Show All Answers

1. What type of work requires a permit?

Any remodeling, additions, detached buildings shed/garage, roofing, rewiring, HVAC, decks, fences, signs, Right of Way, swimming pools, irrigation, electrical service upgrades, and plumbing repairs past the trap on any fixture require a permit.  If you live in and own the house you are doing work on, you may obtain a permit for that work.  Rental property and commercial property requires a licensed craftsman to do the work.  If you have a question or aren’t sure if your project needs a permit, please contact the Building Official to discuss the particular project.

2. What is required to apply for a building permit for a new home?

We require a completed building permit application along with two sets of plans stamped by an engineer licensed in the Sate of Missouri along with two copies of a plot plan (truss specs if building a truss roof).  One copy of the plans and one copy of the plot plan will be returned to you with the issue of the permit.  The other set will be kept with the records here at City Hall.

3. How long does it take to get a permit to build a new home?

Once everything has been submitted we can typically have your permit ready in 2-3 business days.

4. How long does it take to get a commercial building permit?

Issuing commercial building permits can vary depending on what you are building.  It is best to discuss this with the Building Official and he can give you an estimated time frame when the plan review is completed.

5. Do all my sub-contractors fall under my building permit?

No.  The electrical, plumbing and mechanical contractors are required to pull their own permit for each job.  Their permit is issued at a minimal fee but allows the City to know qualified contractors are completing the work.

6. Is an appointment required to get an inspection?

At this time an appointment is required and we request at least a 24 hour notice for most inspections.  Please contact the Building Official at (816) 690-3773 ext 1006 or 1008.

7. Are permits required to install a detached building?

Yes, any building that is over 120 square feet is required to have a permit.  Even if a permit is not required you will still need to follow the guidelines for all of the requirements of the placement of the shed or detached garage.

8. What are the requirements for swimming pools, inflatable pools and hot tubs?

ANY pool or tub that is capable of holding 24 inches of water or more is required to have a minimum of a 4-foot barrier around the pool.  This could be a fence around your backyard that is a minimum of 4-foot-tall which has a self-closing and lockable gate.  The sides of the pool can also work as the 4-foot barrier or the barrier can be placed on top of the pool wall.  In these cases, when the pool is not in use, all access to the pool must be removed.  Permits also need to be obtained for swimming pools and hot tubs.

9. Are permits required to install a fence?

Yes permits are required to install fences.  There are regulations on material, location and height.  You may place your fence on your property line but you must know exactly where your property line is located.  A copy of the plot plan is not a legal survey and does not show exactly where the property line is located.  If you are unsure, you may need to obtain a survey to stay on your property.  Fence post must be faced inside the yard with the fencing attached to the outside of the post unless your property abuts a non-residential district or there has been an agreement made between you and the owner of the lot adjacent to the fence.  To complete the work this agreement is best done at City Hall with both parties present.

10. Are permits required for a deck?

Decks more than 30 inches above grade at any point for a distance of 36 inches away from the deck will require a permit.

11. How many layers of roofing can be put on a house?

The maximum allowable layers of roofing material is two.  The first layer of roofing material can not be wood shingles, slate, clay or cement tile.  The City of Oak Grove requires an ice shield to extend from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the building.