The KC Homeowner’s Protocol: Verifying Roofing Credentials

In the Kansas City metro, the "Stateline Shuffle" creates a complex regulatory environment. A contractor legal to work in Waldo might be unauthorized to nail a single shingle in Prairie Village. Professional verification requires a multi-jurisdictional approach.

The Kansas Side: The Two-Tiered Check

Homeowners in Johnson County (Overland Park, Leawood) and Wyandotte County must verify two distinct legal requirements. Unlike many states, Kansas requires a state-level registration specifically for roofers.

1. Kansas Attorney General’s Registry

Per the Kansas Roofing Contractor Registration Act, any person or business performing roofing services for a fee must be registered with the State.

  • Search the AG database for an active status and a "Roofing Contractor Registration Number."
  • Verify the business name matches exactly—subsidiaries or "DBAs" must be registered.

2. Johnson County Contractor Licensing (JoCo CL)

Most JoCo municipalities (except for a few smaller jurisdictions) centralize their licensing. A Class A, B, or C license is required, or a specialty "Class DR" (Roofing) license.

  • Use the JoCo CL Online Search.
  • Check for "Active" status and confirm they carry the required General Liability (minimum $1,000,000) and Workers’ Comp.

The Missouri Side: Municipal Sovereignty

Missouri does not have a statewide roofing license. This places the burden of verification on the city level. If you live in neighborhoods like Brookside, the Northland, or Lee’s Summit, the process changes significantly.

Kansas City, MO (KCMO)

Verification occurs through the Compass KC portal. Roofers must hold a valid Contractor License issued by the City Planning and Development Department. Search by business name to ensure their license hasn't expired.

Independence & Lee’s Summit

These cities maintain independent business licensing bureaus. A contractor must have a current occupational license and present a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that lists the city as a certificate holder.

The "Certificate of Insurance" Deep Dive

A license is only half the battle. To truly verify a contractor, you must request a COI sent directly from their insurance agent (e.g., local agencies like Truss or Marsh McLennan Agency).

  • ✔Workers’ Compensation: Essential even for small crews. If a worker falls on your property in Mission Hills and the contractor is uninsured, the homeowner’s policy is often the next target.
  • ✔General Liability: Should cover at least $1,000,000 to protect against property damage (e.g., a deck fire or major interior water damage during a sudden storm).

Local Codes & Material Verification

Verification also extends to whether the contractor understands the specific International Residential Code (IRC) cycle adopted by your city. For instance, many Johnson County cities have transitioned to the 2018 or 2021 IRC, which mandates specific ice and water shield requirements (R905.1.2) due to KC’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Ask your contractor which local supplier they use. Major regional hubs like ABC Supply Co. or Beacon Building Products on the Westside or in Lenexa often maintain lists of "Preferred Contractors" who have already passed internal credit and licensing audits.