What's Required in Kansas City
- A building permit is required for decks more than 30 inches above grade at any point or over a basement or story below.
- Uncovered, conventionally framed open decks need no plan review but do need a site plan or survey and a written scope of work.
- A deck 5 feet or closer to a property line needs a sealed land survey and fire-rated construction details.
- Footings must extend at least 36 inches below finish grade.
- Ledger connections to the house are detailed per the IRC ledger tables.
- Decks under 500 square feet at detached houses may extend into the rear setback if at least 20 feet of rear setback remains.
- Deck lighting or receptacles need a separate electrical permit.
- Exempt low decks must still meet the zoning and building codes.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck in Kansas City?
It depends on height. Section 18-16(b)(1)g of the Kansas City Building and Rehabilitation Code exempts platforms and decks not more than 30 inches above grade at any point and not over any basement or story below. Measure at the lowest ground under the deck: if any point of the walking surface is more than 30 inches up, or the deck sits over a basement or a lower story, you need a building permit. This page covers Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO). Kansas City, Kansas, across the state line, is a separate city with its own permit office and rules.
Low decks still have to meet the zoning code, including setbacks. Ordinary repairs need no application, but the code's definition of repair excludes removing or cutting a structural beam or load-bearing support, so rebuilding the framing of a raised deck is permit work.
Kansas City Deck Permit Rules by Scenario
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Deck or platform no more than 30 in above grade, not over a basement | None | KCBRC 18-16(b)(1)g |
| Deck more than 30 in above grade at any point | Building permit | KCBRC 18-16(b)(1)g |
| Uncovered, conventionally framed open deck | Permit with site plan; no plan review | IB100 |
| Covered deck, enclosed deck or sunroom | Permit with plans and footings | IB100 |
| Deck 5 ft or closer to a property line | Sealed survey and fire-rated details | IB100 |
| Replacing worn boards or railings in kind | None (ordinary repair) | KCBRC 18-4(b) |
| Replacing beams, posts or footings | Building permit | KCBRC 18-4(b); 18-16 |
What Does the City Review?
Information Bulletin 100 lists uncovered, conventionally framed open porches and decks among the projects that need no plan review; you file a site plan or survey and a written scope of work in CompassKC. A sealed land survey is required for additions, but an open deck more than 5 feet from a property line can use a site plan instead. Covered decks need their footings on the foundation plan, and enclosed decks and sunrooms need lateral bracing shown. Kansas City's frost depth is 36 inches, so footings must reach at least 36 inches below finish grade, and ledger connections are detailed to the IRC tables. The city has adopted the 2018 International Residential Code with local amendments.
How Close to the Property Line Can a Deck Be?
A deck attached to the house follows the house's setbacks. In R-10 through R-5 districts IB121 gives a rear setback of 25% of lot depth, up to 30 feet, and a side setback of 10% of lot width, no more than 8 feet. Section 88-820-12 lets a deck of less than 500 square feet at a detached house extend into the rear setback, provided a 20-foot rear setback remains. Decks may not encroach into front or side setbacks. Platted building lines and easements can require more.
How Much Does a Deck Permit Cost in Kansas City?
Section 18-20(b)(2) prices one- and two-family permits by job value: $58 for the first $2,000 plus $4.33 for each additional $1,000 or fraction, up to $100,000. A $15,000 deck pays $58 + 13 × $4.33 = $114.29; a $25,000 deck pays $58 + 23 × $4.33 = $157.59. There is no separate plan review fee for one- and two-family work. Lighting or outlets on the deck need their own electrical permit, from $52.
Who Can Build It?
IB152 says a business license is the only city license a contractor needs for uncovered deck construction. An owner who lives in a single-family home may pull the permit and build it. Wiring must be done by a licensed electrical contractor unless the owner-occupant does it.
How to Get a Deck Permit in Kansas City
Measure the height
If any point of the deck surface is more than 30 inches above grade, or the deck is over a basement, plan on a permit.
Draw the site plan
Show the deck's size and distances to the house and property lines; a deck 5 ft or closer to a line needs a sealed survey.
Apply in CompassKC
Upload the site plan and a detailed scope of work; covered or enclosed decks also need plans with footings and bracing.
Pay the valuation fee
Expect $58 for the first $2,000 of value plus $4.33 per additional $1,000, about $114 for a $15,000 deck.
Schedule inspections
Book the footing inspection before pouring concrete and the final when done, through CompassKC or 816-513-1500.