Permits, Licenses + Inspections for Building + Construction
Licenses, permits, and inspections are often required for commercial and residential development. Many permit applications and fees can be handled using ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
The following permits and an inspection may be required for residential or commercial building projects in Overland Park.
When online permitting is available, a link will direct you to ePLACE. You can download applications for other permits via PDF documents linked below. Submit drawings based on the standards included below.
All persons undertaking work which requires a building permit are required to have a current valid Johnson County Contractor’s License (excluding residential fences). Homeowner’s (owner-occupied) acting as the contractor for their own personal home projects do not need to be licensed; however, any subcontractors that they hire are required to have a valid Johnson County Contractor’s License.
For licensing questions, please contact Johnson County Contractor Licensing at (913) 715-2233.
Online and In-Person Payment Policy:
Credit card payments for invoices may not exceed $10,000. Payments in excess of $10,000 must be made by check or online via e-check. Service fees will not be charged on credit card, check or e-check transactions.
Building Codes
Overland Park reviews all commercial and residential construction plans and documents that require a building permit. Overland Park uses the 2018 International Building Codes package when reviewing building plans for commercial and residential projects. Learn more about building codes.
Homeowners Associations
Neighborhoods with homeowners associations or neighborhood groups may have additional bylaws, restrictions or requirements for construction. Please check with your association prior to construction.
Residential Permits
A building permit is required for any new residential building, addition, alteration or demolition including decks, fences, pools, or a change in the use of a building. Installation or replacement of any building wiring or equipment, including but not limited to branch circuits, electrical panels, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and more.
You can apply, attach plans, pay fees and access approved plans upon issuance for any type of residential building permit through the ePLACE portal.
Contact permit services at 913-895-6220 or [email protected] if you need help.
Accessory Structure Permit
A permit is required for one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, which exceed 200 square feet. Materials used must be compatible with residential construction. Refer to our Guidelines for Residential Accessory Structures and Room Additions.
Addition Permit
A permit is required for addition on a building, regardless of the area.
- Guidelines for Residential Accessory Structures and Room Additions
- Online Residential Building Permit Applications
Alarm Users Permit
A permit is required for alarms that are connected to emergency services. You can apply online.
Basement Finish + Remodel Permit
A permit is required for construction walls, installation or extension of electrical circuits, plumbing drains or vents, or ductwork.
Blasting + Explosives Permit
A permit is required for the use of explosives at a residential or commercial construction site. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Deck, Balcony or Porch Permit
A permit is required for new decks, or replacement of existing decks, balconies, or porches.
Demolition Permit
A permit is required before demolition of an existing structure can begin. Confirmation of the disconnection of service utility connections from the various utility companies are required before a demolition permit will be issued.
Electrical Miscellaneous Permit
A permit is required for new branch circuits or extension of branch circuits or placing additional fixtures or receptacles on an existing circuit. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Electrical Service Permit
A permit is required to add or upgrade an existing electrical service. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Elevator Permit
A permit is required for installation of elevators, platform lifts and stairway lifts in existing buildings.
Fence or Wall Permit
A fence permit is required to install a new fence and for substantial updates to existing fences. Retaining walls higher than 48 inches also require a permit.
Floodplain Development Permit
A permit is required for any work within the FEMA-designated floodplain. This is a supplemental permit that is processed as part of an existing construction permit.
Foundation Repair Permit
A permit is required for all foundation repairs except minor maintenance and repair, such as epoxy injections.
Furnace/Air Conditioner Permit
A permit is required for new, additional, or replacement furnaces or air conditioning systems. Many new furnaces and 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. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Gas Line Permit
A permit is required for installation of a new gas line or extending an existing gas line. inside or outside the building (gaslights, outdoor kitchens, accessory structures). The new line shall be tested with test pressure of 1-1/2 times the proposed maximum working pressure, but not less than 3 psig. Test pressure duration shall not be less than 10 minutes (Reference 2018 IRC Section G2417.4) The line from the house to the meter (service line) is the responsibility of the Kansas Corporation Commission and the utility company and does not require a permit. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Generator Permit
A permit is required for installation of a new electrical generator. A transfer switch is required and may require manufacturer’s information and a schematic plan of the installation for review. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Mechanical Miscellaneous Permit
A permit is required for mechanical work not covered in other permit types. A scope of work will be required to determine permitting requirements. Apply on ePLACE, the city’s online permitting system.
