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1. Where do I get a building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permit?

Residential permits may be obtained at Clearwater City Hall. Commercial permits must be initially submitted to Sedgwick County Department of Code Enforcement before obtaining a permit from Clearwater City Hall.

2. Is a building permit required for a storage shed?

Yes, but sheds of less than 400 square feet do not require a building permit. Sheds cannot be placed over easements and can only be located in the side or rear yard of a house but it shall not be nearer than the main building to any side lot line. Sheds located in rear yards shall not be located any closer to the rear lot line of the property than six feet.

3. Do detached garages require a building permit?

Yes, garages over 400 square feet must have a building permit. No lot can be covered more than 30% of the gross lot area by accessory structures. Garages cannot be placed over easements and can only be located in the side or rear yard of a house but it shall not be nearer than the main building to any side lot line. If vehicular access to a garage is perpendicular to the alley line, a setback of at least ten (10) feet from the alley line shall be required.

4. Do I need a permit to build a deck?

Porches and decks less than 36 inches in height do not require a building permit; this means that decks more than 36 inches off the ground or a patio cover needs a permit. Porches, decks and covers in the front yard exceeding the face of the farthest part of the house towards the street requires a variance to install.

5. I want to put a fence around my backyard. Do I need a permit?

Standard fencing of the backyard does not require a permit. Backyard fencing cannot exceed 6 feet in height without a variance. Fences may be placed on the property line.

City Hall suggests obtaining a survey of the property before installing any fence to ensure that the fence is on the property. Fences at the rear of each lot may be placed upon the City's easement with the understanding that should the City or any utility company need access to the easement, the fence will be removed and any re-installation will be at the expense of the homeowner.

6. I want to do some exterior remodeling, for what do I need a permit?

Roofing and siding of homes requires a building permit as does adding new windows, enlarging window openings and window replacement. Painting and replacement of rotten wood does not require a permit.

7. What are the permit requirements for interior remodeling?

A building permit is only required when portions of the interior structure are to be removed. Any electrical work requiring access to the breaker panel or the running of a new service line (outlet) will require an electrical permit. A new bathroom installation will require a plumbing permit. Replacement of furnaces, heaters, air conditioning units and hot water tanks require a permit as well.

8. Who may get a building permit?

A homeowner is allowed to pull their own Building Permit and perform their own work as long as they are the owner and occupant of a single-family residence. 

To be the owner and occupant of a single-family residence is determined where you have your taxes mailed.  A landlord or renter cannot pull their own permit. You meet both requirements to qualify for the exemption – owner and full-time occupant. 

A licensed contractor must pull building permits if the owner is not the occupant of the single-family residence the permit is being pulled for.

 The holder of the permit is responsible for all the work.