Obtaining a Building Permit is required for any property upgrades, construction,remodeling or additions. In order to confirm that contractors are licensed and insured, the Village requires a certificate of liability insurance to be submitted with the building permit form. If the homeowner is doing the work themselves, a permit and inspection is still required.

To avoid confusion on what needs a building permit and what does not, a permit is required for any project that physically changes an existing structure, alters structural elements, or involves regulated electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work.

It has been the policy of the Village of Oaks that roof replacement work does not incur a building permit fee, but the homeowner must obtain proof from the contractor that they are licensed and ensured. A homeowner may request a zero-dollar ($0) permit by submitting the permit form and contractor's certificate of insurance.

Decks and outdoor structures - Constructing or replacing attached decks or building detached accessory structures (like a shed or garage).

Systems work - Installing or altering electrical circuits, plumbing pipes, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This includes all gas, electric, or tankless water heater replacements.

Fences and Walls - Any retaining walls over 4 feet high or fences above 6 feet tall.

Decks and Porches - Required to add or replace any deck or porch, regardless of the size. The only exception is uncovered decks or platforms sitting 18 inches or less above grade.

If there is a question about work not specifically listed, submit a building permit form and contractor certificate of insurance. It will be determined if a permit fee and inspection is required. In either case, a building permit will be issued so the contractor performing the work has a building permit from the Village.

The Village contracts with Clay County for inspection services.  Coordination with the County inspectors is required, but not limited to, electrical, structural and plumbing.  See Ordinance 2026-03 for International Building Codes. New construction permits are sent once a year to Clay County at their request.

The Building Permit and Fee Schedule form is available here for download, completion and submission. 

There is no fee for the Garage Sale permit. 

It needs to be submitted to the Village Clerk before the Garage Sale occurs and has to be posted for the duration of the Garage Sale.

The details of the Garage Sale Ordinance and Garage Sale Permit are available here for download.

Short-Term Rentals are permitted, but limited in the Village of Oaks based on Ordinance 2026-06. Review this ordinance completely before proceeding.

The Short-Term Rental Application Form is available here for download, completion and submission. 

All Short-Term Rentals have to be renewed and inspected annually. The inspection form is available here for download. 

NOTICE - Due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup being in Kansas City, a limited Short-Term Rental waiver has been enacted.  The waiver period is limited to May 1. 2026 through July 31. 2026.  The ordinance is available here for download.