping is necessary.
Mechanical Permits
- Required to install, repair, alter, or replace any mechanical heating, ventilation or air conditioning system.
- Not Required to install a portable applicant, a component part of assembly of an appliance, or a unit refrigerating system.
Fence Permits
- Not Required in all instances. Please see the help documents below for more information. Property placement and other zoning requirements must be met whether or not a permit a required.
See more information about fences here or on the example documents below.
Maximum Fence Height for a Corner Lot
Maximum Fence Height for a Double Frontage Lot
Maximum Fence Height for an Interior Lot
Demolition Permit
- Is Required to remove, demolish, raze, or relocate any building
Permits for Work in the City Right-of-Way
- Is Required to make any excavation (digging) in any public street, street right-of-way or alley within the city limits.
- Is Required to grade, construct, repair or reconstruct curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and driveways from curb to property line.
Contact the Public Works Engineering Department at (785) 309-5725 for further information or to obtain a ROW construction permit.