Building & Construction
Building Services division is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the City’s building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and related codes. The division issues permits for buildings, fences, plumbing, electrical and mechanical work, demolition, mobile homes, signs, Home Occupation Certificates and swimming pools. The division reviews plans for proposed buildings, additions and building alterations to verify zoning compliance, building and fire code compliance and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Staff also inspects construction projects, including private water and sewer services, as well as limited plumbing, mechanical and electrical service work to ensure code compliance and maintains complete records on permit activity.
Please visit the Customer Self Service
- Click here to see how to create a CSS accounts
Please do not hesitate to contact Public Improvements/City Engineer Staff with questions or concerns.
Building and Construction Information
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Building Code Enforcement
The City's Building Official enforces all provisions of the building code safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Winfield by ensuring that construction is completed in accordance with minimum building and safety standards. He receives applications required by the building code, issues permits, makes necessary inspections to see that the provisions of law are complied with, and furnishes the prescribed certificates.
Inspection Requests
The City Building Official's office is located at the Operations Center, 2701 E. 9th. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inspection requests are coordinated by contacting 620-221-5600 at minimum 24 hours in advance of requested date of inspection. Upon completion of work, the permit holder will make a request for final inspection prior to occupancy of the building or use of the structure. The following information must be provided when calling for an inspection:
- Permit number
- Name and address of project
- Contact name and phone number
- Type of inspection requested
Click here to see how to create a CSS Account!
Failure to obtain Inspections
Failure to schedule necessary inspections are a violation of the provisions of the code. Upon discovery of work completed without inspection, a stop work order will be issued and a $100 investigation fee will be assessed to the permit holder. Upon investigation, any work covered as to prevent inspection may be required to be exposed in order to allow for inspection. No additional work will be continued until such time as the Building Official is satisfied that the work up to that point has been done in compliance with the requirements of the building code.
Unlawful Continuance
Building & Construction References
Building and Construction References:
Building Guides - Single Family Residential
-One Story Detached Garage
-Patio Covers & Carports
-Uncovered Decks & Porches
-Enclosing Existing Patio Covers
-Pole Barn Construction
-Addition
-Basement Finish
-2009 IRC Residential Decks
-Re-Roofing
-2009 Contractor Licensing & Local Amendments
Adopted Model Codes w/Local Amendments (Ord. No. 4070), effective January 1, 2018
-2015 International Building Code
-2014 National Electrical Code
-2015 International Fuel Gas Code
-2015 International Private Sewage Disposal Code
-2015 International Existing Building Code
-2015 International Residential Code for 1 & 2 Family Dwellings
-2015 International Plumbing Code
-2015 International Mechanical Code
-2015 International Swimming Pool/Spa Code
Americans With Disabilities Act
2010 Standards for Accessible Design compliance required for new construction and alterations after March 15, 2012.
Accessibility Analysis Disproportionate Cost Worksheet should be filled out when alterations (Levels 1, 2, or 3) to place of public accommodations or a commercial facility affecting accessibility to an area containing a primary function to ensure that, to the maximum extent feasible, the path of travel to the altered areas, the restrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
Assurance of Compliance Form to be completed for all individuals or organizations that contract with the City of Winfield, or otherwise those who are the recipients of funds for the purpose of constructing, altering or adding to the City of Winfield buildings or facilities.
Lead Base Paint
KDHE Lead-based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rule Handbook This handbook summarizes requirements of EPA/KDHE’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rule (RRP), that seeks to protect people from lead-based paint hazards associated with renovation, repair and painting activities. The rule requires renovation firms to be licensed by KDHE, workers to be trained and certified and requires the use of lead-safe work practices on the job.
ICC Section R314 Smoke Alarms
Kansas One-Call, Underground Utility Notification Center
Before you dig! Please contact:
Kansas One-Call
Call 811 all day, every day!
Please do not hesitate to contact Public Improvements/City Engineer Staff with questions or concerns.
Click here to view your Building Trades Board!
Building Permits
The City of Winfield Community Development Department serves the community by ensuring compliance with all adopted City codes to protect the health, safety, and welfare of property owners, residents, tenants, businesses, and visitors. All services are available online, and customers are encouraged to utilize virtual options when possible. For assistance or questions with contractor licensing, permitting, plan review, or building inspections, please contact us at (620) 221-5520, or send us an email at commdev@winfieldks.org.
Building Permits
Customers may obtain a permit, request inspections, or pay fees through the Customer Self Service Portal
-Need assistance applying online? Watch our how to videos Here!
Building Permits are required for the erection, demolition, alteration or relocation of all structures or buildings within the limits of the city. A Building Permit is required whether work is done by a resident homeowner or by a contractor. A Permit is not required for painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops or similar finish work. Each contractor must become fully licensed, insured and bonded with the City of Winfield prior to starting any construction work then a permit application can be submitted given that the scope of work requires a permit.
