This list provides general information regarding permit requirements for various residential construction and maintenance activities. The city may regulate work even if a permit is not necessary, some of those requirements have been included. Please call 913/895-6225 if you have questions on these projects or on projects that are not included.
Administrative - licensing
requirements
All persons undertaking work which requires a building permit are required
to have a currently valid Johnson
County Contractors License. For licensing information, please contact
Johnson County at 913/715-2233.
Arbor/Trellis/Shade Structure
No permit is required with these exceptions: The overhead structure must be
at least 50% open, unobstructed, and not be capable of providing for a buildup
of water, snow, ice or debris. Under these conditions, there are no load
requirements in the code. The structure must comply with setback requirements
of the dwelling when associated with the dwelling, or when detached, must
maintain the setbacks required for an accessory structure. Maintain 8-foot
vertical over roof or 3-foot horizontal clearance to overhead conductors
per the National Electrical Code (NEC) 230-42; framing shall be spaced to
limit accumulation of water, snow or ice. Also see Awnings
and Canopies.
Air Conditioner
Replacement
Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Air conditioners (except window
air conditioners) require a permit. Repair does not require a permit (includes
condenser replacement). If the demand for the unit is greater than the old
unit, conductor sizes may need to be increased. A means to disconnect power
is required within sight of the unit.
Accessory
Structure* (detached/residential) -
garages, sheds, carports, gazebos and greenhouses
Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Garages, sheds and storage
buildings less than 200 square feet must comply with zoning setbacks and subdivision
regulations, but do not require a building permit. A permit is required for
accessory structures 200 square feet in area or greater. Materials used must
be compatible with residential construction. A permit is required for any electrical
or plumbing installation in an accessory structure. (Accessory
Structures .pdf handout)
Alarm/Security System
An alarm permit is
required by the Overland Park Police Department. No additional permit is required
by the Planning and Development Department. Low-voltage wiring (less than 12
volts) does not require a permit.
Addition - residential
Yes, a permit is required. The addition of a building area to a dwelling requires
a permit regardless of the area. Replacement of a deck or porch also requires
a permit.
Awning/Canopies
No permit is required. Awnings on one- and two-family dwellings do not require
a permit.
Backwater Valve
Yes, a permit is required. Backwater valves are installed to prevent sewer backups
into the floor below the level of the upstream manhole. The Johnson
County Wastewater District requires these on dwellings in locations subject
to sewer backups. Only fixtures below the manhole level can drain through these
valves since they require a high degree of maintenance.
Basement Finish* - residential
Yes, a permit is required. Permits are required to install walls or framing
to finish a basement. A
handout is available (.pdf file) which describes special plumbing, mechanical,
electrical, framing and insulation requirements for basement finishes.
Cabinet Installation/Replacement
No permit is required with these exceptions: Cabinets and shelves are non-structural
and generally are treated similar to furniture, a permit is not required.
Electrical or plumbing modifications associated with cabinet replacement
require a permit.
Decks*
Yes, a permit is required. New decks or replacement of existing decks (regardless
of the height above grade) and balconies require a permit to verify setbacks
from property lines and structural stability. A
brochure showing comprehensive requirements is available (.pdf file). See
also Porches.
Demolition Permits
Complete demolition needs only to have proof that all utilities have been turned
off. Partial demolition (i.e. mall renovation) requires plans to be submitted
to Initial Screening Process (ISP) for review.
Demolition for underground fuel tank (UST underground storage tank) requires the following for a permit:
- state license to remove tank
- county contractor license
- the permit will stipulate "Tanks must be below .50 LEL and city inspector to verify prior to removal of the tank from the ground"
- tanks to be continually vented during extraction process.
Dishwasher - new and replacement
No permit is required to replace an existing dishwasher.
Yes, a permit is required for new installation. New installation requires a separate circuit (can be combined with garbage disposal circuit). If a new branch circuit is installed, an electrical permit is required. Dishwashers and disposals are to be on a separate circuit from the two required counter top small appliance circuits.
Driveways and Drive
Approach Replacement
No permit is required for driveway replacement on private property. Driveway
on private property requires minimum 4-inch air entrained concrete. A drive
cannot be closer than 2 feet to adjoining property and cannot occupy more than
35 percent of the front yard area.
A right-of-way work permit is required for an approach (paving from the property line to the curb). An approach addition or replacement requires a minimum 6-inch paving with approved city concrete mix. Contact the Engineering Services Division (913/895-3195) or Public Works (913/895-6040) for additional information on approach modifications.
Dwelling - new
Yes, a permit is required for new dwellings. Plans sealed by a licensed Kansas
architect or engineer must be submitted and reviewed in advance of permit
issuance. The following handouts (.pdf files) are provided as a guide to
the requirements for new dwellings:
- Energy Conservation One- and Two- Family Dwellings
- Residential Basement Foundations One- and Two- Family Dwellings
Electrical
Low Voltage Wiring
No permit is required. Low voltage wiring in plenums and return air spaces
must meet the applicable flame spread requirements for plenums in the mechanical
code. This would also apply to controllers for lawn sprinkler systems and alarm
systems.