New Single Family or Duplex Building Permit
A permit is required for construction of a new single-family or duplex building.
- Guidelines for Plot Plan Requirements for New One and Two Family Dwellings
- Residential Plan Review of New One and Two Family Dwellings
- Inspection of New One and Two Family Dwellings
- Guidelines For Metal Lath Installation And Re-siding Dwellings With Stucco Or EIFS
- Guidelines for Window Wells
- Cold Weather Concreting Procedures for One and Two Family Dwellings and Townhomes
- Landscape Certification
- Online Residential Building Permit Applications
- Single Family Residential Erosion and Sediment Control Standards
- Guidelines for Energy-Related Inspections
Plumbing Miscellaneous Permit
A permit is required for new water lines, extending existing water lines, placing additional fixtures, repairs under floors, and repairs involving changing materials. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Pool, Spa, or Hot Tub Construction Permit
Swimming pools more than 24 inches deep and all spas and hot tubs require a permit before installation.
Repair/Remodeling Permit
A permit is required for construction of walls, installation or extension of electrical circuits, plumbing drains or vents, or ductwork.
Retaining Wall Permit
A permit is required for retaining walls higher than 48 inches. Plans require an engineered (sealed) design.
Right of Way Permit
A permit is required for any work in the public right of way, including sprinkler systems, driveway, and driveway approach replacement. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Sewer/Septic Permit
Johnson County Department of Health and Environment requires permits and inspections for septic systems in Overland Park.
Solar Panels
A permit is required to install solar panels. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Utility Locates
Overland Park does not permit utility locates, but requires residents, contractors, and developers to contact Kansas One-Call before beginning any projects that could affect underground utilities.
Water Heater Permit
A permit is required to add or replace a water heater. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Commercial Permits
Permits are required for new commercial tenant finishes remodels, remodels, new elevator installations, demolitions, fences or walls and repairs. Permits are required for all new commercial structures.
- Commercial Site Construction Plan Review Checklist
- Phased Permit Submittal Checklist for Site Development, New Buildings and Tenant Finish
- Special Inspections
- Special Inspections – Statement of Intent Form
- Special Inspections – Final Report Form
- Landscape Certification
- Impervious Surface Drawing Requirements
Addition Permit
A permit is required for addition on a building, regardless of the area. Please apply online through ePLACE.
Alarm Users Permit
A permit is required for alarms that are connected to emergency services. You can apply online.
Blasting + Explosives Permit
A permit is required for the use of explosives at a residential or commercial construction site. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Communications Tower/Antenna Permit
A permit is required for construction of a new tower or the addition, replacement, or upgrade of an existing communication tower or antenna. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Demolition Permit
A permit is required before demolition of an existing structure can begin. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Electrical Miscellaneous Permit
A permit is required for new branch circuits or extension of branch circuits or placing additional fixtures or receptacles on an existing circuit. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Electrical Service Permit
A permit is required to add or upgrade an existing electrical service. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Elevator permit
A permit is required for installation of elevators, platform lifts and stairway lifts in existing buildings. Annual certification of existing commercial elevators and escalators is managed by the Kansas State Fire Marshall’s Office. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Fence or wall permit
A fence permit is required to install a new fence and for substantial updates to existing fences. Retaining walls higher than 48 inches also require a permit. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Fire alarm permit
A permit is required for installation of new fire alarms and extensions or upgrades to existing fire alarm systems. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Fire suppression permit
A permit is required for new fire sprinkler systems and extensions or upgrades to existing fire sprinkler systems. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Floodplain Development Permit
A permit is required for any work within the FEMA-designated floodplain. This is a supplemental permit that is processed as part of an existing construction permit.
