The following are highlights of some of the major provisions of the city's ordinance about fence construction and maintenance in residential areas.

When do I need a fence permit?

• A fence permit is required when you are constructing a new fence or extending an existing one.
• A permit is required when you are reconstructing more than half of the linear length of your entire fence. Permits are issued through the Building Safety Division. A plot plan of the property showing where the fence will be located will be required before a permit can be issued.

How high can my fence be?

Fences may be constructed to a maximum height of eight feet.

Where am I allowed to place it?

A fence may not be constructed in the front yard, except for a decorative entry fence. For specific details, contact the Planner-of-the-Day at pod@opkansas.org or 913/895-6217.

• A fence may be constructed to the property line of the rear and side yards, except when the rear or side yard abuts a collector or local street, then a fence or wall may be constructed no closer than 15 feet from the rear or side property line.
• A fence is not permitted in a platted landscape easement unless approved by the Planning Commission as part of a landscape/screening plan for a subdivision. Landscape easements are generally found adjacent to major streets in the newer subdivisions south of 103rd St. Contact the Planner-of-the-Day for more information.
• Fences adjacent to a thoroughfare are generally required to provide one gate opening per lot to allow access to the area between the fence and the street for maintenance and mowing.
  Note: The curb line of the street is not your property line. Call Planner-of-the-Day for further assistance on determining the proper placement.

How do I construct my fence?

All fences must be constructed with a finished side facing outward from the property. The posts and support beams must be on the inside or must be designed as part of the finished surface.

How do I maintain my fence?

All fences must be maintained in good, sound condition. They must be free of damage, breaks or missing structural members.

Areas that are leaning, buckling, sagging or deteriorating must be repaired or replaced with compatible material. The area at the base of the fence must be kept free of debris and neatly trimmed.

Where fencing has been previously painted and there are areas of chipping, peeling, scaling or missing paint equal to or greater than 20 percent of the fence surface, then the surface must be repainted or stripped of all paint.

If I need more information, who can help me?

• Fence requirements for new/extended fences, please contact the Planner-of-the-Day at pod@opkansas.org or 913/895-6217.
• Fence permits- please contact the Plans Examiner-of-the-Day at peod@opkansas.org or 913/895-6225.
• Fence maintenance violations may be reported to Neighborhood Preservation at property@opkansas.org or 913/895-6270.