Fence permits are issued by the Building Safety Division of the Planning and Development Services Department at City Hall (map) and must be obtained prior to beginning construction.
A permit is required when:
- A new fence is being constructed
- An existing fence is being extended
- An existing fence is being replaced with a new fence that is a different size, at a different location or of a different design (e.g. a chain link fence being replaced by a wood privacy fence)
- More than 50 percent of the linear length of an existing fence is being replaced
A fence permit is not required if less that 50 percent of the length of an existing fence is being replaced and no changes are made to the fence size or materials. If less that 50 percent of an existing fence is being replaced, then the replacement fence must either be in compliance with the location and design requirements listed below or are identical to the existing fence (i.e., the same location, the same size and design and constructed of the same materials).
In addition, a fence cannot be replaced if it is located near a street intersection and impedes visibility in the sight distance triangle as defined in the Unified Development Ordinance, section 18.420.060.
For more information, download the handout regarding requirements for residential fence permits and fence construction (.pdf file).
If you have additional questions, contact the Plans Examiner of the Day (PEOD) at 913/895-6225 or peod@opkansas.org.