Frequently Asked Questions

Where would I go to secure a building permit?

The Plan Review/Licensing Division is located at 1 Riverfront Plaza Suite 110, Level 1. One and two family dwelling, multi-family, and commercial building permit applications are available on this web site.

What is the permit fee to secure a building permit?

There is not a fee due when the application and plan(s) are submitted. The building permit fee is based on your project valuation and is to be paid for when the permit is picked up.

How long is a permit good for?

A building permit is good for six months. If the work is not completed and inspected within six months, you may renew your building permit for half of the original permit fee cost. If you need further extensions, you will need to speak to the Plan Review/Licening Division (785) 832-7700.

What happens if I do not pick up or pay for my permit?

If your permit is not paid and pick up within 30 days of the issued date, you will be charged late fees along with the cost of your permit. If you wish to cancel your permit please notify the Plan Review/License manager, Tim Pinnick (785) 832-7700.. You will be charged a 20% (20% of the original permit fee cost) processing fee to cancel the permit.

Can a homeowner do work on his or her own home?

If a person is the owner occupant of a single-family dwelling, he or she may do any type of work on his/her home that would otherwise require a license. The home owner/occupant has the same obligations as a contractor. Permits must be obtained, inspections completed, and all work done in accordance with the applicable code.

How long does it take to get a building permit?

Residential Permits generally take between three (3) to five (5) business days, depending if all required information is received at the time of application. Commercial Permits generally take five (5) to ten (10) business days, depending if all required information is received at the time of application.

How many sets of plans are required for a building permit?

Two (2) sets of plans and an electronic (PDF) copy of the plans is required for one and two family dwelling building permit submittals. Multi-family and commerical permit require three (3) sets of plans and an electronic (PDF) copy of the plans.

Do need a permit to put up a fence?

You do not need a permit to put up a fence however, you will need to follow the City's Fence Ordinance.

Do I need a permit to install a deck?

If your deck is 30 inches above grade, you will need to secure a building permit. If your deck is not 30 inches above grade, you will not need to secure a building permit, but you will need to follow the Deck and Construction Requirements.

How do I contact an Inspector?

See Contact Us

What inspections are required and how do I schedule an inspections?

Required Inspections are located on the back side of your building permit. The permit holder or an agent of the permit holder must notify the Building Safety Division when the work is ready for an inspection.

Where do I get a Certificate of Occupancy for my commercial building?

Certificates of Occupancy are issued after all required inspections are conducted and approved. Certificates of Occupancy can be picked up at the Development Services office.

In an ongoing commitment to improve customer service, Development Services has installed an Inspection HotLine. This inspection line (785) 832-7710 allows you to schedule inspections, cancel inspections, hear the results of a completed inspection, or transfer directly to one of our department representatives.

What are the requirements for an Egress Window?

Basements that are more than 50% finished and a basement sleeping rooms require an egress window. Escape or rescue windows shall have a minimum net clear openable area of 5.7 square feet. The minimum net clear openable width dimension shall be 20 inches. When windows are provided as a means of escape or rescue, they shall have a finished sill height not more than 44 inches above the floor.

What are the requirements for handrails?

Stairways shall have handrails on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate handrails for each 88 inches of required width. Intermediate handrails shall be spaced approximately equally across with the entire width of the stairway. The top of handrails and handrails extensions shall not be placed less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches above landings and the nosing of treads. Handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs and at least one handrail shall extend in the direction of the stair run not less than 12 inches beyond the top riser nor less than 12 inches beyond the bottom riser. Ends shall be returned or shall have rounded terminations or bends. The hand grip portion of handrails shall not be less than 1 1/4 inches nor more than 2 inches in cross-sectional dimension or the shape shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. The hand grip portion of handrails shall have a smooth surface with no sharp corners. Handrails projecting from a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 1/2 inches between the wall and the handrail.

How do I file an Environmental/Housing complaint?

