Building Safety

Some GIS maps and web apps are experiencing issues preventing them from opening. The issue is known and a resolution is being worked on.

The City’s new permitting and licensing software, Enterprise Permitting & Licensing (EPL) is now live.

The Building Safety Division enforces the City’s adopted building construction codes, trade construction codes (mechanical/HVAC, electrical, plumbing) and other related codes regarding the construction, expansion, remodeling, repair or demolition of buildings or portions of buildings, spaces within buildings, and/or other types of structures within the City. This includes:

Review, approval and issuance of required building permits (building/structural, mechanical/HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire suppression/fire alarm systems and building/structural demolition);
Building and trade contractor licensing;
Trade worker/installer licensing (mechanical/HVAC, plumbing and electrical work);
Inspection of work at various phases of permitted construction to help ensure compliance with construction code and permit requirements.

The Building Safety Division also enforces the City’s Sign Code regulations through review and approval of sign permit applications and inspection of permitted signs.

Information about general building safety, building safety frequently asked questions (FAQs), current issues/topics in building codes and construction, adopted City building and trade codes, building permitting processes, building permit inspections and procedures, and contractor licensing are available on this web site. Permit applications, forms and code/design guidance documents are also included. An interactive building permit map and search queries for building permit records and licensed building/trade contractors can be found on this website, as can various monthly and annual building permit/building permit trends reports.

Announcements/Current Topics:

Guidelines for Remote Virtual Inspections

Due to circumstance related to COVID-19 conventions concerning personal safety, such as social distancing, the Building Safety Division has established Guidelines for Remote Virtual Inspections in lieu of physical jobsite inspection visits. Inspections eligible for Remote Virtual Inspection are generally limited to residential equipment installation or replacement, electrical service upgrades or repairs, and renovation of occupied dwelling units.

Contractor and Tradesperson Continuing Education

City of Lawrence contractor and trade licenses must be annually renewed by December 31st. To renew, the qualifying party for a contractor license must obtain at least 8 hours of related continuing education annually that meet the City’s criteria for approval; licensed tradespersons must obtain at least 6 hours of continuing trade education annually that meet the City’s criteria for approval. Click on the link below to find the current list of approved continuing education classes.
Continuing Education Opportunities and Criteria