Clay County Planning and Zoning Department

Matthew Tapp, Director

Clay County Planning
and Zoning Department
234 W. Shrader
Liberty, Missouri 64068

phone: 816.407.3380 (new)
phone Building Dept: 816.407.3388 (new)
fax: 816.407.3381
E-Mail: pandz@claycogov.com

Mission:

Clay County's Planning & Zoning Department is responsible for the development and use of land within the unincorporated areas of Clay County. These responsibilities include zoning of property, subdivision of land into building lots, issuing building permits and conducting inspections. The department also investigates complaints regarding potential zoning violations.

The Clay County Planning & Zoning Department supports three distinct boards -- Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Zoning Adjustment and the Building Codes Commission.

Important News:

Matthew Tapp has been appointed Director of Planning & Zoning on February 25, 2008.You can reach him at mtapp@claycogov.com.

Featured Content:

NEWS:

2006 Zoning Map

2008 Comprehensive Plan Information

General Content:

Planning & Zoning Commission (Meeting schedule and application deadlines)
Board of Zoning Adjustment (Meeting schedule and application deadlines)
Building Codes Commission and Board of Appeals
Land Trustee
Current Fee Schedule(pdf)

Building Department:
Building Codes
Residential Guidelines (pdf)
Accessory Buildings (pdf)
Modular & Manufactured (pdf)
Permit Information
Building Demolition/Relocation Checklist (pdf)

Planning:
1997 Comprehensive Plan
Airport Area Use Study
Highway 69 Corridor Use Study
Northland Trails Vision Plan (ext. page)

Zoning & Subdivision:
Land Development Code 2003
Subdividing Land in Clay County
Technical Specifications for Public Improvements
Design Criteria for Public Improvement Projects
Applications (pdf): (*): Must be attached, if applicable

Environmental:
100-year Floodplain
Construction Guidelines
Post-Construction Guidelines
EPA Phase II Permit
Stormwater
Dams and Ponds
Sewer Districts Committee

Code Enforcement:
Illegal Businesses
Trash and Junk
Junk Vehicles
Dangerous Buildings (pdf)
How to Report

Maps:
County Highway Map
Zoning Map (2006)
Aerial Maps
Parcel Maps

Permits:
Home Occupation Permit
Sign Permit
Land Disturbance Permit

Clay County Planning & Zoning Commission

Members:
Gene Knisley, Chair
James McQuerrey
James Edwards
Barbara Ball
Jeff Richerson
Charles "Rex" Rhoades

Staff Assistance:
 Debbie Viviano

Location:
1 Courthouse Square
Commission Hearing Room
Third Floor
Liberty, Missouri 64068
Meeting Time:
6:30 PM

2009 PZC+BZA Hearing Schedule

Read upcoming meeting agenda

for more information, call 816.407.3380.

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Clay County Board of Zoning Adjustment

Members:
David Fulton, Chair
Robert Aller
David Fricke
Brian Klopfenstein
Michael Johnson

Staff Assistance:
 Matt Tapp

Location:
1 Courthouse Square
Commission Hearing Room
Third Floor
Liberty, Missouri 64068
Meeting Time:
5:30 PM

2009 PZC+BZA Hearing Schedule

Read upcoming meeting agenda

* All meetings are scheduled on an "as needed" basis. Check with Planning & Zoning Dept., phone: (816) 407.3380, for current information.

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Clay County Building Codes Commission and Board of Appeals

Members:
Jim Carlson
Andy Inzerillo
Bob Pence
Mark Palmer
Larry Larson

Staff Assistance:
Charles Adams

Meetings: as needed.

Location:
1 Courthouse Square
Commission Hearing Room
Third Floor
Liberty, Missouri 64068
Meeting Time:
as needed

For more information, call 816.407.3380.

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Sewer Districts Steering Committee

The Sewer Districts Steering Committee has been disbanded and is no longer meeting.

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Land Trustee

The Land Trustee position is one that is appointed by the Clay County Commission. The primary duty of this office is to protect the loss of tax income to different taxing entities of the County when property is to be sold at tax sales. This office also maintains and has sales of properties that are acquired at the tax sales.

The current Land Trustee is Charles Adams.

For more information, call 816.407.3383.

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Building Codes

Clay County Building Official
Charles Adams
234 W. Shrader, Suite C
Liberty, Missouri 64068
Phone: 816.407.3388
Fax: 816.792.6587
e-mail: cadams@claycogov.com

Currently, Clay County has adopted the following Building Codes:
2006 UMC, 2006 UPC, 2006 UFC, 2005 NEC, 2006 IBC, 2006 IRC.

