Deck Permit in Kansas City, MO (2026)

Everything you need to know about getting a deck permit in Kansas City: fees, requirements, exemptions, and direct links to the City Planning & Development Department.

Verified from official Kansas City sources — Last checked April 2026

Quick Facts for Kansas City

Permit Fees

Valuation-based: permit fee calculated from total construction cost per Article 1, Section 18 of the Building Code. Fee estimator calculator available online. Priority review available at 2x the permit fee.

Processing Time

Standard residential plan review timeframe not published. Contact Permits Division at (816) 513-1500 for current estimates.

Apply Online

Yes — via CompassKC

Building Code

2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2018 International Building Code (IBC) with Kansas City amendments. 2021 IECC effective July 1, 2023.

Contact: (816) 513-1500

Do You Need a Deck Permit in Kansas City?

Permit Exemption

Platforms and decks not exceeding 30 inches above grade at any point do not require a building permit. One- and two-family residential open decks >5 feet from property line require a site plan but not a sealed survey.

If your deck does NOT meet all exemption criteria, you must obtain a permit before construction. Building without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, and required demolition.

Kansas City-Specific Deck Rules

Decks ≤30 inches above grade are exempt from building permits
Open decks >5 feet from property line need site plan but not sealed survey
All applications submitted through CompassKC online portal
Priority status available at 2x the normal permit fee for faster processing
Frost line depth: 36 inches
Uncovered conventional light-framed decks require a site plan for permit application

How to Get a Deck Permit in Kansas City

1

Check if your deck needs a permit

Review the exemption criteria above. If your deck exceeds any threshold, a permit is required.

2

Prepare your plans

You'll need a site plan, deck dimensions, framing details, and footing specifications. Check Kansas City's specific documentation requirements.

3

Submit your application

Apply through CompassKC . Pay the permit fee at submission.

4

Build and schedule inspections

Once approved, post your permit visibly and schedule required inspections (typically footing, framing, and final).

Official Kansas City Resources

CompassKC — Apply for Permits Online Fee Schedule
Transparency note: The following items could not be verified from official city sources and should be confirmed directly: Exact dollar fee amounts — fee schedule page blocked by access restrictions; Standard residential processing time.

Estimate Your Deck Cost

Get an instant cost estimate for your deck project in Kansas City.

Deck Cost Calculator

Sources

https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/permits-divisionhttps://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/building-and-development-fee-schedulehttps://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/building-permit-exempt-workhttps://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-planning-development/building-and-development-code

Data verified April 2026. Fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change. Always confirm current information with Kansas City's City Planning & Development Department.