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 permit requirements as listed in the Building Code. 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 any structure on the property and to any work regulated by the city's building, plumbing, and electrical codes; the zoning ordinance; and all other ordinances.

1. The first step in obtaining an electrical, plumbing or heating and ventilating permit will depend on the nature of the work to be done and who will perform the work.
   1. Single-Family Dwellings and Accessory Structures
      If you are the owner of a single-family dwelling, you are authorized to obtain permits for any work on the premises, provided that you occupy the dwelling and perform all of the work yourself. Any other person requesting permits to perform electrical, plumbing or heating and ventilating work must be a properly licensed contractor.
   2. Two-Family Dwellings, Multi-Family 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 properly licensed contractors.
2. Plans may have to be submitted for review and approval, depending on the scope of the work to be performed. Permits for work on existing one- and two-family dwellings and for minor installations in commercial buildings may be issued with only a description of the work. Permits for work on new one- 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 multi-family dwellings and commercial buildings will be issued only after the building plans have been approved and the building permit issued. Building permits will be issued once the plans meet the various requirements of the city departments involved in the review process. Once plans are approved, you may obtain the building permit by paying a permit fee (or the remainder of the permit fee for projects with valuations of $1000,000 or more) based on the total cost of construction.
3. When approval has been granted, you may obtain the permit by paying a fee based on the value of the work.
4. City inspectors will inspect the project throughout the construction phase as required by code. The permit holder is responsible for having newly completed work inspected prior to concealment. Inspection requests should be made either to the Inspection Division office at (816) 513-1500 option 2 or to a 24-hour recorder at (816) 513-1500 option 1 or by fax at (816) 513-1536.
5. When the completed project complies with the approved plans and all applicable building codes, a certificate of occupancy will be issued or a written approval of the work will be given as required by code. No new or remodeled structures can be occupied until such a certificate/approval has been issued.