These Building Codes currently adopted by Clay County are copyrighted and also far too voluminous to be presented online.

You can obtain codes through the web sites of ICC, IAPMO and NFPA .

To review the Building codes that Clay County has adopted, you can also schedule a meeting with the Clay County Building Official.

List of Abbreviations:

ICC - International Code Council
IAPMO - International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
NFPA - National Fire Protection Association

UBC - Uniform Building Code
IRC - International Residential Code
UMC - Uniform Mechanical Code
UPC - Uniform Plumbing Code
UFC - Uniform Fire Code
NEC - National Electric Code

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Permit Information

The following is an excerpt from the Residential Construction Guidelines. Please refer to the full guidelines for a complete reference of what you will need to bring.

New Residential Construction: To obtain a building permit for new residential construction, you will need to bring the following items to your appointment with the Building Official:

  • Two sets of drawings of what you are going to construct (incl. floor plans, a foundation plan, building elevations and a building cross section)
  • A plot plan prepared by a registered land surveyor.
  • Earth contact homes: plans must be sealed by either a certified architect or a licensed engineer who is registered in the State of Missouri.
  • A receipt for the water meter or a letter from your public water supply district stating that arrangements have been made for the provision of water service.
  • A driveway permit from either the State of Missouri or the Clay County Highway Department
  • A septic system permit from the Clay County Health Department.

    • Additions to Residential Dwellings:

  • Two sets of drawings of the proposed construction (may be hand drawn).
  • If the exterior of a structure is being added to or expanded, a plot plan is required (details see Res. Constr. Guidelines)
  • A legal description of property with section, township and range or subdivision name and lot number.
  • A letter from Health Department for septic improvements, if adding bedrooms.

    • Permits for Accessory Building, Residential Deck, Swimming Pool and Fence Construction:

  • Only fences over 6 feet in height require a permit.
  • Two sets of drawings of the proposed construction (may be hand drawn or a photograph) (Details see Res. Constr. Guidelines).
  • A plot plan of the property to be built upon (may be hand drawn), showing the location of the new structure and any existing structures, and signed by an official of the Environmental Division of the Clay County Health Department. Permit applications for fences require the plot plan but do not require Health Department review.
  • Legal description of the property to be built upon, delineated by either section, township and range; or subdivision name and lot number.
  • If an accessory building is the first structure on the property, a driveway permit.

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    The 2008 Comprehensive Plan

    The Clay County Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2008 to replace the older Comprehensive Plan from 1997.

    Click here for the adopted version (PDF, 182 pg, 8.6 MB)

    Please contact Planning & Zoning under 816.407.3380 for further information.

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    Clay County Airport Area Use study

    The Clay County Airport Area Use study is an Appendix of the Clay County Comprehensive Plan from 1997. It can be reviewed at the Clay County Planning&Zoning Department.

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    Highway 69 Corridor Use Study

    The Clay County Highway 69 Corridor study is an Appendix of the Clay County Comprehensive Plan from 1997. It was amended to the Comprehensive Plan in May 1999. It can be reviewed at the Clay County Planning&Zoning Department.

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    The Land Development Code 2003

    The Land Development Code was adopted in 2003 to implement the Clay County Comprehensive Plan.

    Note: All documents are pdf documents.

    Table of Contents
    Chapter 151-1: Introductory Provisions
    Chapter 151-2: Review and Decision-Making Bodies
    Chapter 151-3: Development Review Procedures
    Chapter 151-4: Base Zoning Districts
    Chapter 151-5: Overlay and Special Purpose Zoning Districts
    Chapter 151-6: Use Regulations
    Chapter 151-7: Density and Dimensional Standards
    Chapter 151-8: Subdivision Design and Improvements
    Chapter 151-9: Perimeter Roadway Improvements
    Chapter 151-10: Development Standards
    Chapter 151-11: Environmental
    Chapter 151-12: Signs
    Chapter 151-13: Nonconformities
    Chapter 151-14: Violations, Penalties and Enforcement
    Chapter 151-15: Definitions

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    Technical Specifications for Public Improvements

    Note: All documents are pdf documents.