To file an Environmental/Weed complaint, please contact either Julie Wyatt, Environmental Inspector, at 832-3112, or Dan Johnson, Environmental Inspector 832-3115.

For Rental/Housing complaints please contact either Brian Jimenez, Code Enforcement Manager, at 832-3111 or Treni Westcott, Code Enforcement Officer, at 832-3107.

You may make an announmous complaint by completing our complaint form.

Are there programs to help me fix my blighted structure?

There are numerous programs available to qualified persons through the Community Development Division programs.

Can I keep tires in my yard?

The Environmental Code does not allow for open storage. This includes car parts, tires, indoor furniture, appliances, lumber, etc.

What constitutes structural blight?

Structural blight includes any structure ranging from a house to a fence. Blight would include chipping paint, broken windows, fallen guttering, a fallen fence, worn shingles, or hole in siding. Also, dilapidation, deterioration or disrepair shall mean any condition characterized by, but not limited to holes, breaks, rot, decay, crumbling, cracking, peeling or flaking paint, rusting, or other evidence or physical damage, neglect, lack or maintenance, excessive use or weathering.

What is considered excessive growth of weeds and grass?

Excessive growth means plant length twelve (12) inches or more above the ground in height, or length if matted down, as measured along the stem.

How do I contact the Rental Inspector?

Call the Code Enforcement Department at (785) 832-7700 or email Brian Jimenez, Code Enforcement Manager or Treni Westcott, Code Enforcement Officer.

Why is a rental license required?

The City of Lawrence's Ordinance 7326 requires that any rental residential dwelling unit property have a current rental license in order to maintain consistent health and safety standards for all rental properties in Lawrence.

How do I get a rental license?

Contact the Code Enforcement Division to have an application e-mailed or mailed to you or you can pick up an application at 1 Riverfront Plaza, Suite 110. Click here to access the applicant form to print. Complete the application, attach the rental license fee of $25.00 per address and mail or drop off the application and fee. Rental license fees are due upon submittal of the rental license application or receipt of the rental license renewal statement.

Can I rent my property until I get the rental license?

Yes, however staff encourages landlords to contact the Code Enforcement Division as soon as possible to schedule the initial inspection. Failure to promptly register property can result in complaint being forwarded to Municipal Court for violation of the ordinance.

How can I expedite licensing my property?

Walk through your property prior to the inspection and make certain it meets the minimum requirements of the code. Meet the inspector at the property on the scheduled date and time with all necessary keys. Have the heating system tune-up ready for the inspector. Lastly, pay all applicable fees.

How do I verify is a rental property has a license?

Visit our Online Rental License Registration search bar.

The Rental Inspection Ordinance requires every owner of a single-family attached dwelling or a single-family detached dwelling located in single family zoned districts to be licensed annually and inspected once every three years. Dwelling units comprising of 3 units (triplex) or more which are located in a single family zoned district are not required to comply with the ordinance.

Are rental licenses transferable?

Yes. There is no charge for the transfer. The new property owner needs to complete an application form and send it to the Development Services Division, 1 Riverfront Plaza, Suite 110.

How long is the rental license period?

The license is valid for one year.

What happens if I do not get a rental license?

Staff's main objective is to obtain compliance from the property owner. If a property owner fails to comply with the requirements of the ordinance, there are provisions in the code to allow for prosecution of the violation.

How much is the rental fee?

An annual regulatory fee of $25.00 per dwelling is paid in full at time of application.

Am I required to have an agent?

No, you are not required to have an agent. However, if the property resides out of town it is advisable to designate a local agent as our staff will need to coordinate inspections with a responsible person who has control over the property.

Can my tenant be the agent?

Yes, a tenant can be the agent. However, the agent is a point of contact for our staff therefore it is important to remember if a tenant changes then proper notification of your new agent should be given by mail, phone or email to our staff.

How do I arrange for an inspection?

