Accessory Structures in Kansas City, MO (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Kansas City, Missouri, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Kansas City allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in some residential zones under the 2011 Unified Development Code (Chapter 88). ADU regulations specify minimum lot size, owner-occupancy, and design standards.
Kansas City ADU / Accessory Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Kansas City permits accessory dwelling units, called accessory living quarters, in R-1, R-2, R-5, and R-6 zoning districts under KCMO Zoning and Development Code Section 88-305-09. Permits are issued through the City Planning and Development Department.
Kansas City ADU Permit Process
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Kansas City does not impose development impact fees on accessory living quarters, but standard building permit, plan review, and water and sewer connection fees apply under KCMO Code Chapter 18 and KC Water rate schedules.
Kansas City ADU Permit and Connection Fees
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Kansas City does not impose a citywide owner-occupancy requirement on accessory living quarters under KCMO Code Section 88-305-09. Missouri has no state ADU law restricting local rules, so KCMO retains full discretion to amend this.
Kansas City ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Kansas City accessory living quarters may be rented long-term. Short-term rental of an ALQ requires a separate Short-Term Rental permit under KCMO Code Section 88-300-12, and Type 2 STRs in residential districts require a Special Use Permit.
Kansas City ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Sheds and storage buildings over 200 square feet require a building permit in Kansas City under the Unified Development Code (§88-305). Smaller sheds must still comply with setback requirements.
Kansas City Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Kansas City requires a building permit and must comply with IRC residential code standards for insulation, egress, and electrical. Converted garages used as ADUs have additional zoning requirements.
Kansas City Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Kansas City requires a building permit for all permanent carports, with setback, size, and materials subject to accessory structure rules under the zoning code.
Carport Rules in Kansas City
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Kansas City allows tiny homes on permanent foundations meeting residential code but restricts tiny houses on wheels, which are classified as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings.
Tiny Home Rules in Kansas City
Some RestrictionsLooking for Jackson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kansas City city rules.
Accessory Structures in Jackson County →