Other permits are required for certain businesses and buildings before opening, operating, or changing how a property is used in Kansas City, Missouri. These include animal permits, police clearance licensing, Change of Use approvals, outdoor dining permits, and event permits. These permits ensure compliance with KCMO safety, zoning, and regulatory requirements.
Animal Permits
Animal permits and licensing are issued and reviewed by the Animal Services Division. All permits can be applied for online through CompassKC.
Find more information on the Animal Services City page.
They include:
- Animal Show Permits - Needed for circuses, rodeos, petting zoos, pony rides, trained animal acts, and temporary or traveling animal displays.
- Commercial Animal Establishment Permit - Needed for pet shops, groomers, boarding kennels, auctions, riding schools, stables, guard dog services, trainers, and animal retail or wholesale businesses.
- Domestic Animal Avocation Permit - Needed for hobby kennels, hobby catteries, or rescues in residentially zoned neighborhoods.
- Avocation Permit Neighbor Consent Form
- Potentially Dangerous and Dangerous Dogs - Needed for the registration of a dog deemed “Potentially Dangerous” by the Neighborhood Services Department Animal Services Division.
- Special Exception Permit for Fowl/Small Animal - Needed for property owners keeping small animals or fowl who do not meet standard space requirements.
Contact
Animal Services
City Hall, 414 E. 12th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106
ASD@kcmo.org
(816) 513-1313
KCPD Police Clearance Licensing
Required for all security guard services and private investigator businesses.
Find more information on the Private Officers Licensing City page .
Contact
Private Officers Licensing Unit
635 Woodland, Suite 2104
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-889-6600
Fax: 816-889-6609
polu@kcpd.org
Opening a Brick-and-Mortar Location
Before opening a new business or moving into a commercial space in Kansas City, you must understand how the City classifies property use. A Change of Use or Change of Occupancy may be required, even if no construction is planned.
Find more information on the City Planning & Development Department City page .
What Is a Certificate of Occupancy?
A Certificate of Occupancy is a legal document that verifies a building or unit complies with zoning and building codes and is approved for a specific use. It is required for many permits and approvals, including food, liquor, fire inspections, and other regulated industries.
If your business type or building use is different from what the Certificate of Occupancy lists, you may need a Change of Use or Change of Occupancy.
Understanding the Differences
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Change of Use | You are changing how the space is used within the same occupancy group, such as converting a boutique’s back room into a tailoring shop. |
| Change of Occupancy | You are changing from one occupancy classification to another, such as turning a car wash into a bar. This may not involve physical changes, but it still requires approval due to different safety standards. |
Contact
City Planning & Development Department
414 E. 12th St., City Hall, 5th Floor
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: (816) 513-1500
Email: planning@kcmo.org
Outdoor Dining
Outdoor dining enhances customer experience and activates public and private spaces. Whether you are opening a patio on the sidewalk or setting up seating in a private lot, Kansas City has specific application processes and design rules for each type.
Find more information on the Kansas City Public Works City page .
Sidewalk Café
An extension of a restaurant or bar onto the public sidewalk, offering full food and beverage service.
How to Apply:
- Go to CompassKC .
- Create or log in to your account.
- Search for the “Sidewalk Café” permit and complete the application.
- Wait for review and approval from permit staff, usually within a few business days.
Street Café
Outdoor seating built within on-street parking spaces, used as an extension of a food or drink establishment.
How to Apply:
- Visit CompassKC .
- Select the “Street Café” permit.
- Complete and submit your application online.
- Receive review updates from City staff.
Parklet
A public-use space created in the public right-of-way, such as a sidewalk, parking lane, or unused street space. Parklets are non-exclusive and community-oriented, not restaurant-specific.
How to Apply:
- Use the “Street Café” permit form on CompassKC to apply for a temporary parklet.
- Parklets are subject to additional City review.
- Parklets must remain open to the public.
Parking Lot Dining
Outdoor dining areas set up in a private parking lot, typically adjacent to or owned by the restaurant or bar.
How to Apply:
- Download the Parking Lot Dining Application Form .
- Email the completed form to pod@kcmo.org.
Contact
Public Works Department
414 E. 12th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 513-9970
pubworks@kcmo.org
Event Permits
Many events held in Kansas City require permits to ensure public safety and coordination with City services.
Find more information on KC Event Hub .
You may need permits if your event includes:
- Use of public streets, sidewalks, or parks
- Road closures or traffic impacts
- Food or alcohol vendors
- Tents, stages, or live entertainment
Most event permits can be applied for online through CompassKC .
Common permit types include:
- Block parties
- Festivals and parades
- Street closures
- Temporary use permits
- Banners and signage
Large Public Events
Events that involve multiple permits, street closures, vendors, food service, or live entertainment may require additional coordination through KC Event Hub .
Events in City Parks
Events held in Kansas City parks may require a separate permit from Kansas City Parks & Recreation, particularly when using tents, stages, concession areas, fundraising activities, or reserved park space. General park permit applications should be submitted at least 30 days before the event date. More information is available on the Kansas City Parks & Recreation website .
Learn more about park event permits
Contact
KC BizCare
414 E. 12th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106
816-513-2491
kcbizcare@kcmo.org