About Us

Development Services (DS) is a Public Works and KC Water shared resource group. DS reviews, permits, and inspects privately funded public infrastructure. Once improvements are constructed and accepted, they will be owned and maintained by Kansas City.

On May 1, 2024, the City Council approved Ordinance 230741 transferring the land development review, permitting, and inspections responsibilities to both the Public Works and Water Services Departments.

Per the ordinance 230741; "Amending Chapter 61-20, Code of Ordinances of Kansas City, Missouri, by repealing Section 61-20, Enclosing natural drain ditches, and enacting in lieu thereof a new section of like number and subject matter; Amending Chapter 63, Code of Ordinances of Kansas City, Missouri, by repealing Sections 63-21, Title and authority, and 63-24, Definitions, and enacting in lieu thereof new sections of like number and subject matter; Amending Chapter 64, Code of Ordinances of Kansas City Missouri, by repealing Section 64-4, and enacting in lieu thereof a new section of like number and subject matter; Amending Chapter 2, Code of Ordinances of Kansas City, Missouri, by enacting a new Article XIX entitled "City Permits", Section 2-2300 entitled "Permitting Standards," all for the purpose of transferring certain permitting functions from the City Planning and Development Department to the Water Services and Public Works Departments; Directing the City Manager to begin the transition of these permits from the City Planning and Development Department to the Water Services and Public Works Departments before May 1, 2024, including taking steps to address any needed staffing, funding, and legislative changes to effectuate the transition."