FAQs • Liberty • CivicEngage

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Building Division

1. Do contractors need a license to apply for permits?: Yes, all contractors (general contractors and sub-contractors) doing work in the City of Liberty must have an active contractor business license with the City. More information is available online or by calling the License Clerk at 816.439.4463.

2. When does the city require a building permit or inspection?: The City requires permits and inspections for all structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical construction that occurs within the City.

3. How do I obtain a building permit?: Building permit applications can be submitted online . Applications are reviewed by City staff for compliance with the 2018 International Building Codes and the City zoning regulations. All applicable fees must be paid by credit card online or by check, cash or credit card in City Hall. For more information, contact the Building Division by phone at 816.439.4534 or you may contact us by email.

4. How are the permit fees calculated?: Permit fees are based upon the value of the project. Permit fees are itemized by trade; on the application, the applicant should itemize construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical valuations from the total project value. You can view the fees through your online portal application or by requesting an invoice from our office. Refer to our Fee Schedule for more information.
Fee Schedule»

5. When should I request an inspection?: Inspections are performed during construction and a minimum of two-hours notice is needed to allow for scheduling. All inspections will be performed within 24 hours from the time of the inspection request. All rough-in inspections must be approved before any work is concealed. You may request an inspection by calling our recorded line at 816.439.4541 or through your online portal account.

6. How do I request a building inspection?: Inspections are conducted Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To request an inspection, call 816.439.4541 or make a request through your online portal account. Please leave your name, phone number, job address and the permit number. All required inspections are listed on the building permit. A two-hour minimum notice is required for scheduling.

7. How do I acquire a temporary occupancy permit?: Occupancy permits and/or certificates are only issued for a project with an existing permit for a new residential or commercial building or for a tenant finish in a commercial building. A 30-day temporary occupancy permit can be issued when approved by the Building Inspector, provided all life and safety items are completed. New buildings require approval from Building, Planning and Engineering staff. All remaining items are required to be completed within the 30-day period. Extension of the temporary occupancy permit may be granted for exterior items affected by weather conditions.

8. Can I construct a detached storage building or garage?: In most residential districts, detached accessory buildings are permissible provided they fully comply with City Code and building permits are obtained. All accessory buildings must respect the minimum setback requirements for the zoning districts in which they are located. For more information, call a City Planner at 816.439.4543.
Accessory Structure Reference Guide

9. Does the city require a building permit for fences?: No building permit is required; however, fences must comply with City Code. Please inquire with a City Planner before you proceed with construction by calling 816.439.4543. If the property is on a corner lot, then the fence must be constructed so that it does not impede into the established site triangle. A Certificate of Appropriateness is required in all historic districts before construction begins. View our Fence Summary Guide for more information.

10. Do I need a permit for a pool?: Permits are required for swimming pools and hot tubs over two feet in depth. All swimming pools and hot tubs require a minimum four foot tall fence around the pool area or yard, per City Code. Fences must also meet the 2018 International Residential building codes (see our Swimming Pool Guidelines for more details). A completed online Building Permit Application with a licensed contractor company, a site plan that includes the location of the required fence, the distances from the pool to the property lines and primary structures and the manufacturer’s equipment information must be submitted. Please see our Swimming Pool Guidelines for more information and to download the Supplemental Handout for in-person applications.

11. Is a permit required to install a lawn irrigation system?: Yes. Lawn irrigation systems are required to be permitted through the Building Division, and the installer must be a licensed contractor. You can apply for the permit online. If sprinkler heads are located in the right-of-way (the first 11 feet from the back of the curb) then a right-of-way permit and a notarized release will also be required. More information about the process for installing a lawn irrigation system and the release form for projects in the right-of-way (to be notarized) is available online (PDF).
Application for Installing Irrigation System»

12. Are there backflow requirements in the City?: All backflow devices for commercial and residential irrigation and/or domestic use are required to be tested annually by June 1 with a DNR backflow form submitted to the City of Liberty Utilities Department by fax at 816.439.4513 or by email. This is a State and City code requirement, and failure to comply will result in the disconnection of the water service to protect the potable water system from cross contamination. Any questions regarding backflow requirements please contact our Utilities Department at 816.439.4762 or by email.

13. What are the requirements to rent a property?: Please view our Residential Rental Occupancy Code (RROC) section to view the rental criteria. For questions please call 816.439.4540 or email .
Residential Rental Occupancy Code

14. Are building permits required for private decks?: Permits are required for decks that are over 30” above grade and all decks that are attached to the primary structure. In order to apply for this permit, please fill out an application online , including one site plan and one set of building plans. For questions regarding the site plan or setback requirements, please contact the City Planner at 816.439.4543. For questions regarding the building permit or building codes, please contact the Building Division at 816.439.4534.