Electrical Service
Upgrade - residential
Yes, a permit is required for electrical service upgrades.
Electrical Service Upgrade
- commercial
Yes, a permit is required for electrical service upgrades. Commercial service
upgrades require a schematic of the service upgrade and a seal by a Kansas
licensed electrical engineer.
Electrical Portable
Generator - residential
No permit is required with these exceptions: A permit is required for a generator
that is direct wired to the building's main electrical system - transfer switch
required.
Electrical Miscellaneous
Repair/Replacement
Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Replacement of receptacles
or light fixtures is considered repair and does not require a permit. New branch
circuits or extension of branch circuits or placing additional fixtures or
receptacles on an existing circuit require a permit.
Elevator
No permit is required if adding weight (additional dead loads) that is less
than 5% of cars total dead weight.
Yes, a permit is required if adding more than 5% of cars total dead weight.
Fence*
Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: New residential fences require
issuance of a permit. Replacement of an existing fence requires a permit
if more than 50% of total length is being replaced.
No permit required if fence replacement is less than 50% of the total length and of the identical materials and type of fence, it is considered a repair. (See fence permits handout)
Fence - electric
No permit is required if using off-the-shelf, step-down transformers that plug
into a standard receptacle.
Fence
- electronic (invisible fence)
Some requirements by Police
Animal Control: RE: OPMC 6.08.0201:
- not permitted in the front yard,
- not permitted within 10 feet of adjoining property line or public sidewalk,
- property must be clearly posted indicating electronic fence confines a dog.
Flatwork
on Private Property - driveway, sidewalks, concrete patio
No permit is required with these exceptions: Flatwork (concrete slabs on grade)
on private property and not supporting a structure do not require permits.
The minimum driveway thickness of 4-inches of air-entrained concrete is required.
Driveways must be setback a minimum 2 feet from property lines. Homeowners
performing work in the right-of-way
should contact the Engineering
Services Division for specific requirements.
Foundation Repair
Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: No permit is required for
maintenance and repair, i.e., epoxy injection. Wall replacement or the addition
of structural columns or bulkhead require a permit and an engineered design
(sealed plan).
Furnace Replacement
Yes, a permit is required. Many new furnaces and hot water heaters have venting
systems which are fan-assisted and are high efficiency. The existing venting
system may not be adequately designed for the new system. Repair does not
require a permit (including fan replacement).
Garage Door Opener
No permit is required. Cord and plug-connected equipment does not require a
permit.
Garbage
Disposal - new/replacement
No permit is required for replacing a garbage disposal.
Yes, a permit is required if it is a new installation which requires a separate circuit (can be combined with dishwasher circuit). If a new branch circuit is installed, an electrical permit is required. The dishwasher and disposal are to be on a separate circuit from the two required counter top small appliance circuits.
Gas
Line (inside a building) -
installation/replacement
Yes, a permit is required. To assure gas line installations and replacement
are of approved materials and free of leaks, a permit is required. Copper gas
lines are permitted if the copper is listed as gas pipe (minimum Type K or
L, identified continuously on each pipe). Pressure test mercury gauge to 10
inches.
Gas
Line (outside a building) -
installation/replacement
No permit is required with this exception: The line from the house to the meter
(service line) is the responsibility of the Kansas
Corporation Commission and the utility company. Lines from the house to
gaslights, cookers, or other accessory structures (yard lines) would be covered
by the building code and require a permit.
Gas Tank
(LP) - residential
No permit is required with these exceptions: Permit is not required for a tank
with less than 500-gallon capacity (see Fire Code). Must comply with the same
setbacks as accessory structures. Minimum 5-foot separation from openings below
grade and minimum 10-foot separation from ignition sources.
House Move
Yes, a permit is required for structures to be moved from, to or through the
City of Overland Park. Planning and coordination with multiple government
entities and utility companies is required. Applicants should contact the
Building Safety Division at 913/895-6225 at least 30 days prior to the anticipated
move.
A permit is not required for transporting mobile homes or modular building sections that are designed to be relocated in their transported state.
Lawn Irrigation System
No permit is required with these exceptions: Any work in the public right-of-way
requires issuance of a right-of-way
work permit; contact the Public
Works Department for more information. Although the Plumbing Code does
have provisions for lawn irrigation systems, building permits are not required.
Licensing Requirements
All persons undertaking work which requires a building permit are required
to have a currently valid Johnson County Contractors License. For licensing
information, please contact Johnson
County Contractor Licensing at 913/715-2233.
Painting, Wallpaper,
Paneling, Wainscoting
No permit is required. Painting and wall finish does not require a permit.
Commercial facilities, elevators, corridors, stairway enclosures, etc., have
specific flame spread requirements that are regulated by the Building Code.