    Table of Contents
    Acceptance Tests for Sanitary Sewers
    Asphalt Crack Sealing etc.
    Asphaltic Concrete Surface & Base
    Blasting
    Chain Link Fencing
    Concrete Curb & Gutter
    Concrete
    General Provisions
    Grading
    Materials and Construction - Storm Sewers
    Materials and Construction - Sanitary Sewers
    Materials Const. & Testing
    Open Channels
    Pavement Marking
    Planing
    Portland Cement Concrete Pavement
    Prime and Tack Coat
    Restoration of Surface Construction
    Site Preparation
    Standard Sidewalks and Driveways
    Steel Beam Guiderails
    Structures - Storm Sewers
    Subgrade Preparation
    Traffic Control Signing
    Traffic
    Tunneling, Boring and Jacking

    Design Criteria for Public Improvement Projects

    Note: All documents are pdf documents.

    Table of Contents
    Box Culverts and Bridges
    Design Aids
    General Plan Requirements for Public Improvements
    Sanitary Sewers and Appurtenances
    Storm Drainage Facilities
    Street Improvements
    Water Line Construction

    100-year Floodplain

    The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM, Community Panels) for Clay County have recently been revised by FEMA.
    The effective date of these revisions is April 16, 2003. Maps may be secured from the Planning and Zoning department.

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    Construction and Post-Construction Guidelines

    Please see the following:

    Technical Specifications for Public Improvements
    Design Criteria for Public Improvement Projects

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    EPA Phase II Permit

    Clay County is required to submit an application for the EPA Phase II Permit as of March 10, 2003. The application, as submitted, can be read here.

    If you wish to know more about the Environmental Protection Agency Storm Water Phase II, please visit their web site here.

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    Stormwater

    Please see the following:

    Technical Specifications for Public Improvements

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    Dams and Ponds

    Dams and water impoundment structures must comply with the Chapter 151-10: Development Standards.

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    Illegal Businesses

    All land in unincorporated Clay County is subject to County zoning regulations. It is illegal to operate a business or use of property that is not permitted in the Clay County Land Development Code, Chapter 151-6: Use Regulations.

    Please contact your municipality in case you have questions regarding the legality or planning of businesses in incorporated areas in Clay County.

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    Trash and Junk

    Regulations regarding Trash and Junk are to be revised in 2003. Please consult the Clay County Planning and Zoning Department if you have any questions.

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    Junk Vehicles

    The repair, restoration, assembly, disassembly, storage or standing or any inoperable vehicle, or unlicensed vehicle is prohibited in Clay County. (See Land Development Code 2003, Section 10.7).

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    How to Report

    To report a potential violation of the Clay County Land Development Code, call 816.407.3380.

    Please be prepared to provide the nature of the violation, the address or location of the violation, and a phone number that we may contact you after an inspection takes place. Clay County does not accept anonymous reports.

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    Maps

    County Highway Map
    The County Highway Map is being maintained by the Clay County Highway Department.
    Please contact the Clay County Highway Department if you have any questions regarding this map or wish to obtain a copy of the map.

    Zoning Map
    The current Zoning map contains updates through December 2006 and is available here.

    Aerial Maps
    The Clay County Aerial Maps are available through the Clay County Assessor's Office.
    Recent Maps:
    Smithville Area 2002
    Liberty Area 2002
    Kansas City Limits 2002
    Rest of Clay County 2003
    Please contact the Clay County Assessor's GIS Office with any questions regarding these maps.

    Clay County Parcel Maps
    The Clay County Parcel Maps are available through the Clay County Assessor's Office.
    Please contact the Clay County Assessor's GIS Office with any questions regarding these maps.

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    Permits

    Home Occupation Permit
    Certain business uses of residential property are allowed in Clay County with the application for a permit from the Planning and Zoning office. Please refer to the Fee Schedule for the cost.

    Specific information regarding Home Occupations is located in the Land Development Code 2003, Section 151-6.3,"C".

    Sign Permit
    A permit is required for most signs in Clay County. Please refer to the Fee Schedule for the cost.

    Specific information regarding Signs is located in the Land Development Code 2003, Section 151-12.

    Land Disturbance Permit
    Please contact the Clay County Planning & Zoning Department with any questions regarding the purpose or issuance of Land Disturbance Permits.

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    Back to main page

    © 2009 Clay County, Missouri.

    Clay County Offices
    1 Courthouse Square
    Liberty, Missouri 64068
    phone: 816-407-3600 - fax: 816-407-3601
    Contact Clay County

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