Licensing Permits/Zoning
PERMITS & LICENSES | PLANNING & ZONING
Last Updated: April 17, 2024
One of the basic steps in starting your new business is to review applicable city, county, state and federal regulations and obtain any necessary licenses or permits. The following lists some of the requirements at each level of government for Johnson County, MO. It is a general guide and should not be considered an all-inclusive checklist. Requirements vary depending on the type, size, location, etc., of your business.
Please refer to individual cities below to determine permitting, licensing, and planning/zoning regulations, if currently in place.
Johnson County Merchants Licenses
Johnson County Tax Collector
Phone: 660-747-5531
Missouri Statute Section 150 requires that every person, corporation, partnership or association of persons who deals as a merchant is required to obtain a county merchant license. A merchant is defined in the Missouri Statutes as: a person, corporation, partnership or association of persons who engages in the selling of goods, wares and merchandise at any store at wholesale or retail.
Do I need a Johnson County Merchant's License for my business?
Yes, if you answer yes to all of the items below:
▪ The business is located in Johnson County either within or outside the city limits of any incorporated area.
▪ There is a sales tax number issued to the business by the Missouri Department of Revenue.
▪ Product or merchandise is sold at retail.
▪ You collect and remit sales tax to the Missouri Department of Revenue.
How do I obtain a Merchant's License?
Visit the link above or call the Johnson County Collector's office at (660) 747-5531.
Johnson County Liquor Licenses
Johnson County Clerk’s Office
Phone: 660-747-6161
To receive a Johnson County Liquor License, you must first have a State Liquor License obtained from the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. Once you have obtained the State Liquor License, you may contact the Johnson County Clerk’s Office to obtain a County Liquor License. Please note, some cities may require a specific liquor license as well.
Johnson County Community Health Environmental Health Permits
Johnson County Community Health
Phone: 660-747-6121, ext. 258
Environmental Public Health includes services and resources relating to sanitation and safety inspections of food establishments, child care facilities and lodging establishments as well as oversight of onsite wastewater treatment system construction and technical assistance for all environmental public health concerns. Please use the following links to access information about specific environmental public health services.
- Child Care Sanitation
- Food Protection Program
- Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
- Other Environmental Health Concerns
Johnson County Floodplain Management –
Johnson County Emergency Management
Phone: 660-747-2666
Floodplain maps for the unincorporated areas of Johnson County as well as the cities of Warrensburg, Holden and Knob Noster are available for viewing in the Emergency Management office, as well as base flood elevations of some of the bridges in the county for permit purposes. If you are building in a special flood hazard area in the unincorporated areas of Johnson County, you will need to obtain a permit from the Emergency Management office. If you are building in the incorporated city limits, you will need to contact the respective city hall.
Military Airport Zoning Commission– Unincorporated Areas surrounding Whiteman AFB Johnson County Economic Development Corporation
Phone: 660-747-0244
The Johnson County Military Airport Planning Commission was formed to protect the residents and businesses surrounding Whiteman Air Force Base from flight hazards and to limit encroachment in the unincorporated areas. If you are interested in locating your business within close proximity to Whiteman Air Force Base, please contact the JCEDC office at 660-747-0244.
Johnson County (Unincorporated Areas) Planning and Zoning –
There are no planning and zoning regulations, building codes, inspections or occupancy certificates in Johnson County, Missouri, for the unincorporated areas, unless the property is located in the Whiteman Air Force Base Zoning area. If building in an incorporated city limits, city ordinances will apply.
Johnson County, MO - No Planning and Zoning Letter-Signed
Johnson County, Missouri (Unincorporated Areas) Planning and Zoning –
For unincorporated areas of Johnson County, Missouri, there are no planning and zoning regulations, building codes or occupancy certificates, unless the property is located in the Whiteman Air Force Base (WAFB) Planning and Zoning area. More information on the Military Airport Zoning Commission (MAZC) can be found below.
County Right of Way - If construction includes working within 30 feet of the center of a county road or trail, visit www.JoCoCourthouse.com or contact the Commissioners (660-747-2112) for right of way procedures and application.
If applicable to your project, Onsite Wastewater Treatment System permits need to be obtained through the Johnson County Community Health Services.
For incorporated city limits, city ordinances will apply. Please refer to individual cities below to review planning and zoning information.
For more information on planning and zoning in Johnson County, click HERE.
NOTE: If you are unsure if a property is in unincorporated Johnson County or incorporated city limits, please contact JCEDC at 660.747.0244 and we will assist you.
