Kennett, Missouri Building Permit Guide

Building permits in Kennett are handled by the City’s Code Enforcement office at 200 Second Street (573-888-3005), whose Code Enforcement Officer is the building official under the City Code. Kennett enforces the 2021 International Building and Residential Codes, allows up to 10 days for review of major projects, and has required rental licences since January 1, 2025.

What needs a permit in Kennett?

City Code Section 500.120 requires a building permit for any construction, alteration or repair of a structure, with a few exceptions.

The permit must be posted on the front door, or where it can be seen from the front door, and on new construction where it is visible from the street before the building goes up. Work may not move past a stage on the inspection record until that stage has been inspected.

Kennett building department: who handles permitting

The City Code makes the Code Enforcement/Property Maintenance Officer the building official, plumbing official, mechanical officer and floodplain administrator, with authority to inspect building, electrical and plumbing work and to stop work that breaks the code. Victor Mode is the Code Enforcement Officer. The Fire Chief signs off on water supply for commercial and industrial permits.

Applying for a Kennett permit

Use the City’s Application for Plan Examination and Building Permit, which records the location, zoning district and setbacks, whether the lot is in a flood zone, the type of work, the proposed use, the estimated cost of labor and materials, the construction details and the contractor’s licence, insurance and workers’ compensation numbers. The form still cites the 2012 International Building Code, although the City adopted the 2021 codes in March 2023.

The application sets these conditions:

• Drawings of the proposed construction for nonresidential projects (they may not be needed for minor work), and two sets of plans sealed and signed by a Missouri registered architect or engineer for any commercial construction
• Up to 10 days for plan review on major projects
• A site plan, where applicable, with elevation data, fire protection data, existing and proposed utilities, a stormwater management plan and erosion control
• Asbestos testing before demolition
• A state land disturbance permit if 43,560 sq ft (one acre) or more of ground is disturbed
• A pre-construction meeting before work begins
• All inspections closed out by the Code Enforcement Officer with an occupancy permit

Commercial, industrial and subdivision applications must show all underground utilities and the nearest fire hydrant; new mains and hydrants are required if the nearest hydrant is more than 300 feet away, across a major road, hard to reach or below 1,000 gallons per minute, and the permit waits for the Fire Chief’s certification.

Kennett permit fees

The City Code does not list building permit fee amounts. Section 500.070 points to Section 500.120 for fees and authorizes the Code Enforcement/Property Maintenance Officer to set fees for permits and inspections not covered there, so permit fees are set by Code Enforcement (573-888-3005).

Street work does have Code fees. A permit to excavate in a paved street (City Code Section 515.030) costs $100 for an asphalt street, $150 for concrete, $250 for asphalt over concrete, $75 for a whole gravel street, $35 for half of a gravel street and $25 for an alley, and building or repairing a public sidewalk, curb or gutter needs a permit from the City Clerk, reviewed by the Street Superintendent.

For rentals, the City’s published inspection process sets the fees: a tenant’s move-in rental inspection costs $50, a second inspection after repairs is free, and the owner pays $50 for a third.

Trade licences and electrical rules

Kennett requires a City tradesmen’s licence, issued by the City Collector, for electrical contracting; plumbing, including gas piping, sprinkler and standpipe piping and irrigation connected to City water; building contracting (other than painting or plastering without structural change); mechanical work; extermination; and tree work. Applicants show contractor’s liability and completed-operations insurance of at least $100,000 for property damage and $100,000 for bodily injury. A resident owner needs no licence for work on their own premises that involves no structural alteration or change to a utility connection.

Electrical permits are obtained from the City License Issuing Clerk by the person in charge of the work, and a person doing their own electrical work needs the permit but not a licence or bond. Kennett adopted the National Electrical Code by reference to the 2005 edition “and any subsequent edition”, and it bars aluminum wiring inside buildings except from the meter base to the main panel. The plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, fire and existing building codes are the 2021 editions; the energy code is the 2012 edition.

How to get a Kennett building permit

Kennett inspections

The City publishes checklists of what is inspected for a one-story house, a two-story house and an accessory building. Footings for a one-story house must be at least 16 inches wide and 18 inches below grade, with two #4 bars and 10 inches of concrete; a two-story house needs 24-inch-wide footings with three #4 bars and 12 inches of concrete; an accessory building at least 12 by 12 inches. Inspectors also check anchor bolts, framing, rough and finished plumbing and electrical work, smoke detectors and the mechanical system. Houses need at least 100-amp service and arc-fault protection on bedroom circuits, and a house may not be lived in until it passes its final inspection.

Local Kennett rules

Rental licensing: since January 1, 2025 an owner may not rent or offer a rental unit without a City rental licence, renewed every two years and listing a local representative within 60 miles of Main and St. Francis Streets (Ordinance 3099, amended by Ordinance 3108 in July 2025). Code Enforcement inspects at least half of the licensed units each year at random, can inspect for cause, and may revoke a licence after a third failed inspection. Exempt are Housing Authority units, state-licensed facilities, owner-occupied lots of two units or fewer, new construction within two years of its certificate of occupancy, and religious orders. A tenant moving in applies for an inspection with a signed lease, and utilities are put in the tenant’s name by the Kennett Board of Public Works only after the unit passes.

Floodplain: Kennett takes part in the National Flood Insurance Program on a flood map dated June 4, 1980. Development in A and AE zones needs a floodplain development permit from the Code Enforcement Officer, and new or substantially improved homes must have the lowest floor, including any basement, 1 foot above the base flood elevation, certified by a Missouri licensed surveyor, engineer or architect.

Code changes: the City adopted a new Code of Ordinances (Ordinance 3112) in February 2026, and in July 2026 cut the Planning and Zoning Commission to seven members, ending the Code Enforcement Officer’s vote on it (Ordinance 3118).

Missouri building code

Missouri has no mandatory statewide building code for private construction: a county, fire protection district or municipality may adopt one (usually by reference under RSMo 67.280), and in parts of the state none has. Building codes in Missouri

Kennett building permit FAQ

Who issues building permits in Kennett?

The City’s Code Enforcement office at 200 Second Street (573-888-3005); the Code Enforcement Officer is the building official.

Do I need a permit for small repairs?

Not for painting or for work under $500, unless it involves plumbing or electrical work that needs a permit, such as a new circuit.

How long does plan review take?

The application allows up to 10 days for major projects.

Which building codes does Kennett use?

The 2021 International Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Fire, Existing Building and Property Maintenance Codes, with the Group R sprinkler section (903.2.8) excepted.

Do landlords need a licence in Kennett?

Yes. Rental units have needed a City licence since January 1, 2025, renewed every two years.

How much is a rental inspection?

$50 for the move-in inspection; the first re-inspection is free and a third costs the owner $50.

Kennett permit search and official resources

• Kennett building permits and inspection checklists
• Kennett application for plan examination and building permit
• Kennett Code Enforcement
• Kennett rental licensing and inspection forms
• Kennett City Code Title V, building and construction
• Kennett City Code Chapter 500, Article III, building permits
• Kennett City Code Chapter 520, tradesmen’s licences
• Kennett City Code Chapter 525, rental housing units
• Kennett City Code Chapter 415, floodplain management
• Kennett City Council agendas

Simplify Kennett permitting with Alliance Permitting

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Missouri. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Kennett permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.