Permit Application Procedures

Many projects require you to get a permit from the City of Arkansas City before beginning construction. The permit process allows the City to make sure that buildings are well constructed and safe for occupants. This also helps protect your property values and the value of your neighbor's property.  

Applications for construction permits are obtained through Neighborhood Services. Permit application processes are divided into two categories:

1. One and two-family construction/remodeling; and
2. Multi-family, office, commercial, and industrial construction/remodeling (hereinafter referred to as “commercial” construction/remodeling).

The application review and permit issuance processes for these categories of construction are significantly different in terms of required application detail and the time required to complete application review/approval.

View Building Permit.

With any construction activity to be done, it should first be determined if a permit is required.  A permit is required for any construction activity unless it meets one of the exceptions in the Building Code.  Permits for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing (gas/water/sewer), structure demolition and interior demolition, are required for the following:

• certain site development activity such as excavation, grading, or placement of fill

• constructing, enlarging, altering, remodeling or demolishing a structure or space; this includes new structures, additions, most decks, masonry fences, swimming pools, etc.

• changing the building code use/occupancy classification of a building or space regardless of the level of construction changes

• installing or replacing any building wiring or equipment such as branch electrical circuits, electrical panels, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, water or gas piping, water or sewage drain lines, water and sewer service lines, etc.

• installing or altering any fire suppression, detection or fire alarm systems

• installing or substantially altering elevators, lifts or escalators

In addition to the above, a Flood Plain Development Permit/Application is required for any excavation, fill or building development located in a federal or locally designated flood plain or flood way. Federal flood plain maps are available in the Neighborhood Services office.

If you are unsure if a permit is required, please consult with the building official. 

Who can Obtain a Permit

Generally, a contractor who is tested, licensed, bonded and insured by the City of Arkansas City to perform the relevant construction work must obtain permits. 

Homeowner-occupants of single-family dwellings are allowed to obtain their own permits and perform construction work on their home. Such residential building permits may cover all facets of a project, including structural, building, plumbing, electric and mechanical work. However, before performing any plumbing, electrical or mechanical work, the inspector may require that the homeowner-occupant possess a general knowledge of the pertinent codes and submit a basic plan for the proposed installation. Some work will require a licensed contractor.

The Review Process

An application for a permit does not constitute issuance of the permit.  The project must first be reviewed by staff before work can start. Most commercial projects require review by the Technical Advisory Committee. Depending on the size and scope of the project, this can take less than one day or can be up to 10 working days for large commercial projects.

Permit Approval and Issuance

Once the application for permit has been approved and all reviews have been completed, the permit may be issued.  Once the permit is issued, work can commence. Each trade (plumbing, electrical, and HVAC) typically must pull their own permit.  Permit fees can be found by viewing the City's Comprehensive Fee Schedule.  Keep in mind that the Building Official can issue a Stop Work Order at any time for just cause.  Typically, this only happens if unpermitted work is being conducted or there has been a major change in scope that is not on the plans or if there has been no substantial progress made for 180 days.

Inspections

As required by the building code, "Construction for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction shall remain for inspection purposes until approved. The permit holder is responsible for scheduling required inspections. The general contractor should not call in inspections for subcontractors. Inspections shall be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours prior to the requested time of inspection (exceptions may be made by the building official as appropriate)." View Inspection Requirements.

Final Inspection/Certificate of Occupancy

Upon completion of work, permit holder shall make a request for final inspection and/or a certificate of occupancy (depending on the scope of work) prior to occupancy of the building or use of the structure.