Doing Business in NKC

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New businesses will find that the North Kansas City community provides highly responsive services with relatively low taxes and fees. In addition, based on our “class 3” fire insurance classification, businesses receive insurance rates which are among the lowest in the nation. In order to maintain these desirable attributes, good rapport with local business managers is essential. Business managers with operations in North Kansas City are responsible for insuring proper licenses and permits have been obtained prior to conducting business and/or making significant modifications to their facilities.

Please review our Business Resource Guide and new business requirements. They are intended to guide you through the necessary steps to start a business in North Kansas City. They include step-by-step instructions and helpful tips and resources.

Listed below are specific categories of requirements and contacts for applications or questions. Usually, a business can resolve questions and/or submit necessary applications within one short visit to City Hall located at 2010 Howell Street.

Certificate of Occupancy

The Certificate of Occupancy helps businesses protect personnel and belongings by ensuring that properties will accommodate use type, occupant load and product type. Consideration of appropriate safety and planning issues are determined by standards in national building and fire codes and local zoning ordinances.

A CO is required for all new building occupants when there is a change in the type of use or after significant modifications have been made to a structure, including exits, demising wall, etc. In most instances, new occupants or potential occupants can find out very early on if the project they are planning will be a permissible use, needs any physical improvements, or requires an issuance of a new CO.

The Certificate of Occupancy - Guide provides information to assist a business owner in obtaining a permanent or temporary CO. For any further questions, contact the Codes Enforcement Division of the Community Development Depart at permits@nkc.org or 816-274-6006.

State Requirements

RSMO Section 351.120 states: Every business “organized pursuant to the laws of this state, including corporations”…“and every foreign corporation licensed to do business in this state,” “other than corporations exempted from taxation by the laws of this state, shall file a corporate registration report.” A new business packet with detailed information can be obtained from the State of Missouri New Business Assistance Center.

County Requirements

City Requirements

Building / Construction Permit

All significant building alterations including the demolition of structures will require the issuance of a building permit. In most instances, building permits will require submission of three sets of plans stamped by a Missouri certified architect or engineer. A list of contractors who will perform work and their contact information may also be necessary. Visit the Permits and Applications webpage for more information.

Sign Permits

Regulations are in place for specific sign districts. Before erecting any sign or placing one upon a building, the Codes Enforcement Division should be contacted. Since there are certain size limitations, etc., it is highly recommended that the Code Enforcement Division be consulted well in advance of the actual construction or printing of signs. Visit the Permits and Applications webpage for more information about sign permits.

Alarm Permits

Disclaimer
All information is subject to change without notice. This information should not be considered as legal or accounting advice. While the most common requirements are listed above, there may be additional requirements by local, state or federal authorities not described within. Restaurants and Businesses with liquor sales require additional permits not covered above.