Patios
No permit is required for patios on grade consisting of concrete or brick.
See also Flatwork, Retaining
Walls and Electrical.
Playground Equipment
No permit is required.
Plumbing Fixture Installation
- repair/replacement
No permit is required. Fixture replacement is considered repair/ maintenance
and therefore does not require a permit. This would include sinks, lavatories,
tubs, showers, valves, garbage disposals, dishwashers, etc.
Yes, a permit is required for installation or replacement of the building piping or drainage system.
Plumbing - sump pumps
No permit required with these exceptions: Replacement of an existing pump does
not require a permit. New sump pumps require a dedicated GFCI electric circuit,
and a permit is required for new branch circuits. Johnson
County Wastewater District does not permit sump pump connections to
the sanitary sewer system.
Pools*
Yes, a permit is required. Swimming pools more than 24 inches deep and all
spas and hot tubs require a permit prior to installation. There are specific
electrical and enclosure requirements for spas and hot tubs. (See Swimming
Pool/Spa Permits for additional information)
Pools Less Than 24 Inches Deep
No permit is required with these exceptions: The code does not regulate pools
of water less than 24 inches deep that do not contain recirculating equipment.
Recirculating equipment requires an electrical permit. (See Swimming
Pool/Spa Permits for additional information)
Porches*
Yes, a permit is required to install, replace or enclose a deck or porch. Porches
may project a maximum of 6' into the required front yard with a maximum area
of 60 sq. feet. (.pdf version of
residential decks handout)
Retaining Walls
Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Retaining walls less than
48 inches in height do not require permits. Walls over 48 inches require
a permit and engineered (sealed) design. No setback requirements.
Roofing - repair/replacement
No permit is required. Reroofing is considered repair and does not require
a permit. Although a permit is not required, the code has specific material
and installation requirements for roofing and reroofing. A composition roof
may be installed over wood shingles (not permitted over shakes) . No more
than two layers of any type of covering may be placed on a roof. If three
layers of roofing are in place, all layers shall be removed prior to installation
of additional roofing. Some homes associations regulate the quality and color
of roof coverings - these are not enforced by the city.
Roof Deck - repair/replacement
No permit is required.
Satellite Dishes
No permit is required for one- and two-family dwellings. Dishes less than 24
inches in diameter may be attached to the house. Ground-mounted dishes must
comply with the OPMC 18.390.140-1: maximum 13 feet high, located in the rear
year, setback from adjacent property line equal to height and underground
electrical.
Septic
Tank Demolition and Connection to Public Sewer System
Yes, a permit is required. No drawings needed, provide a copy of sewer connection
permit from Johnson County Wastewater with permit
application.
Sewer Line Replacement - exterior
No permit is required for sewer line replacement. The Johnson
County Wastewater District regulates the sewer line from the exterior
wall to the sewer main.
Sidewalk Replacement
in Right-of-Way
Yes, a right-of-way permit is required
for additional or replacement sidewalk. The sidewalk must meet with the City's
standard details. The permit may be obtained by contacting the Public
Works Department.
Siding - replacement/repair
No permit is required. Siding repair and replacement are considered maintenance
and do not require issuance of a permit. The building code contains requirements
regarding siding applications and flashing.
Signs
and Banners
Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Permits for signs are covered
in Chapter 18.440 of the Unified Development Ordinance.
Monument Signs
Yes, a permit is required. This permit is obtained through Planning and
inspected by a sign enforcement inspector.
Spas and Hot Tubs*
Yes, a permit is required. There are specific electrical and enclosure requirements
for spas and hot tubs. See Swimming
Pool/Spa permits .
Swimming Pools*
Yes, a permit is required. Swimming pools more than 24 inches deep and all
spas and hot tubs require a permit prior to installation. There are specific
electrical and enclosure requirements for spas and hot tubs. See Swimming
Pool/spa permits , see also notes on Pools.
Tents
Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Tents are reviewed and approved
by the Overland Park Fire Department for
special events. Tents less than 900 square feet with less than 50 people
do not require permits.
Towers - radio/communication
Yes, a permit is required with these exceptions: Residential - permits required;
engineering data to support the design may be required.
Tree Houses
No permit is required. Tree houses are not addressed by the Building Code or
Zoning Ordinance; therefore a permit is not required. Electrical connections
to tree houses are not permitted.
Water Heater Replacement
Yes, a permit is required. Many new furnaces and hot water heaters have venting
systems that are fan-assisted and are high efficiency, the existing venting
system may not be adequately designed for the new system.
Water Line Replacement - exterior
No permit is required for general water line replacement. A permit is required
for the replacement or repair of fire service mains serving private fire
hydrants, fire suppression systems (sprinkler) or standpipe systems.
This page is also available at the Building Safety front counter at City Hall, 8500 Santa Fe Drive (map), or in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format.
*Handout available in Documents and Forms.