Foundation Repair Permit
A permit is required for all foundation repairs except minor maintenance and repair, such as epoxy injections. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Furnace/Air Conditioner Permit
A permit is required for new, additional, or replacement furnaces or air conditioning systems. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Gas Line Permit
A permit is required for installation of a new gas line or extending an existing gas line. inside or outside the building (gaslights, outdoor kitchens, accessory structures). The new line shall be tested with test pressure of 1-1/2 times the proposed maximum working pressure, but not less than 3 psig. Test pressure duration shall not be less than 10 minutes (Reference 2018 IRC Section G2417.4) The line from the house to the meter (service line) is the responsibility of the Kansas Corporation Commission and the utility company and does not require a permit. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Generator Permit
A permit is required for installation of a new electrical generator. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Land Disturbance Permit
A permit is required for clearing, demolition, area grading, and utility construction for sites larger than one acre, when no other building permit is required. This is not required for private storm sewers. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
- Land Disturbance Permit – Utility Authorization
- Land Disturbance Permit – Owner Authorization
- Contractor – Erosion Control Surety Acknowledgement
Mechanical Miscellaneous Permit
A permit is required for mechanical work not covered in other permit types. A scope of work will be required to determine permitting requirements. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Plumbing Miscellaneous Permit
A permit is required for new water lines, extending existing water lines, placing additional fixtures, repairs under floors, and repairs involving changing materials. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Pool, Spa, or Hot Tub Construction Permit
Swimming pools more than 24 inches deep and all spas and hot tubs require a permit before installation. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Public Improvement Permit
A permit is required for streets, storm sewers, streetlights and other infrastructure that the City will ultimately maintain.
Rezoning Application
Rezoning changes the zoning use of a tract or lot of land. Rezoning applicants work with staff from the current planning division to apply. Contact the planner of the day at 913-895-6217.
Right of Way Permit
A permit is required for any work in the public right of way, including sprinkler systems, driveway, and driveway approach replacement. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Sewer/septic permit
Johnson County Department of Health and Environment requires permits and inspections for septic systems in Overland Park.
Sign permit
Sign permits are required for many permanent signs and promotional activities. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Site Development Permit
A permit is required for clearing, demolition, area grading, and utility construction for sites disturbing more than one acre of land. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Solar Panels
A permit is required to install solar panels. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Special Use Permit
Special use permits are required for land uses not included in the existing zoning district, allowing a proposal to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure it is compatible with surrounding uses. Special use permit applicants work with staff from the current planning division to apply. Contact the planner of the day at 913-895-6217.
Utility Locates
Overland Park does not permit utility locates, but requires residents, contractors, and developers to contact Kansas One-Call before beginning any projects that could affect underground utilities.
Water Heater Permit
A permit is required to add or replace a water heater. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Wind Generator Permit
A permit is required to install a wind generator. Apply on ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system.
Zoning Verification
Verify the zoning of a property using our map online. Official zoning verification letters are provided as a public service.
Common Permit Fees
- Remodels, Repairs + Additions
Projects valued less than $5,000
Permits for these projects are $30.Projects valued between $5,000 and $19,000
Permits for these projects are $50.Projects valued more than than $19,001
City staff calculate permit fees for residential or commercial projects other than new buildings or small permits based on the project valuation.Contractors should provide the project valuation, including the total value of all the construction work, except the value of the land for which the permit will be issued. This should include land disturbance, site development, building cost, finish work, landscaping, painting, paving, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire protection equipment, and profit.
Once staff determine the project valuation, we multiply it by the permit fee multiplier, which is .005. The fee is rounded to the nearest dollar.
Fifty percent is of the fee is due when submitting commercial plans for review. The other 50 percent is due once the plans are approved and the permit is ready.
- New Buildings
City staff calculate permit fees for new commercial and residential buildings using the building’s square footage, construction type and occupancy use, and the International Code Council building valuation data tables. The tables establish a cost per square foot.
Once staff determine the project valuation, we multiply it by the permit fee multiplier. The fee is rounded to the nearest dollar.
Fifty percent is of the fee is due when submitting commercial plans for review. The other 50 percent is due once the plans are approved and the permit is ready.
Mixed-use buildings
Provide a breakdown of each use group and construction type by square foot.Building shell permit fees
If developers submit building plans for the building shell only, and the interior finish plans will be submitted later, staff will reduce the project valuation by 20 percent.Site development permit fees
If developers submit site development plans before construction plans, a separate permit fee is required based on the valuation of the site development work the contractor provides.When developers include site development plans for a new commercial construction project, the project valuation derived from the International Code Council tables includes the site development work. If you request a separate permit, city staff will waive the fee.
- Sign Permits
Signs permit fees are $60 plus $1.25 per square foot of sign area.
This includes neon window signs.
