Short Answer
YesKansas City, Missouri requires a demolition permit from City Planning and Development. The application needs a site plan, the debris disposal location, the building's height and floor area, proof the utilities are disconnected and the owner's permission, and the city can require proof of rat abatement at least 10 days before demolition.
Source: Kansas City Planning and Development: Information Bulletins (IB107, Demolition Permit and Inspections) (linked under Sources below)
Kansas City Demolition Permits at a Glance
- Demolition permits, last 12 months
- 179
- Median application to issue
- 3 days
- Slowest quarter took at least
- 7 days
- Whole-building demolitions
- 175
Of the 8 cities we track for demolition, Kansas City ranks fastest by median wait.
Who Can Apply and Do the Work
Applications go through City Planning and Development's permits division. Kansas City Code Section 18-17 lists what a demolition application must include.
What You Need Before the Permit Is Issued
- A site plan showing the building to be demolished, all other buildings on the property and any pedestrian protection.
- Where the demolition debris will be deposited.
- The height and total square footage of the building, the demolition method and equipment, and how long the work will take.
- Evidence of any required street closure permit.
- Evidence that all public utilities have been disconnected.
- Proof of the owner's permission, and, if required, proof of rat abatement at least 10 days before demolition.
What Else to Know in Kansas City
A basement and sewer inspection is required before the excavation is filled or the lot is final graded, followed by a final inspection when all work under the permit is complete.
Kansas City Demolition Permit Fees
Kansas City does not publish a flat demolition fee we could verify, so we don't quote one. The fee is set when you apply.
What Kansas City's Demolition Permit Data Shows
| Type of demolition | Permits | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Whole building | 175 | 98% |
| Garage, shed or other accessory structure | 0 | 0% |
| Partial demolition | 4 | 2% |
Demolition Permits Issued per Month
Types are classified from each permit's description. Residential demolition permits by permit type. Data from KCMO Permits (CPD), October 30, 2025 to October 30, 2026.
Where Demolitions Are Happening
| ZIP code | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| 64127 | 32 |
| 64128 | 14 |
| 64130 | 12 |
| 64113 | 10 |
| 64111 | 8 |
| 64132 | 8 |
Recent Demolition Permits
| Issued | Work as described by the city |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-27 | Complete Building Demolition |
| 2026-10-27 | Complete Building Demolition |
| 2026-10-25 | Complete Building Demolition |
| 2026-10-23 | Complete Building Demolition |
| 2026-10-23 | Complete Building Demolition |
| 2026-10-23 | Complete Building Demolition |
How to Get a Demolition Permit in Kansas City
- Check historic and landmark status first. It is the step most likely to add weeks or months.
- Line up the prerequisites listed above, starting with the asbestos survey, pest control and utility disconnections.
- Hire a contractor licensed for demolition where Kansas City requires one, and sign a written contract.
- Apply, post any required notice, and wait out the notice period before work begins.
- Pass the final inspection and keep the permit with your property records, especially if you plan to rebuild.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to demolish a house in Kansas City?
Kansas City, Missouri requires a demolition permit from City Planning and Development. The application needs a site plan, the debris disposal location, the building's height and floor area, proof the utilities are disconnected and the owner's permission, and the city can require proof of rat abatement at least 10 days before demolition.
How long does a demolition permit take in Kansas City?
For the 179 demolition permits issued between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026 with both dates published, the median time from application to issue was 3 days, and a quarter took 7 days or longer, according to the city's open data.
How many demolition permits does Kansas City issue?
179 in the 12 months to October 30, 2026. About 98% were for whole buildings, 0% for garages, sheds and other accessory structures, and 2% for partial demolitions, based on the permit descriptions.
Related Permit Guides
- Kansas City Building Permits
- Demolition Permit Requirements: What Cities Require Before You Tear Down
- Chicago Demolition Permit Requirements
- Seattle Demolition Permit Requirements
- Philadelphia Demolition Permit Requirements
- Austin Demolition Permit Requirements
- Los Angeles Demolition Permit Requirements
- Nashville Demolition Permit Requirements
- New York Demolition Permit Requirements
- San Diego Demolition Permit Requirements
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.