Military Airport Zoning Commission– Unincorporated Areas surrounding Whiteman AFB
Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission
Phone: 660.463.7934
If you are interested in locating your business within close proximity to Whiteman Air Force Base, please contact the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission Military Airport Zoning Commission. The Johnson County Military Airport Zoning Commission was formed to protect the residents and businesses surrounding Whiteman Air Force Base from flight hazards and to limit encroachment in the unincorporated areas. More information on the Military Airport Zoning Commission (MAZC) can be found HERE as well as the WAFB Zoning Viewer.
City of Centerview, Missouri
Centerview City Hall
206 S Main St.
Centerview, MO 64019
Phone: 660-656-3688
At this time, the City of Centerview does not have planning and zoning and does not require a building permit or business license. For more information, contact the Centerview City Hall.
City of Chilhowee, Missouri
Chilhowee City Hall
Phone: 660-678-3738
At this time, the City of Chilhowee does not have planning and zoning and does not require a building permit or business license. For more information, contact the Chilhowee City Hall.
City of Holden, Missouri
Holden City Hall
101 W 3rd St.
Holden, MO 64040
Phone: 816-732-4811
Building Permits: Before beginning any major renovation or new construction in Holden, the City of Holden requires that a building permit be obtained.
- Business License: City of Holden requires a business license. Business licenses can be obtained from City Hall during open hours.
- Liquor License: Contact Holden City Hall regarding liquor licensing.
- Planning and Zoning: Before beginning your new business in Holden, please verify that zoning is conducive to your operations.
City of Kingsville, Missouri
103 N Olive St.
Kingsville, MO 64061
Phone: 816-597-0182
Building Permits and Licenses are required within the City of Kingsville. For more information, contact the City of Kingsville City Hall.
City of Knob Noster, Missouri
Knob Noster City Hall
201 N State Street
Knob Noster, MO 65336
Phone: 660-563-2595
- Building Permits: Before beginning any major renovation or new construction in Knob Noster, the city requires that a building permit be obtained. The application form can be found here.
- Business License: The City of Knob Noster requires that a business license be obtained if operating inside the city limits.
- Liquor License: The cost varies with type of license requested. Please contact City Clerk for more information
- Planning and Zoning: Before beginning your new business in Knob Noster, please verify that zoning is conducive to your operations.
City of Leeton, Missouri
108 West Summerfield, P.O. Box 87
Leeton, MO 64761
Phone: 660-653-4622
Business License: Any business located inside the city limits or businesses that conduct business inside the City of Leeton are required to obtain a business license from City Hall. Business licenses are $10 and are renewed annually on June 1. Proof of liability insurance is required to obtain a business license. Individuals or businesses conducting business inside the city limits are subject to applicable fines and penalties.
For questions, or to obtain a business license, contact the City of Leeton City Hall.
City of Warrensburg
Warrensburg City Hall
102 South Holden
Warrensburg, MO 64093
Phone: 660-747-9131
- Building Permits: A building permit is required to be issued before you start your construction project. If you are wondering if your project requires a building permit, please contact the Permit Clerk at 660-747-9135.
- Business License: Any business operating within the City Limits of Warrensburg is required to obtain a City business license. Those businesses pay a fee based on it's gross volume of business. Certain occupations are listed specifically in the City's Code of Ordinance and are require to pay a flat fee.
Note: All food related business are required to pass inspection from the Health Department 660-747-6121 before opening for business.
Retail locations require an approved City inspection before open to the public.
Business Licenses may obtained from the City Collector at City Hall. For applications and related documents, click HERE. - Liquor License: Warrensburg requires a liquor license. State and County liquor licenses are also required.
- Signs: Warrensburg regulates the number, type, and placement of signs used to advertise your business. Contact the City Planner to receive a Warrensburg Sign Permit Application. These are also available online.
- Planning & Zoning: Planning & Zoning is a division of Community Development which provides day-to-day support for the development and building community, as well as citizens of Warrensburg. Planning and Zoning staff administers the zoning regulations within the city limits. Warrensburg has 11 separate zoning districts, each with minimum lot size, building height, setback, parking, landscaping and other requirements.
- Zoning Map: The official zoning map can be viewed at City Hall, 102 S. Holden Street, Warrensburg, MO during business hours or you can view the online Warrensburg Zoning Map. Copies of the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance can be purchased at City Hall located at 102 S. Holden Street. If you have a question concerning a specific zoning requirement for your project, please contact the City Planner at 660-747-9135.
- Professional Building and Site Plans are required for any property that is commercial, industrial, or multi-family (3+ units)