Pool Permit in Kansas City, Missouri

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a pool permit in Kansas City?

Information Bulletin IB119 states the rule without hedging: permits are required for the construction of any above ground or in ground residential swimming pool, hot tub or spa. Two carve-outs exist and both are narrow. A prefabricated above ground pool escapes the permit only if all three conditions hold at once, a fill level less than 24 inches deep, pool walls entirely above grade, and a capacity of 5,000 gallons or less; and a temporary inflatable pool is exempt. Even an exempt pool has to meet every code requirement. Zoning Sec. 88-305-07 puts residential pools in the side or rear yard only, at least 10 feet from side and rear property lines and never inside a dedicated easement, and requires any pool more than two feet deep to be enclosed by a protective fence at least four feet high with self closing, self latching gates that are locked when the pool is not tended. The walls of an above ground pool four feet or taller may serve as that barrier if the ladder or other access point is itself gated. The submittal has to show the location of overhead and underground electrical service conductors, which may not pass above or within 10 feet horizontally, or under or within 5 feet horizontally, of the pool, and a note on the alarm warning system required by the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Water capacity of a prefabricated above ground pool accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling that is also less than 24 inches deep with its walls entirely above the adjacent grade. Always confirm with the office before starting.

How much does a pool permit cost in Kansas City?

The pool building permit is priced from the one- and two-family valuation table in Sec. 18-20(b)(2): $52.00 up to $1,000.00 of valuation, $58.00 from $1,001.00 to $2,000.00, then $58.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $4.33 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof to and including $100,000.00. Sec. 18-20 was last amended by Ord. No. 220612, Sec. 1, 10-27-22. Information Bulletin IB119 is explicit that the valuation you declare should exclude the electrical and plumbing work, "because this type of work will require separate supplemental permits," each priced from the same table. A structural plan review may be added when the pool is 10 feet or closer to a building on the property. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.

Where do you apply for a pool permit in Kansas City?

You can apply through the Kansas City permit portal or contact the Kansas City, Missouri City Planning and Development Department, Development Management Division (construction permits are issued by the department's Permits Division on the 5th floor of City Hall) directly. The links are listed on this page.

Can a homeowner pull a pool permit themselves in Kansas City?

Under Missouri law (RSMo 701.055.1 and 701.055.2; RSMo 327.101.2(5)(a); RSMo 327.191.2(5)(a); RSMo 700.656.5): Missouri does not license general contractors at the state level and has no statewide owner-builder permit statute, disclosure affidavit, or resale restriction comparable to Florida's one year rule. Whether a homeowner may pull the permit and do the work is decided by the city or county that issues the permit. Where state law does speak, it is permissive: RSMo 327.101.2(5)(a) and RSMo 327.191.2(5)(a) let an unlicensed person render architectural and engineering services for the construction, remodeling or repair of a privately owned dwelling house, provided the drawings say the person is not licensed, so plans for a house do not have to be sealed by an architect or engineer. RSMo 701.055.1 expressly preserves a property owner's right to install, modify or repair their own on-site sewage disposal system as long as the state standard is met, and RSMo 701.055.2 adds that no permit or contractor registration is required simply to clean it. RSMo 700.656.5 exempts a person who installs a manufactured home on his or her own property for his or her own occupancy from the otherwise mandatory state installer license. None of these exemptions excuses a local permit where the local jurisdiction requires one. Confirm how Kansas City applies this before you apply.