Kansas City, MO Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of City Planning and Development
- Base permit fee
- $52 minimum, valuation-based
- Contractor requirement
- Licensed plumbing contractor or certified plumber
- Max penalty
- $500 fine, 180 days jail
Summary
Kansas City enforces the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code with local amendments under Code of Ordinances Chapter 18, Article VII, and requires a permit from the Department of City Planning and Development for most plumbing work citywide.
The Uniform Plumbing Code (2018), promulgated by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, is adopted and incorporated in this article by reference as if fully set forth, except as it is amended by the following provisions of this section. Provisions of this article are in addition to the provisions of the Uniform Plumbing Code. The following provisions coinciding with provisions of the Uniform Plumbing Code supersede, add or delete, when indicated, the corresponding provisions of the Uniform Plumbing Code.
All references within the model codes to any building, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, sewage disposal, elevator, energy conservation, or existing building code shall be construed to be a reference to the respective building, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, sewage disposal, elevator, energy conservation, or existing building code specifically adopted by reference in articles II through XIV of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 139 | Zoning and Development Code: Supplement 38).
Full Breakdown
The Uniform Plumbing Code (2018) governs plumbing installations, alterations, repairs and replacements under Sec. 18-125, with the city's own amendments controlling wherever they conflict with the model code. Sec. 18-16 requires a permit for plumbing work, though Sec. 18-16(b)(3) exempts faucet/valve repairs limited to working parts, clearing stoppages, swapping defective fixtures or valves without repiping, and lavatory/sink trap replacement. Permit fees run on the valuation table in Sec. 18-20(b) starting at $52, and Sec. 18-14(c) requires the work be done by a licensed plumbing contractor or a certified journeyman/master plumber working under one.
Violations & Fines
Working without a required plumbing permit is punishable under Sec. 18-15 by a fine of up to $500, up to 180 days imprisonment, or both, with escalating minimum fines for repeat convictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a leaky faucet in Kansas City?
Who enforces Kansas City's plumbing code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kansas City
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Plumbing Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jackson County handle plumbing permits.