Frequently Asked Questions: Inspections

 

Here are some of the questions we commonly receive in the City of Leavenworth Inspections Division for those interested in construction or building permits in our City.  If you have additional questions, please email permits@firstcity.org

 

When is a building permit required?

• When any property owner wishes to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert or demolish any building or structure in the City of Leavenworth a building permit is required.  A separate building permit is required for each structure.

What are the current building codes for the City of Leavenworth?

• Starting May 1, 2020, the City of Leavenworth has adopted the 2018 ICC building codes. Any projects submitted on or after May 1, 2020 will be under the 2018 ICC regulations and ordinances. (Any projects submitted prior to the May 1, 2020 code change will remain under the 2006 ICC, unless otherwise noted.)

 

When sanitary sewer installation/repair work includes excavation around or to the public sanitary sewer mains?

• The person performing the work must contact Water Pollution Control at 913-682-1090 prior to the excavation work beginning so that City crews can evaluate the condition of the main before the work commences.

 

Is an Ice & Water Shield required for residential roofs in the City of Leavenworth?

• Ice and water shield will be required starting May 1, 2020 - we will require a mid-phase and final inspection.  

 

What are some of the things I don’t need a building permit for?

• One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses - provided the projected floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.  Must follow zoning set-back regulations.
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids.  Retaining walls abutting public right-of-way need to be reviewed by the Director of Public Works.
• Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one.
• Sidewalks and driveways on private property not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below, and are not part of an accessible route. (Sidewalks and driveways on public right-of-ways do need permits.)
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
• Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a private dwelling occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above the ground.
• Separate plumbing, electrical or mechanical permits may be required for these exempted items, as well as in addition to some building permits. Check with the Inspection Department before beginning any work.

• The purpose of a building permit is to ensure that the minimum standards are met to safeguard life, limb, health, property, and public welfare.

 

How do I as a contractor apply for an Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing permit?

You must be a licensed contractor in the City of Leavenworth.  Please see Trade Licensing to become a licensed trade contractor. 

• Fill out the permit application form.  Please Note: an electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permit is separate from the building permit and shall be applied for whenever trade work is to be performed.  This means that a separate trade permit is required in addition to any other permits being filed. 

 

Does the City of Leavenworth sponsor individuals for trade exams?

• At this time the City of Leavenworth is not doing sponsorships. Prometric is no longer providing services for any electrical, mechanical or plumbing exams.  Per state statutes, the City of Leavenworth will accept ICC and/or IAPMO exam scores.  We believe these companies do not require a sponsorship.  First-time applicants for journeyman and master licenses will be required to show proof of experience per state statutes before licenses will be issued. 

• Please see links below for those sites.  

  For ICC please visit: https://www.iccsafe.org/

  For IAPMO (plumbing and mechanical testing) please visit: https://www.iapmo.org/

 

How long is a permit good for?

• The permit is good for 180 days (6 months).  The permit becomes null and void if work or construction authorization is not commenced within 180 days, or if construction or work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days any time after work is commenced or last inspected.

 

Can a homeowner do work on his or her own home?

• If a person is the owner, he/she may do any type of work on his/her home that would otherwise require a license.  The home owner has the same obligations as a contractor.  Permits must be obtained, inspections completed, and all work done in accordance with the applicable codes.

 

Who has to be licensed?

• The City of Leavenworth requires that all persons performing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work be properly licensed by the City of Leavenworth, Kansas.

 

Who Needs a Plan Review? (Commercial Only)

Anyone who is planning to construct:

• An apartment house of three (3) dwelling units or more.
• A commercial building
• A public building
• Other structures when deemed necessary by the building official

 

How long will it take?  (Commercial Only)

• Plan reviews are performed by an independent licensed professional engineer.  We cannot control the work load of these firms, so the turnaround time for a plan review can vary.
• The fastest plan review can take five days and the longest can take seven weeks.  On the average, plan for three to five weeks for the initial plan review to be returned.

                   What Next?

• When the plans are returned to the City, you will be asked to have your architect or engineer respond to the items in the plan review in order to resolve any issues that do not meet the codes or that are unclear.

 

When can I get a building permit? (commercial only)

• After all code issues are resolved, the plans are forwarded to the Zoning Department, Clerk’s Office, Fire Department, Inspections Department and the Engineering Department for approval.  When all of these departments have signed off on the project, the permit may be issued.