Do I need a permit to build or remodel my residence
or other structure?
Yes. Building permits and
inspections are required in the unincorporated areas and in most cities in
Sedgwick County. Call 660-1840 for information and assistance.
Do I need a permit to install a manufactured home in
Sedgwick County?
Yes. A permit and inspection
are required. Call 660-1840 for assistance.
Can I move my electric meter so I can build my room
addition?
No. Only Sedgwick County
licensed electrical contractors can move, alter, enlarge or change the
electric service. An electrical permit is also required.
Can I wire my new home?
Yes, upon satisfactory
completion of the Sedgwick County electrical homeowner’s test. Call
660-1840 for assistance.
Can I install electrical wiring in my new garage or
when finishing my basement?
Yes, if it is done according
to the 1999 National Electrical Code. Call 660-1840 for an inspection.
I am going to put a bedroom in the basement. Do I
need an escape window?
Yes, the code requires an
egress out of every bedroom for your safety.
Can I put a window in the wall separating the house
and the attached garage? How about a door with a window?
No. An occupancy separation
must be maintained.
How far can an LP tank be from my house, property
line, or any building?
10 ft. for a tank of 500 gallons or less
25 ft. for a tank of 501-2000 gallons
50 ft. for a tank over 2000 gallons
Can I install my own fuel gas piping?
No. Only plumbers and LP
installers licensed in Sedgwick County may install gas piping.
Do my stairs have to be even?
Yes. Code requires not more
that 3/8” total difference in variation from the top to bottom of stairway.
Call any of our building inspectors for answers to code questions.
When do I need handrails on my steps?
Handrails are needed when you
have 4 or more risers (steps). Guardrails are needed when you are more than
30” off the ground.
How much headroom clearance does the building code
require for staircases?
Staircases required 6’ 6”
headroom.
Can I do my own plumbing?
If it is a new home, you must first pass the plumbing homeowners test
available by calling 660-1840.
If it is repair work, yes.
If it is a room addition, yes, if done by code.
What kind of material can be used for waste lines
and vents?
ABS/Schedule 40
PVC/Schedule 40
Cast Iron
Lead, Copper or Brass
How deep does PVC conduit have to be buried at my
residence?
A minimum of 18” of dirt needs
to be over the pipe.
Do I need a permit to install a culvert?
Yes. Call 660-1840 for a
culvert permit.
Can I build a permanent structure in the utility
easement?
No, you may not.
As the owner, can I be a general contractor of my
own residence?
Yes, once every three years.
A detached residential structure of less than 200
square feet will not require a building permit.
When building a new residence, how many feet can the
residence be from the edge of the road before a fire road approval is
required?
Call the Sedgwick County Fire
Department at 744-0471 for current information.
How do I obtain a road approval?
- Apply for a fire road approval at Sedgwick County Code Enforcement
and pay a $25.00 fee.
- Call the Sedgwick County Fire Department at 744-0471 for an
inspection.
Can I have a septic system or a lagoon for my sewer
system?
Call 660-1840 and speak with
Tim Wagner.
What should I do to make sure a contractor is
licensed in Sedgwick County?
Contact Code Enforcement at
660-1840 and ask if contractor is licensed before signing any contract or
hiring the contractor.
Do I need a permit to replace my furnace or water
heater?
Yes, a permit is required, and an inspection is performed to ensure the
safety of the installation.
If installing a furnace or water heater yourself, call 660-1840 for
advice, assistance and a permit.
If you are paying someone else to install it, call 660-1840 to make
sure he or she is licensed to perform such work in Sedgwick County. After
it is installed, make sure your contractor calls us for an inspection.
Do you have questions that are not answered in this
section?
Please call us at 660-1840 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. Monday through Friday.
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last update:
07/08/07
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