Scheduling an inspection can be done several ways. The inspector may schedule the inspection and inform the property owner by mail. If that date and time does not work for the property owner then simply call the inspector to reschedule. If you are new to the program and have not had your initial inspection, you can call the inspector to schedule by phone (785) 832-3107, email or in person when application is submitted.

What is the inspector looking for?

The inspector verifies the dwelling unit complies with the minimum code standards outlined in the City's Housing Code which is the adopted Uniform Housing Code, 1997 Edition. Staff also verifies the exterior property conditions comply with the City's Environmental Code. On January 1, 2008, the International Property Maintenance Code becomes effective. Look for additional information in the near future.

How do I know my property has passed an inspection?

A copy of the inspection report will be provided at time of inspection to the owner or agent and any violations and/or repairs needed will be identified at that time.

What if I can't get an inspection completed in time?

If you are unable to have the home inspection by date on your rental license new/renewal form, please call the Development Services Department at (785) 832-7700 to request a time extension.

Are re-inspections required?

Re-inspections are required only if there are items to be repaired.

Is there a charge for the re-inspection?

There is no charge for the first re-inspection. However, if the items are not repaired and a subsequent inspection is necessary, a $47.00 re-inspection fee is charged.

Whom do I talk to when I have a question on a repair item?

The inspector who did the inspection will be knowledgeable about the item and most qualified to answer your questions.

Must I get a rental license if I rent a room in my home?

No, in situations where the dwelling is occupied by the owner of deed who rents rooms or if the dwelling is occupied only by family members. However, if the home is occupied by family plus non-family roommates the ordinance does apply.

How can I review or receive copies of any existing plans or previously issued permits?

Complete a request for records form at the Code Enforcement Division office located at 1 Riverfront Plaza Suite 110, Level 1. The request for record is available on this web site.

Who is qualified to do repairs on my property?

Staff cannot recommend specific persons or companies to do repairs. However, we do recommend that you obtain more than one bid for repairs and that you call references.

Who is responsible for removing ice and snow from the public sidewalk?

The property owner or occupant adjacent to a public sidewalk is responsible for the removal of any snow or ice that accumulates on the sidewalk.

How long do I have to remove the ice and snow from the public sidewalk?

Removal must be done within 24 hours after the ice forms or the snowfall ends.

Why did we adopt the Snow Ordinance

For the safe travel of pedestrians.

What happens if I fail to remove the snow or ice within the specified time period?

In a situation where a property owner or occupant fails to comply with the ordinance and the Department receives a complaint, an inspector will notify the occupant and property owner with a written notice of violation and order the prompt removal of snow or ice. Failure to remove the snow or ice within 5 days after the violation notice may result in a citation. Property owners will be assessed a fine of $20 for each day the violation occurs, if found guilty of the violation.

Do I need a permit to put up a temporary banner outside of my business or organization?

Yes. One temporary sign permit is allowed per year with a $10.00 permit fee. For more information regarding signage, see Sign Information.

Can I hang a sign on the light or utility pole?

No. It is illegal to place signs on utility poles or within the street resituated.

Where can I place a garage sale sign?

The only allowable placement of a garage sale sign is on the property which is having the sale. The sign must be no larger than 9 sq. ft. (3'x3') and must not be placed within the street right-of-way. The sign may be posted for the duration of the garage sale. Illegal signs will be confiscated.

What is the charge for a temporary sign permit? How long is it good for?

Temporary sign permits can be purchased for $10.00 and for a length of 30 consecutive days. Only one temporary sign permit is allowed per year, per address.

Several individuals have moved into the house next door. Is this legal in a single-family district?

For RS Districts, the Zoning Ordinance defines a family as "a person living alone, or two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or legal adoption, or a group of not more than three (3) persons not related by blood or marriage, living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit..." Therefore, a group of three unrelated individuals may occupy a single-family residence. This definition was amended on March 1, 2001. Some properties that previously were occupied by four unrelated individuals were registered as legal, non-conforming uses. These registered properties are permitted to continue occupancy based on the previous definition. Please call the Planning Office to check the status of a property in the RS

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