FAQs • City of Great Bend • CivicEngage

Do I have to be a certified tradesperson to work on my own home or a friend/relative’s home?: You may perform construction work without having a trade certificate provided you are both the owner and occupant of the home. However, you must still obtain a permit, if required, and have inspections completed during construction. If you are doing work on your secondary residence or a friend/relative’s property, you need to have a contractor or trades license as well as the proper permits and inspections.

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Building Inspection

1. How do I get my gas turned on?: If your gas has been off for a while, Kansas Gas Service may require an inspection. Prior to an inspection being completed the gas lines must be pressured while gauge is attached to check for leaks and pressure consistency. Licensed plumbers can complete this work and must complete the work for rental and commercial properties. Homeowners who occupy the residence may take out the permit, perform the work and call for the inspection. Structures may not be built over gas lines.

2. Do I need a permit?: A permit is required for all work performed by contractors or homeowners if the cost of labor and materials equals $250.00 or more. Common work that requires permits include, but are not limited to: decks, fences, finishing basements, remodeling rooms, building garages and/or sheds, roof repairs, porches, heat and air units, plumbing and electrical.

3. Can I build in a utility easement?: No, structures cannot be built in easements. Plot plans submitted for approval with the permit application must show these easements and indicate where the structure will be located outside of the easement.

4. Do I have to be a certified tradesperson to work on my own home or a friend/relative’s home?: You may perform construction work without having a trade certificate provided you are both the owner and occupant of the home. However, you must still obtain a permit, if required, and have inspections completed during construction. If you are doing work on your secondary residence or a friend/relative’s property, you need to have a contractor or trades license as well as the proper permits and inspections.

5. Who issues permits for work done in the public right-of-way (i.e. curbs, sidewalks, etc.): Permits for work done in the public right-of-way are issued and inspected by the City Engineer’s office. The City Engineer can be reached by calling (620) 793-4111.

6. What contractor’s licenses are issued by Building Inspections?: The following licenses are issued by Building Inspections: Class A General Contractor, Class B Building Contractor, Class C Residential Contractor, Class D Roofing Unlimited Contractor, Class E Roofing Limited Contractor, Class F Limited (Specialty) Contractor, Moving Contractor, Demolition Contractor, Sign Contractor, Mechanical Contractor, Plumbing Contractor and Electrical Contractor. Most licenses require successful completion of the Block and Associates exam.

7. What certificates does Building Inspections issue to tradespersons?: Building Inspections issues certificates for the following trades, upon successful completion of the Block and Associates exam: Journeyman Plumber w/ Gas, Master Plumber w/ Gas, Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Journeyman Mechanical, and Master Mechanical. The following certificates are issued without successful completion of the Block and Associates exam: Employing Electrical, Apprentice Electrical, Helper Electrical, Employing Mechanical, Apprentice Mechanical, Helper Mechanical, Employing Plumber, Apprentice Plumber and Helper Plumber.