ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Kansas City (2026)
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit requirements, fees, and process for Kansas City, MO. Find out if you need a permit and how to apply.
Yes, a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Kansas City, MO.
A ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Kansas City, MO. The Kansas City Permits and Development Center handles permit applications for Kansas City. Below you will find the current thresholds, fees, and process for obtaining a adu (accessory dwelling unit) permit in Kansas City.
When Is a Permit Required?
When a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Is Required in Kansas City: All ADU construction
Permit Fees
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Fees in Kansas City: $1,200-$5,500. Estimated timeline: 4-8 weeks.
Estimated timeline: 4-8 weeks
How to Get a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Kansas City
Verify whether your project meets the permit threshold in Kansas City: All ADU construction.
Prepare your permit application and plans. Contact the Kansas City Permits and Development Center at https://kcmo.gov/permits for required documentation.
Submit your application online at https://kcmo.gov/permits/online-permits or in person at the Kansas City Permits and Development Center.
Pay the permit fee: $1,200-$5,500.
Wait for plan check approval. Estimated timeline: 4-8 weeks.
Schedule required inspections through https://kcmo.gov/permits/inspections. All inspections must pass before project is finalized.
Important: Kansas City Permits Center. Use PermitKC portal for online applications. Bistate location note: permit applies to Missouri-side properties only.
Kansas City Permits and Development Center
Phone: (816) 513-1500
Website: https://kcmo.gov/permits
Online Permits: https://kcmo.gov/permits/online-permits
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas City, MO the same as Kansas City, KS?
No — these are two separate cities in two different states. Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) is in Jackson County, Missouri and is the larger city with approximately 508,000 residents. Kansas City, Kansas (KCK) is in Wyandotte County, Kansas and is a separate municipality. They share a metropolitan area but have completely different city governments, zoning codes, building departments, and permit offices. This page covers Kansas City, Missouri only. For Kansas City, Kansas, contact the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas.
Can I build an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) in Kansas City, MO?
Yes. Kansas City's Zoning and Development Code (Chapter 88) allows ADUs in residential zones. Detached ADUs are limited to 1,000 sqft and must be located in the rear yard. No owner-occupancy is required. One additional parking space is typically required unless the property is near a transit corridor. Contact the Kansas City Permits and Development Center at (816) 513-1500 or use the PermitKC portal to start your application.
What permits does Kansas City require for a home addition?
A building permit from the Kansas City Permits Center is required for all structural additions. Submit applications through the PermitKC online portal. You'll need site plans, construction drawings, property ownership documentation, and a completed permit application. Fees are based on construction value. Review takes approximately 3-6 weeks. Inspections are required at foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, and final stages.
Does Kansas City have special rules for short-term rentals in neighborhoods like Crossroads or River Market?
STR rules are citywide — Kansas City requires a Short-Term Rental Registration ($75/year) for all rentals of 30 consecutive days or fewer. Crossroads Arts District and River Market are popular Airbnb and VRBO locations. Both hosted (room rental with owner present) and non-hosted (whole-home) rentals are permitted with registration. Contact the Kansas City City Clerk's office for current registration requirements.
What are Kansas City's zoning rules for home-based businesses?
Kansas City allows home occupations without a separate permit in residential zones. Rules include: no exterior signage, no customers on premises in R-1 through R-3 zones, no non-resident employees, and no more than 25% of floor area used for business. Missouri's Cottage Food Law allows home-based food production with up to $50,000 annual revenue without a permit. Contact Kansas City Planning at (816) 513-2555 for specific use questions.
Source: Kansas City Building Code — ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Requirements. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source