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Construction resumes at Clay County annex site following permit battle

By Madison Parry

Work has resumed for the new county annex building after a halt in progress following legal questions and an inspector-issued stop work order. The $20 million project sparked tension between county representatives and the county auditor’s office due to claims that necessary permits were not obtained before construction began.

Tension surrounding a new Clay County annex building escalated in September after a Kansas City, Mo. inspector issued a stop work order for the site.

Now, construction is back on track for the $20 million project located at Missouri 152 Highway and North Brighton Avenue.

The stop work order claims county representatives did not obtain the permits needed for the project before beginning construction.

In response, Clay County’s privately hired attorney, Lowell Pearson with Husch Blackwell, sent back a letter threatening legal action against the city if inspectors did not allow construction to resume.

“The county has no intention of obtaining a site disturbance permit nor any other approvals/permits from the city in regard to the construction of the county’s courthouse annex,” Pearson said in the letter, citing court rulings that show Clay County is granted jurisdiction over site selection and construction of any county buildings.

Included in the letter was reference to a Missouri Department of Natural Resources land disturbance permit, which Pearson said was enough justification to for the project to continue without city permits.