A Licensed Contractor shall complete all electrical, mechanical, and plumbing installations or revisions on any structure, other than a single family dwelling, in which case the resident home owner may conduct such work himself with submitting an applicable permit application and Affidavit. This work will be permitted and inspected by the Building Official as required in the Revised Ordinances of the City of Winfield.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan:
UNDER AN ACRE: Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Fillable Form*
OVER AN ACRE: Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Fillable Form*
*The SWPPP Form is required for all contractors to complete and submit to the Environment Inspector for review and approval prior to digging or building.
Forms may also be e-mailed to commdev@winfieldks.org
Click here for more Stormwater information
Permit Fees
Permit fees are found in our Comprehensive Fee Schedule under Buildings/Building Construction (pages 7-8) and Wastewater Utility Service Fees (sewer permits fees on page 23). Fence permits do not have fee associated however, an issued permit is required.
Fee calculations also refer to page 839 of the International Residential Code for Table 1A .
https://library.municode.com/ks/winfield/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CICO_CH34FE_S34-18BUBURE
Information Required for Building Permits
Residential Construction
- Legal Description of site by Lot #, Block #, Addition Name and Address
- Building Guide and/or Construction Details
- A Site Plan to scale indicating the location of:
- All existing and proposed structures
- Required building setbacks and yards
- Location of utilities
- Total floor area in square feet
- Type of construction
Commercial Construction
Three complete sets of engineered stamped construction document plans and one digital set must be submitted for review including but not limited to the items listed under Residential Construction listed above. Plan review fees are 25% of the total building permit fee and will be applied to all commercial construction projects.
Fence Permit
Each fence contractor is required to become properly licensed, insured and bonded with the City of Winfield prior to applying for and building a fence within the City Limits. Fence contractors are exempt from being required to show proof of exam passage.
Resident homeowners may construct a fence on their own property, but are required to submit a complete, notarized Affidavit Form along with their fence permit application. This can be done through the CSS portal. Click here to go there now!
Thinking of installing a fence? Click to download the Fence Permit Application
Although there are not permit fees involved with a fence permit, an application is required to be on file and an inspection will be conducted. This allows for us to verify any utility easements and assure safe digging. All applications must be approved prior to issuance by the Director of Public Improvements, Monday - Thursday. Permits submitted on a Friday will be reviewed at the beginning of the the following week. Completed applications and site plans may be submitted to tparsons@winfieldks.org, permits@winfieldks.org or in person at City Hall 200 E. 9th, 2nd Floor.
If you have questions about the Fence Permit Application, please contact the Department of Public Improvements at 620-221-5520.
Kansas One-Call, Underground Utility Notification Center
Before you dig! please contact:
Kansas One-Call
Call 811 all day, every day!
Residential Swimming Pool Permit
Thinking of putting up an outdoor residential swimming pool, hot tub or spa? Here are a few residential rules you may or may not be aware of that have been put in place by the International Code Council a means to provide protection against potential drowning, near downing or other accidents.
In-ground construction requires a building permit application, to be completed by the pool contractor. Depending on the scope of work electrical and plumbing sub-permit applications may also be required. Outdoor swimming pools that do not fall under the exemptions, shall have a barrier fence installed and a fence permit shall on file prior to filling it with water.
Pools, spas, hot tubs and barriers shall comply with the following:
- WINFIELD, KS CODE OF ORDINANCES ARTICLE XV. - SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE
- WINFIELD, KS CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 18 - BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
2015 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE ® - 2015 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE® CHAPTER 42 - SWIMMING POOLS & SECTION R105 PERMITS
- 2015 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE® SECTION N1103 (R403) SYSTEMS
- 2015 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® SECTION 3109 SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS AND HOT TUBS
- 2015 STANDARD PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION® ASTM F1346 & F2666
Definitions:
See https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/ISPSC2015/chapter-2-definitions
Exemptions:
- The 2015 International Residential Code allows for prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep to be exempt from barrier requirements
- Swimming pools, spa and hot tubs with a powered safety cover or a lockable safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346
- Swimming pools measuring 48 inches (129 mm) or taller that have a removable latter that is capable of being removed and locked away when the pool is not in use, does not require a barrier
Barrier Requirements
- Outdoor swimming pools and spas, and indoor swimming pools shall be surrounded by a compliant barrier (fence), unless the above exemptions apply
- Top of the pool or barrier shall not be less than 48 inches (129 mm) above grade (top of ground level) measured from the side facing away from the pool
- Maximum distance between grade and barrier bottom is 2” for grass, gravel and other non-solid surfaces, and 4” for solid surfaces, such as concrete
- If the top of the pool or spa is above grade, a fence or wall structure shall be installed on the grade or can be mounted on top of the pool or spa structure
- Barrier openings and vertical barrier clearance shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm)
- Access gates shall be self-closing, self-latching and open away form the pool
Ref. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/ISPSC2015/chapter-3-general-compliance#ISPSC2015_Ch03_Sec305
Visit the links below for more information, including piping, pumps, electrical wiring, decks and other equipment regulations pertaining to pools, spa or hot tubs.
