Thinking about a kitchen bump‑out, a new porch, or a driveway upgrade in Parkville? With the city’s updated design rules, it can be hard to know what needs a permit and what does not. You want to do it right, protect your investment, and avoid delays. In this guide, you’ll learn when permits are required, how the 2024 and 2025 design standards affect your remodel, and how to move through the process smoothly. Let’s dive in.
What changed in Parkville
Parkville adopted a formal set of Architectural Design Standards on August 20, 2024. These rules are now part of the development code and guide most building additions and facade changes. You can review the adoption details on the city’s Architectural Design Standards project page.
On January 7, 2025, the city updated its Site and Landscape Design Standards. Chapter 407 now covers open space, planting, parking-lot landscaping, outdoor lighting, stormwater best practices, and submittal requirements. See the overview on the Site and Landscape Design Standards page.
Parkville also enforces the 2018 International family of building codes with local amendments. For permits and applications, start with the city’s Development Permits page.
When your remodel needs a permit
The general rule is simple. If you plan to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change a building or alter regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, you must get a permit first. This comes from Parkville’s Building Code.
Some work is commonly exempt from a building permit when it stays within size and scope limits in Chapter 500:
- One‑story detached sheds used for storage that are 120 square feet or less.
- Fences that are 6 feet high or less.
- Retaining walls that are 4 feet high or less, measured from footing to top.
- Painting, tiling, carpeting, countertops, and similar finish work.
- Certain minor electrical or mechanical repairs.
Always confirm scope and size with Community Development, because exemptions are narrow.
Work that usually needs a permit
- Structural changes, such as removing or adding load‑bearing walls.
- New additions or enclosed spaces, like sunrooms or room additions.
- New or relocated plumbing, HVAC, gas lines, or major electrical work.
- Decks that are structural or higher than 30 inches above grade.
- Driveway or other impervious-surface increases that affect drainage.
How the new design standards affect remodels
Two chapters matter for most exterior projects. Chapter 411 covers architectural design items like exterior materials and facade changes. Chapter 407 covers site and landscape items like plantings, lighting, and stormwater. Detached single‑family homes and duplexes are exempt from several Chapter 411 provisions unless the property is in the Old Town District, but most additions and facade changes still fall under its scope. Read full texts for Chapter 411 and Chapter 407.
Projects that expand an existing building footprint by more than 15 percent can trigger a “major site plan” review, except detached houses and duplexes. If your project crosses that line for other property types, it can shift from a simple permit to Planning and Zoning review. See the procedures reference in the code’s development applications table.
Exterior materials and facade changes
Chapter 411 encourages compatible, high‑quality materials and balanced window placement. If you plan to change your facade or roofline in a noticeable way, expect your design to be reviewed for compatibility. Like‑for‑like replacements, such as repainting or swapping windows with similar products, are generally treated as maintenance.
Additions and impervious surfaces
Additions are subject to Chapter 411 for appearance and materials. If your addition increases gross floor area by more than 20 percent, you lose some minor‑expansion flexibility under Chapter 411. If your project increases footprint by more than 10 percent or adds impervious area, Chapter 407’s landscape and stormwater rules can apply.
Lighting, fences, and signs
Exterior lighting must meet shielding, height, and performance limits under Chapter 407. Fences and site walls may have screening or buffer expectations. New or replacement signs usually need permits under Chapter 409, separate from a building permit.
Permit steps and timeline in Parkville
Use this quick checklist to prepare a clean submittal.
Before you start
- Confirm your property is inside Parkville city limits and check your zoning. City staff can confirm jurisdiction and any overlays, including Old Town District. Start with the Development Permits page.
- Decide if your project will change structure, utilities, exterior materials, or site coverage.
What to submit
- Building permit application, submitted through the city’s portal on the Development Permits page.
- Construction drawings that match your scope. Include floor plans, elevations, sections, framing where structural work is proposed, and roof or drainage details, as required by the Building Code.
- A site plan that shows property lines, setbacks, existing and proposed buildings, distances to property lines, driveways, utilities, easements, and finished floor elevations. If you add footprint or paving, show your stormwater approach per Chapter 407.
- A landscape plan if Chapter 407 applies. Many projects that trigger Chapter 407 will need a stamped plan by a landscape architect.
- Contractor’s Parkville business license if you are hiring a contractor. See the city’s Business Licenses page.
- Fire District coordination for life‑safety items. A certificate from the Southern Platte Fire Protection District is typically part of the permit or occupancy process, as noted in older city guidance referenced here.
Reviews and timing
- Straightforward residential plans can be reviewed quickly according to older city guidelines. Commercial or complex projects take longer. If Planning and Zoning or the Board of Aldermen must review your case, public meeting schedules can add weeks or months.
- Ask Community Development for current timelines when you apply on the Development Permits page.
Inspections and final sign‑off
- Schedule required inspections as you build. Common checkpoints include foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and final.
- A Final Certificate of Occupancy is issued when all inspections pass. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be considered when life‑safety is complete but minor items remain, as outlined on the Development Permits page.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Starting work before your permit is issued.
- Treating an addition or facade change as “cosmetic” when it is not.
- Ignoring stormwater and landscape requirements when adding driveway or patio space.
- Choosing exterior materials that do not align with Chapter 411’s quality and compatibility goals.
- Forgetting your contractor’s business license or Fire District coordination.
- Skipping inspections, which can delay your Certificate of Occupancy and create issues at resale.
Ready to plan your remodel?
A well‑planned remodel can lift your daily living and your long‑term value. If you want help thinking through resale impact, timing a remodel before a sale, or connecting with local pros, reach out to the Murrell Homes Real Estate Group. Start a conversation with Shawnna Murrell today.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to replace windows or a roof in Parkville?
- Routine repainting and like‑for‑like window or roof replacements are generally treated as maintenance, but structural changes or major system changes can require a permit. Always confirm scope with the city’s Building Official under the Building Code.
When do Parkville’s Site and Landscape Standards apply to a home project?
- If your project increases building footprint by more than 10 percent or adds impervious surface, Chapter 407’s landscape and stormwater rules can apply. Review scope against Chapter 407 before you design.
How do the Architectural Design Standards impact a small addition?
- Additions are covered by Chapter 411 for exterior design. Minor expansions up to 20 percent of gross floor area may have limited flexibility, but design compatibility still applies under Chapter 411.
Will a larger commercial or multifamily expansion trigger a site plan review?
- Expanding an existing building footprint by more than 15 percent can require a major site plan review for many uses, except detached houses and duplexes, per the city’s procedures table.
What happens if I remodel without a required permit in Parkville?
- You can face fines, stop‑work orders, delays in occupancy, and costly corrections at resale. Always apply first on the city’s Development Permits page.
