EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Permitting Procedures - Small Scale Residential Construction and Repair Projects

The City of Kansas City Department of Codes Administration (DCA) experienced problems inspecting small scale residential construction and repair projects. One problem was a high level of "no access" inspections, where no one was available at the residence to allow entry for the inspector, or where no requests for inspections were made at all. The other problem was that these types of projects were being performed by non-licensed contractors who were undermining the city’s Licensing and Registration Program.

SOLUTION:

Self-Certification

The Limited Service and Repair Permit Program (LSR) was implemented, which allows minor projects to be completed by licensed electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors prior to or after a permit is issued, and then allows the contractor to certify that the completed work is in compliance with the Kansas City Building Code without requiring an inspection by the DCA.

DESCRIPTION:

The following procedures are to be followed by the contractor, property owner and DCA:

• The contractor performs the work for the property owner, then submits the completed Inspection Certification with the completed permit application within seven days of work completion.
• DCA reviews the permit application and Inspection Certification to verify the eligibility of the work. An LSR permit is issued if eligible. If the work is deemed ineligible, then the contractor will be notified and advised. If no other problems appear in the permit application, a regular permit will be issued and the contractor will be instructed to call DCA to schedule an inspection.
• After approval of the Inspection Certification, DCA staff will notify the property owner by letter that a permit was issued and an Inspection Certification was accepted indicating that the completed work complies with the Building Code. The property owner can request a follow-up inspection or accept the job as certified by the contractor. Requests for follow-up inspections must be requested within 30 days of the letter.
• DCA schedules requested inspections within 30 days. If an inspection is requested, then the permit is closed through the standard inspection procedure. If an inspection is not requested, then the permit is closed within 30 days of the date of the notice letter.

This procedure may be used for small scale electrical work (e.g., installation of wired smoke detectors and security systems, installation of a new circuit), installation of air conditioning equipment, and small scale plumbing work (e.g. minor repairs, installation of water purifiers or lawn sprinkler systems). The program does not apply to new construction, additions, or to work valued at more than $1,000. A full list of eligible and ineligible projects is located in the accompanying materials on fax pages 5-6.

This program benefits property owners by ensuring that work is done by licensed contractors in compliance with the city’s building code. The LSR program benefits the contractor through cost savings by eliminating the need for keeping someone at the project to meet the DCA inspector. It also permits the contractor to respond to the needs of their customers quickly, without concern that they are violating the code by working without a permit. The program benefits DCA by minimizing the number of "no access" inspections, and provides more time for all other inspections.

The Department of Codes Administration publicizes this program through the use of informational bulletins at their public access counters and via their web site, www.kcmo.org/codes/codehome.htm.