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/ISPSC2015/chapter-3-general-compliance#ISPSC2015_Ch03_Sec306
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2015/chapter-42-swimming-pools
Contractor Licensing
The City of Winfield Community Development Department serves the community by ensuring compliance with all adopted City codes to protect the health, safety, and welfare of property owners, residents, tenants, businesses, and visitors. All services are available online, and customers are encouraged to utilize virtual options when possible. For assistance or questions with contractor licensing, permitting, plan review, or building inspections, please contact us at (620) 221-5520, or send us an email at permits@winfieldks.org.
License Types and Fees
Customers may obtain a new license, submit required documentation, or pay fees through the Customer Self Service Portal
- Click Here to see how to apply for a Professional License.
- Click Here to see how to apply for a Business License.
Construction Contractor (General, Building, Residential, Landlord, and Limited Contractors) Individuals or firms showing proof of being engaged in the business of a residential contractor shall be exempt from the examination requirements provided an application for a landlord contractor's license is presented to the building trades board prior to July 1, 2008
- Applicable fees: Make checks payable to "City of Winfield"
- License/Permit Bond: $5,000 coverage payable to the City of Winfield in original form, signed (contractor will sign as principal) with seal
- Certificate of Commercial General Liability Insurance:
- General and Building: minimum $1,000,000/Personal Injury, $2,000,000/Aggregate
- All Others: minimum $500,000/Personal Injury, $1,000,000/Aggregate
- Certificate of Worker's Compensation or signed Worker's Compensation Waiver
- Proof of passing the PROMETRIC (formerly Exterior, Block & Assoc) or ICC standard examinations with a minimum score of 75%
- Copy of State Roofing License Certification (if applicable) *Required for all Roofing Contractors
The following must be complete and submitted as a packet with this application:
- Applicable fees: Make checks payable to "City of Winfield"
- License/Permit Bond: $5,000 coverage payable to the City of Winfield in original form, signed (contractor will sign as principal) with seal
- Proof of passing the PROMETRIC (formerly Exterior, Block & Assoc) or ICC standard examinations with a minimum score of 75%
- Certificate of Commercial General Liability Insurance: Minimum $500,000/Personal Injury and $1,000,000/Aggregate
- Certificate of Worker's Compensation or signed Worker's Compensation Waiver
- Copy of Continuing Education Certificates: 12 hours minimum per applicant
- Licensed Master Contractor required per each business trade
- Journeyman must show minimum two-year field experience per State Statute
- Copy of Backflow Device Tester/Installer Certification from KDHE (if applicable)
- Copy of Fire Suppression Installer Certification (if applicable)
Tree Trimming Contractor
Licensing is required for Tree Trimmers who are trimming large scale trees and shrubs, performing tree root removal, or excavating.
The following must be complete and submitted as a packet with this application:
- Certificate of Commercial General Liability Insurance: General and Building with minimum limits of $1,000,000/Personal Injury and $2,000,000/Aggregate
- Certificate of Worker's Compensation or signed Worker's Compensation Waiver
- License/Permit Bond: $5,000 coverage payable to the City of Winfield, signed (contractor will sign as principal) with seal
- Click here to apply for a: Tree Trimming License Application
All General Contractors and Building Trade Contractors are on a biennially (two-year) licensing period, expiring December 31st of the corresponding year. Biennial applications become available November 15th, through January 31st of the renewal year. This does exclude Tree Trimmer Contractors, who must renew annually in December of each year.
Thereafter, a reinstatement application and fee will be assessed as the applicant will need to reapply for a license. Only current license holders qualify for licensing renewal. Those who have not been licensed with the City of Winfield before or have let their previous license lapse, do not qualify for the renewal rate.
- General Contractors and limited contractors will renew licenses on the odd calendar years
- Building Trades license holders will renew licenses on the even calendar years
- Each building trades applicant is required to provide copies of continuing education and proof of exam passage in order to obtain a license. All persons receiving a license must obtain no less than twelve hours biennially or six hours annually of continuing education pursuant to Kansas State Statute. We are now accepting online education certificates.
Roofing Contractor
The Kansas Roofing Registration Act was enacted by the Kansas Legislature and signed by the Governor on April 22, 2013. Under the provisions of this law, on and after July 1, 2013, every "roofing contractor", with few exceptions, must obtain a roofing contractor registration certificate from the Kansas Attorney General in order to legally provide commercial or residential roofing services for a fee in Kansas. “General contractors” who meet certain criteria are exempted from the registration requirements. The Kansas Attorney General's Roofing Registration website provides guidelines on how to apply for a roofing contractor registration certificate, as well as some frequently asked questions about roofing registration.
