Building Inspections
The Development department is responsible for all aspects of permits and inspections related to the various building codes in effect. One benefit to our inspections relates to the cost of your homeowner’s insurance. As with many other aspects of your insurance, Verisk, formerly ISO (Insurance Services Organization) provides insurance companies with evaluations of risks for property and casualty insurance. Smithville participates in their Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule process, which includes audits of our department every 5 years. The most recent audit in 2021 resulted in a Commercial rating of 4 and a Residential rating of 5. The lower the number, the bigger the discount on your insurance rates. This rating number is effective on all permits issued after the audit. Structures built prior to that date will have the rating assigned at the audit findings issued prior to completion of the structure.
The City of Smithville currently uses the 2018 International Code Council’s Codes and the 2017 National Electrical Code. These codes are updated every 6 years to maintain our ISO ratings. All permits are subject to the following codes:- 2018 International Building Code
- 2018 International Residential Code
- 2017 National Electrical Code
- 2018 International Plumbing Code
- 2018 International Mechanical Code
- 2018 International Fuel Gas Code
- 2018 International Energy Efficiency Code
- 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
Inspections are performed during regular business hours. From April 15 to October 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from October 16 to April 14th, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A minimum of four (4) hours’ notice is required for any inspection, except an All Trades Rough In inspection, which requires a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours’ notice. All questions related to the enforcement of these codes should be made to the Permit Technician, Brandi Schuerger at (816) 866-2056.
New construction, including additions to existing homes and basement finishing projects on residential property, as well as new construction additions to and tenant finishes for Commercial property require a completed new construction building permit application.
You must obtain a permit prior to commencing any work, including demolition.