Lee's Summit, MO Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA No. 70-2023)
- Enforced by
- Building Official, with designated qualified inspectors
- Permit lapses
- Work not started in 180 days, or suspended 180 days
- Extensions
- Written request, up to 180 days each
- Reinstatement example
- $100 permit, 30% work left, $30 fee
- Work before permit
- 100% penalty of the building permit fee
- No permit needed
- Repairs, lamp swaps, low voltage wiring, utility work
Summary
Lee's Summit requires a permit and paid fees before anyone performs electrical work, enforced by the Building Official under the 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70-2023) as adopted by Ord. No. 10422 on July 14, 2026. A permit lapses if work does not start within 180 days or stalls for 180 days. Repairs, lamp replacement, low voltage wiring and electric utility work are exempt.
National Electrical Code adopted. The 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA No. 70-2023) is hereby adopted and incorporated in this chapter as fully as if set forth herein, excepting only such parts or portions thereof as are specifically added or amended. ... A permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to any person performing electrical work. Expiration. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. Before expiration date the building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. ... A permit shall not be required for the following electrical work. A. Repair work, replacement of lamps or connection of portable electrical equipment to suitable permanently installed receptacles. B. Low voltage wiring. C. Electrical work under the supervision and authority of the electric utility.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 55 | Unified Development Ordinance: Supplement 15).
Full Breakdown
Article III of the Lee's Summit Building Code was rewritten in its entirety by Ord. No. 10422, adopted July 14, 2026, replacing the version adopted March 19, 2019. Section 7-300 adopts the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code, NFPA No. 70-2023, except for the parts the city adds or amends. The city does amend it: Sections 7-306 through 7-308 rewrite NEC Section 625.43 for electric vehicle charging equipment (EVSE) and wireless power transfer equipment (WPTE).
Section 7-301 gives enforcement to the Building Official for all electrical construction, alterations, relocations, enlargement, replacements and repairs of electrical systems, and Section 7-305 lets the Building Official designate qualified inspectors. Inspection requests must be made in advance under the most current written policies of the Codes Administration Department (Section 7-162).
Section 7-303 sets the permit rule: a permit must be obtained and fees paid prior to any person performing electrical work. A permit becomes invalid if the authorized work does not start within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after it begins. Before expiration the Building Official can grant, in writing, one or more extensions of up to 180 days each, on a written request that shows justifiable cause. After expiration the city can assess a reinstatement fee based on the original permit fee and the percentage of work remaining. The code's own example: a $100 original fee with 30% of the work remaining produces a $30 fee. If reinstatement is not possible, the permit stays expired and a new one issues at the city's current fee schedule.
Section 7-304 exempts three kinds of work: repair work, lamp replacement and connecting portable equipment to suitable permanently installed receptacles; low voltage wiring; and electrical work under the supervision and authority of the electric utility.
For fixed in place EV chargers rated more than 60 amperes or more than 150 volts to ground, Section 7-307 requires a readily accessible, lockable disconnect, with a plaque on the equipment if the disconnect is remote. Section 7-308 adds a marked "ELECTRIC VEHICLE EMERGENCY DISCONNECT" with manual reset for fixed-in-place equipment supplying DC power to the vehicle.
Violations & Fines
Starting electrical work without a permit breaks Section 7-303. The building code's work-before-permit rule in Section 7-207 adds a 100% penalty of the required building permit fee for any person who commences work before obtaining the necessary permit. Contractors also risk discipline: under Section 7-130.12 the Board of Appeals can suspend or revoke a license after a hearing on at least ten days' notice, including for failing to obtain a permit or required inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace a light bulb or fix a fixture in Lee's Summit?
How long does a Lee's Summit electrical permit last?
What does it cost to reinstate an expired electrical permit?
What are the disconnect rules for EV chargers?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lee's Summit
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