The City of Winfield requires a permit and inspection for code compliance on re-roofing structures. Before beginning a project, please contract Public Improvements at 620-221-5520 or come by the office on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 200 E. 9th Ave.
Fence Contractor
Each fence contractor is required to become properly licensed, insured and bonded with the City of Winfield prior to applying for and building a fence within the City Limits. Fence contractors are exempt from being required to show proof of exam passage.
Resident homeowners may construct a fence on their own property, but are required to submit a complete, notarized Affidavit Form along with their fence permit application. This can be done through the CSS portal. Click here to go there now!
Thinking of installing a fence? Click to download the Fence Permit Application
Although there are not permit fees involved with a fence permit, an application is required to be on file and an inspection will be conducted. This allows for us to verify any utility easements and assure safe digging. All applications must be approved prior to issuance by the Director of Public Improvements, Monday - Thursday. Permits submitted on a Friday will be reviewed at the beginning of the the following week. Completed applications and site plans may be submitted to tparsons@winfieldks.org, permits@winfieldks.org or in person at City Hall 200 E. 9th, 2nd Floor.
If you have questions about the Fence Permit Application, please contact the Department of Public Improvements at 620-221-5520.
Kansas One-Call, Underground Utility Notification Center
Before you dig! please contact:
Kansas One-Call
Call 811 all day, every day!
ICC/Prometric Testing
Information about testing: International Code Council, PROMETRIC
Application for testing
Building & Building Regulation Fees
Click here to view the Building Regulation Fees PDF
Local Amendments to 2009 Intl Code Series
Click here to view the Local Amendments to 2009 Intl Code Series
License Types
Click here to view the different license types
Building Trades Board
The Building Trades Board consists of Electricians, Plumbers, General Building Contractors, Technical Professional, and two Realtor/Landlords'.
The purpose of the Building Trades Board is to license and regulate persons, firms, or corporations desiring to engage in any of the defined building trades as regulated by applicable ordinances.
- Composed of 10 members
- 2-year terms
- City Liaison: Rod Haney, Building Official
- Contact: 620-221-5600
- Rod Haney - Staff
- Cheri Hulse - Architect
- Mitchell Potucek - Electrician
- Brett Thomson - Contractor
- Mark Satterlee - Plumber
- Patrick Collier - Contractor
- Paul Fisher - Plumber
- Karen Harden - Realtor/LL
- Chris Johnson - Realtor/LL
- Brian Mayfield - Electrician
Neighborhood Revitalization Plan
Eligible property owners can receive a rebate of property taxes which would otherwise be paid on the actual value added to a building due to a qualified improvement. The improvements must be a minimum investment of $5,000, as determined by the Building Permit value. The rebate only applies to the additional taxes resulting from the increase in appraised value of the building due to the improvement. Appraised values are established by the Cowley County Appraiser's Office. The taxes relating to the appraised value on the building prior to the improvement will continue to be payable.
Program Period
Eligible properties must have Building Permits issued on or after January 1, 2021 and be located within the described Neighborhood Revitalization Areas. This Neighborhood Revitalization Program shall expire on December 31, 2023. The program will be reviewed annually on or before August 15, at which time the City Commission will consider modifications and extensions.
Rebate Period/Amount
| Residential Rehabilitation and Alterations | 5 years/100% |
| New Construction Single-Family Residential (first $150,000 Appraised Building Value) | 5 years/50% |
| New Construction Multi- Family Residential (2 or more dwelling units) | 7 years/90% |
| Commercial and Industrial Rehabilitation and Alteration | 7 years/75% |
| New Construction Commercial or Industrial | 7 years/75% |
| Properties in National, Kansas or Local Historical Register | 10 years/100% |
5% of the tax increment rebate of improvements to be retained by Cowley County to offset expenses and handling costs of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Those properties listed on State or Federal Historical Registries will not pay the 5% County handling costs.
Exceptions for eligibility include but not be limited to :
- Repairs or maintenance items will not generally increase the appraised value
- Surface parking lots except as an accessory to a contiguous improvement
- Railroads and utilities
- Landscaping, sprinkler systems, fences, hot tubs, swimming pools, gazebos, storage sheds, detached garages and workshops
- Conversion of single family to multi-family housing units
- Manufactured or Mobile homes, unless classified as a “Residential Design Manufactured Home”
- Any property which has or will receive IRB financing and/or other tax abatement benefits
The improvements must conform to the City of Winfield's land use and zoning ordinances and comply with other applicable codes, rules, and regulations.
For more information, please call (620) 221-5600