Do You Need a Deck Permit in Kansas City?

Short answer
Sometimes

Platforms and decks no higher than 30 inches above grade at any point, and not over a basement or story below, don't need a building permit in Kansas City. Higher decks do, and all work must still meet the zoning and building codes.

Source: KCMO: Building Permit Exempt Work

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Kansas City Deck Permits at a Glance

Permits, last 12 months
314
Issued, last 30 days
36
Median application to issue
10 days
Median permit fee paid
Not published
Issuing office
Kansas City, MO City Planning & Development Department
Rule last checked
October 30, 2026

Permits Issued per Month

18 Nov 19 Dec 9 Jan 16 Feb 25 Mar 19 Apr 32 May 28 Jun 41 Jul 38 Aug 32 Sep 36 Oct
Kansas City deck permits issued per month, Nov 2025 to Oct 2026. Lighter bar = current month to date.

Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to deck work. Data from KCMO Permits (CPD), refreshed October 30, 2026.

What Kansas City's Rules Say

  • Exempt: decks up to 30 in above grade, not over a basement or story below.
  • Higher decks need a building permit.
  • Exempt work must still meet the Zoning and Development Code.

Kansas City Deck Permit Fees

We have not verified Kansas City's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The Kansas City, MO City Planning & Development Department sets the fee when you apply.

Busiest Areas for Deck Permits

ZIP codePermits (12 mo)
6415743
6415541
6415134
6411923
6411418
6415417

How to Get a Deck Permit in Kansas City

  1. Confirm the rule for your exact job on the official page cited above. Size, height, structure and location (historic district, floodplain) can change the answer.
  2. Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
  3. Apply with the Kansas City, MO City Planning & Development Department through the official department website.
  4. Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.

Recent Kansas City Deck Permits

IssuedAddressWork
2026-10-284411 NE 78th StCPPU - Building (Residential) | Deck
2026-10-265246 N Jefferson StCPPU - Building (Residential) | Deck
2026-10-2310325 N Corrington AveCPPU - Building (Residential) | Deck
2026-10-2311409 Hickman Mills DrCPPU - Building (Residential) | Deck
2026-10-224509 NE 104th StCPPU - Building (Residential) | Covered Deck
2026-10-226811 N Corrington AveCPPU - Building (Residential) | Deck
2026-10-217606 N Lawn AveCPPU - Building (Residential) | Deck
2026-10-206520 N Mokane CtCPPU - Building (Residential) | Deck
2026-10-1611114 N Crescent CtCPPU - Building (Residential) | Deck
2026-10-16809 W 109th TerCPPU - Building (Residential) | Covered Deck

Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.

Kansas City Deck Contractors: Get Weekly Permit Lists

Contractors: get new permits for your trade and city every Monday. Join the waitlist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a deck permit in Kansas City?

Sometimes. Platforms and decks no higher than 30 inches above grade at any point, and not over a basement or story below, don't need a building permit in Kansas City. Higher decks do, and all work must still meet the zoning and building codes.

How many deck permits does Kansas City issue?

Kansas City issued 314 permits matching deck work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 26 a month. The busiest month was Jul 2026 with 41.

How much does a deck permit cost in Kansas City?

We have not yet verified Kansas City's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the Kansas City, MO City Planning & Development Department when you apply.

How long does it take to get a deck permit in Kansas City?

Based on the city's records, the median time from application to issue for these permits was 10 days over the last 12 months.

Who issues deck permits in Kansas City?

The Kansas City, MO City Planning & Development Department.

Related Permit Guides

Written and maintained by the Home Permit Guide Editorial TeamPlaceholder profile

Last updated

This is a placeholder editorial profile. A named reviewer with verifiable experience will be added here. Until then, every rule on this page links to the official government source it was checked against. Read our editorial policy.

Sources

Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.

  1. KCMO: Building Permit Exempt Work (linked above) (kcmo.gov)