- Public Improvement Permits
Public improvement permit fees are calculated at 5 percent of the construction value. Learn more about public improvement permits.
- Public Works
Separate right-of-way permits are required for each utility (e.g.: service line) performing trench work in the public right-of-way. Please contact the Public Right-Of-Way Coordinator at 913-895-6189 for permit requirements (e.g.: submittals, permit fees, and bonding).
- Additional Fees that May Apply
Floodplain Development Permit Fee = $15
Recording fees for required legal agreements = $21 for first page, $17 for each additional page.
For land disturbances greater than one acre, an erosion and sediment control surety may be required. Erosion and Sediment Control Surety = $3,000 plus $1,500 per acre, not to exceed $30,000. Sureties are refunded once permit conditions are met. These can be submitted in the form of cash or letter of credit (on city approved form).
When required, a Stormwater Treatment Facility Performance Surety is calculated at 1.25 times the construction value of the stormwater treatment facilities. These can be submitted in the form of cash or letter of credit (on city approved form). Sureties are refunded once permit conditions are met.
When required, a Stormwater Treatment Facility Maintenance Surety is calculated at 50 percent of the construction value of the stormwater treatment facilities. These can be submitted in the form of cash, letter of credit (on city approved form) or bond (on city approved form). Sureties expire or are refunded once permit conditions are met.
- Other Jurisdictions
Water Tap Fees: Contact Water One for information at 913-895-1800.
Sewer Connection Fees: Contact Johnson County Wastewater at 913-715-8590.
Johnson County Contractor Licensing: Contractors are licensed through Johnson County. For more information, please call 913-715-2233.
Residential Building Permit Exceptions & Guidance
Floodplain development permits may be required for work if your property is in the floodplain. Use the city’s floodplain map to see specific locations within the floodplain.
- Accessory Structures
A permit is not required for accessory structures such as garages, sheds, carports or gazebos that do not exceed 200 square feet in area.
- Air Conditioner Repairs
Air conditioner repairs do not require a permit. 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. A permit is required for new, additional, or replacement furnaces or air conditioning systems.
- Alarm / Security System
A permit is not required by the Planning and Development Services Department. Low voltage wiring (less than 12 volts) does not require a permit. An alarm permit for alarms that are connected to emergency assistance is required by the Overland Park Police Department.
- Arbors, Trellises + Shade Structures
A permit is not required when the overhead structure is at least 50 percent open at the top with no member wider than 2 inches in horizontal plane and incapable of accumulating ice or snow (OPMC 16.100.105.2). Structures must comply with setback requirements and maintain clearances to service-drop conductors with 8 foot vertical above the roof surface and 3 foot from the roof edge (2018 IRC Section E2604.2).
- Awnings + Canopies
A permit is not required for awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies, when they are supported by an exterior wall and do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall, and do not require additional support.
- Basketball Goals
A permit is not required.
- Cabinets
No permit is required for installation or replacement. Electrical or plumbing modifications associated with cabinet replacement require a permit.
- Dishwashers - New and Replacement
A permit is not required to replace an existing dishwasher. New installations do require an electrical permit when the installation requires a new branch circuit. Dishwashers and disposals are to be on a separate circuit from the two required countertop small appliance circuits.
- Deck Patios
Decks do not require a permit if they meet all of the following:
- Are detached from the dwelling.
- Do not exceed 200 square feet in area.
- Are not more than 30 inches above grade measured 36 inches out from the perimeter of the deck at any point.
- Do not serve an egress door.
Repairs of deck walking surfaces, guardrails or handrails do not require a permit.
- Driveways and Drive Approach
A building permit is not required for sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade which are not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route. A building permit is not require for driveway replacement on private property. Driveways on private property require minimum 4-inch air entrained concrete. The driveway shall have a constant slope so as to avoid ponding of water. A driveway cannot be closer than 2 feet to adjoining property and cannot occupy more than 35 percent of the front yard area (OPMC 16.110.R309.6, UDO 18.430.120).
A right-of-way work permit is required for sidewalk or driveway installation or replacement in the public right-of-way (from the property line to the curb) and are issued by the Public Works Department. An approach addition or replacement requires a minimum 6-inch paving with approved city concrete mix. Contact the Public Works Department (913) 895-5184 for additional information on approach modifications.
- Electric Low Voltage Wiring
A permit is not required for electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy and not part of a fire alarm system.
