Major Renovations & Change of Occupancy

The City of Leavenworth utilizes the 2018 International Existing Code for all aspects of construction related activities that involve new commercial structures and commercial additions. 

Major Renovations include but not limited too:

Floor plan changes that alter 50% or more of the space and effect egress paths.

What is a change of occupancy?

When the use of building changes, an example would be converting retail space into a restaurant.

For projects of these types, applicants will be will required to submit a permit application & Code Compliance Floorplan for initial review. Additional plans prepared by a design professional may be required after the initial plan review, dependent upon the scope and complexity of the project.  

To determine if you need a permit for your project, please call 913-684-0378, or email us at permits@firstcity.org

The Inspections Department suggests that during the planning of your project, please contact the following departments:

Community Development at 913-680-2626 for planning, zoning, signs, fence, and historic district requirements for potential location of new commercial structure.

The City Clerk's Office at 913-682-9201 for any business licenses that may be required

Our goal is to complete the application review process as quickly as possible, but the initial review may take 3 to 5 weeks depending on the complexity of the project and the volume of applications being reviewed. Please plan your project with this timeline in mind. You should not start your project until after your application has received approval and a permit has been issued. Once the project begins it is subject to various inspections and approvals prior to completion of the project.

Inspections are required and performed at various points throughout projects and when the work is completed. Separate permits are required for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing please see M.E.P. license and permit page. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trade licenses are required and issued for those doing this type of work in the City & inspections are performed by the City of Leavenworth staff on a daily basis for both Commercial and Residential structures.