Frequently Asked Questions

Please call a Planner at 816.439.4543 or zoning can be found in the interactive Zoning Map.

Any homeowner must obtain the proper building permits from the City for structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work on their homes to ensure that current building codes are met. This includes the construction of decks, pools, garages and structural remodeling. You can apply for a building permit online.

In most residential districts, a detached accessory building is permissible provided it fully complies with City Code and building permits are obtained. You can apply for building permits online.

All accessory buildings must respect the minimum setback requirements for the zoning districts in which they are located. View our Accessory Structure Summary Guide for more information.

A home occupation and home office must be licensed and considered secondary to the residential use of the home. Business can only be conducted within an enclosed living area and there can be no outside storage having to do with the business. The home must maintain the residential character and customers or clients are limited. Specific requirements can be found within the Home Based Businesses Summary Guide and Section 30-80.1 of the Unified Development Ordinance. More information about home based businesses is available online here »

Our Planning & Zoning now requires fences to be approved by a City Planner before construction. You can apply for a fence permit online. Please note: the fence must be constructed so that it does not impede into the established site triangle if it is on a corner lot. Fences may be erected up to side and rear property lines as long as City construction, height and material standards are respected. A Certificate of Appropriateness is required in historic districts. That application is also available online. 

View our Fence Summary Guide for more information.

Temporary signs can only be placed on private property and must be out of the right of way. The sign can not exceed eight square feet in area and can not be in place for more than 90 consecutive days. Garage sale and political signs are an example of temporary signs.

Please fill out our Temporary Use Permit Application online. If you have questions about whether or not your specific event would qualify for a permit, please call 816.439.4537 or email.

Please fill out our Block Party Application online at least one week prior to the event. If you have any questions relating to block parties, please call 816.439.4537 or email.

If you live in a single family residential neighborhood on a lot smaller than 30,000 square feet, you may keep up to six female chickens (hens). Please fill out the Backyard Hen Permit application online. The permit must be approved before you bring hens onto your property.