Excelsior’s City Council unanimously approved a resolution Aug. 15 adding a double permit fee to property owners and contractors who begin work without first obtaining a permit.

The Community Development Department presented the resolution during the regular council meeting.

City staff reported that they have seen an increase in work being commenced without permits. When this happens, a stop-work order is issued for the project, and all work must stop until a permit is obtained.

Research done by staff in the Community Development Department revealed that increased permit fees for failure to obtain a permit are common. Gladstone, Liberty, Richmond and Clay County all issue double fees when work has commenced without a proper permit. Kansas City issues a triple fee.

When a permit application is received, the Community Development Department staff confirm that a business license has been obtained by the contractor. This process is in place to protect consumers and includes confirmation of insurance. The permit applicant is informed of the inspection process. The permit fee is collected, which covers the cost of the inspection. Inspections ensure that the work was done according to code and is safe. When a permit is not obtained, an inspection cannot be completed, which might result in work that is “shoddy” or unsafe.

“We are seeking to protect consumers by ensuring contractors are getting work permitted and inspected for life safety issues,” said Melinda Mehaffy, community development director.

When emergency repair work must happen on the weekend or after hours, there will be no double

PERMITS, 5 fee applied, as long as the applicant presents at the earliest possible time to complete a permit application.

Emergency repair work includes only work that must be completed for life safety or sanitary issues. This typically involves plumbing or electrical work, but wouldn’t include projects such as building a new deck or a planned roof replacement.

Anyone with questions about permits may call the Community Development Department at 816-630-0756.