Johnson County Building Codes Department

Q. How do I know if this is the right Web Page for the information I need?
A. If you live in Johnson County but within city limits, contact that City Hall (a listing of all the cities in Johnson County). If you live in Johnson County but outside city limits, contact this office. 913-715-2200.

Q. What is the first step I take when I have decided to buy property, build a home, add a structure, divide property, start a business in my home?
A. Speak with a Planner for the Unincorporated Area of Johnson County. This will give you information on any restrictions and flood plain information for the property. 913-715-2201.

Q. Who do I contact to apply for an address for my new property?
A. The County Clerk's office: 913-715-0791 or 913-715-0787.

Q. Where do I apply for a permit?
A. If you live in the Unincorporated Area of Johnson County, you come to this office located at 111 S. Cherry, Suite 3500, Olathe, Ks 66061, 913-715-2200. If you live within city limits contact your City Hall. A listing of city offices is located to the left.

Q. What do I need to submit to obtain a Building Permit?
A. Go to the Building Permits page and select type of structure. You will find a check list.

Q. How long does it take to get a permit?
A. Residential approximately 3 to 7 business days. Commercial approximately 7 to 14 business days.

Q. Who must be licensed?
A. Unincorporated Johnson County requires that all General, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, Roofing, Pool, Demolition and Sprinkler Contractors be licensed. Each City may vary!

See Minimum Class Required.

Q: How do I get information on the Contractor's Licensing program?
A. http://contractorlicensing.jocogov.org

Q. How do I know if I need a permit?
A. Located on the home page is a listing of "exempt from permits", categorized by Residential, Commercial, Electrical, etc. All decks, roofs and new structures require a permit. A permit is required to enlarge, alter, repair, move or demolish. A permit is required to repair, remove, convert, or replace electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing.

Q. Do I need a permit to build a detached building? (shed, storage, any detached structure other than your main dwelling)
A. For residential purpose, any detached one story structure with floor area of 120 sq.' and over requires a permit. Any structure regardless of size has setback requirements, contact the Planning Department, 913-715-2201. For commercial purpose, any structure with floor area of 120 sq.' and over requires a permit.

Q. Do I need a permit for siding my home?
A. Yes

Q. Do I need a permit for replacing my windows?
A. Yes

Q. What is a site (plot) plan?
A. There is a sample of one on the forms page of this web site. The site plan should include the following information; to scale the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grades; and it shall be drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary line survey.

Q. Do I need a Building Permit to fence my yard?
A. A building permit for residential or commercial properties is not needed unless the fence is over 6' in height. For any fencing under 6' you will need to contact the Planning Department, 913-715-2201, for details pertaining to your area.

Q. How long is a Building Permit good for?
A. Six months from the issue date and remains valid as long as there is an inspection within 6 months.

Q. Do my building plans have to be sealed by a licensed Design Professional?
A. Residential plans, (2 sets), do not have to be sealed unless non-conventional framing is used. Non-conventional framing can include ICF, straw bale, post framed or steel framed construction. Commercial plans, (3 sets), all need to be sealed. One of the three sets needs to be wet sealed with original signature.

Q. What is the phone number to call for Unincorporated Johnson County inspections?
A. 913-715-2200

Q. What do I do if I miss a required inspection?
A. Call this office, 913-715-2200, to speak with an inspector. We will work with you to bring your inspections up to date.

Q. Can I call for a final inspection and move in before my house is finished?
A. No, your home must be completely finished. Completely finished includes such commonly overlooked items such as the address being posted, all flooring and wall covering, all landings, and decks. You must also have had your final inspection done from Public Works and Environmental before calling.

Q. Why can't homeowners pull permits on rental property?
A. In order to receive an exemption to the Johnson County Contractor Licensing Regulations, which requires the use of a licensed contractor to do the work, the residence MUST be for the use and occupancy of the homeowner only. It may not be built for sale or lease. Note: All commercial projects must have a licensed General Contractor and licensed Subs listed, the owner cannot do the work.

Q. Who do I contact about starting/operating a business?
A. Contact the City Hall of the city in which you intend to operate/headquarter/locate your business for licensing and zoning approvals. The County has no business licensing requirements except for itinerant daily, door to door sales and auctions, may contact the Records & Taxation Department at 913-715-0775 to confirm.

If you intend to locate a business in the unincorporated area of the County, contact the County Planning Department at 913-715-2201 to receive approval for locating your business in the proper zoning district.

Also check: Operating a business in Kansas.

Q. Is the County enforcing Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection?
A. No, not at this time.

Q. Are floor drains permitted?
A. Floor drains are permitted in detached buildings. The shall be run to daylight. They do not require an inspection.

Q. When will I get my Certificate of Occupancy?
A. The Certificate of Occupancy is issued within a couple of days following a passed final inspection
and is mailed to the owner, unless otherwise specified.

Q. How close can one structure be to another?
A. Please see this exterior wall information from the 2006 International Building Code.

Planning, Development & Codes (Building Code Department)
111 South Cherry, Suite 3500
Olathe, Kansas 66061
Questions & Inspections 913-715-2200 FAX 913-715-2222
e-mail: janie.gordon@jocogov.org