- Electrical Fence
A permit is not required if using off-the-shelf, step-down transformers that plug into a standard receptacle. Electric fences are not allowed in front yards and are not considered proper restraining devices for dogs.
- Flag Poles
A permit is not required. Structures greater than 10 feet in height must be located a distance from the property line equal to one-third the height of the structure.
- Garage Door Openers
No permit is required.
- Garbage Disposals
A permit is not required unless it is a new installation, which requires a separate circuit and an electrical permit (can be combined with a dishwasher circuit). The dishwasher and garbage disposal are to be on a separate circuit from the two required countertop small appliance branch circuits.
- Gas Tanks
A permit is not required for tanks with capacity less than 500 gallons. Tanks must comply with accessory structure setback requirements and maintain a minimum 5-foot separation from openings below grade and 10 feet from buildings. See 2018 International Fire Code Table 5703.1.1.
- Lawn Irrigation Systems
A building permit is not required. Any work in the public right-of-way requires issuance of a right-of-way work permit. Contact the Public Works Department at 913-895-6040 for more information.
- Patios
A permit is not required for patios on grade consisting of concrete or brick and not supporting a structure. Applicable setbacks must still be followed.
- Playground Equipment + Swingsets
A permit is not required.
- Retaining Walls
Retaining walls less than 48 inches in height do not require a permit. All retaining walls should be setback two feet from any right of way line (OPMC 18.390.140.C) and 1 foot from any other property line (OPMC 7.54.210).
- Routine Maintenance
A building permit is not required for routine maintenance such as replacing plumbing and lighting fixtures, carpeting, painting, installing cabinets and shelving.
- Roofing + Re-Roofing
A permit is not required. The code has specific material and installation requirements for roofing and re-roofing. A composition roof may be installed over wood shingles, not 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 must be removed prior to installation of additional roofing. Some homes associations regulate the quality and color of roof coverings.
Re-roofing is considered a repair and may not require a permit, unless you are switching from a light roof covering like asphalt or wood shingles to a heavy roof covering like concrete tiles, clay tiles, or slate. Changing from a light roof covering to a heavy roof covering requires a permit and an engineered analysis of the roof structure and usually requires additional reinforcement of the roof.
Although a permit is not required, the code has specific material and installation requirements for roofing and re-roofing which must be followed by the person or persons undertaking the repair or replacement. (2018 IRC Section R908)
A composition roof may be installed over wood shingles (not permitted over wood shakes) if the shingle manufacturer allows it. No more than two layers of any type of covering may be placed on a roof. If two or more layers of roofing are in place, all layers must be removed prior to installation of additional roofing. Roof decking shall be inspected by the roofer and any necessary repairs should be made. The City will not inspect this type of project.
Check with your homes association for regulations of roof coverings as these are not enforced by the city.
Adding an additional layer of roof covering is not permitted in the following conditions:
- Where existing roof or roof covering is water soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate as a base for additional roofing.
- Where the existing roof covering is slate, clay. Cement or asbestos-cement tile.
- Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roofing covering.
Ice Barriers
An ice barrier is required. Please reference 2018 IRC Section R905.1.2 and OPMC 16.110.R301.2(1). Ice barriers shall be installed for asphalt shingles, metal roof shingles, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, slate and slate-type shingles, wood shingles and wood shakes. The ice barrier shall consist of not fewer than two layers of underlayment cemented together, or a self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen sheet shall be used in place of normal underlayment and extend from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point not less than 24 inches (610 mm) inside the exterior wall line of the building. On roofs with slope equal to or greater than eight units vertical in 12 units horizontal (67%slope), the ice barrier shall also be applied not less than 36 inches (914 mm) measured along the roof slope from the eave edge of the building.
An ice barrier is not required for detached accessory structures not containing conditioned floor area.
Materials
Only Class A, B or C roof covering materials are allowed. Non-classified roofing is not allowed. All roof covering materials shall be delivered in packages bearing the manufacturer’s identifying marks and approved testing agency labels.
Structural + Construction Loads
The structural roof components shall be capable of supporting the roof covering system, and the material and equipment loads that will be encountered during installation of the roof covering system.
Roof Covering
Where the application of a new roof covering over wood shingle roofs creates a combustible, concealed space, the entire existing surface shall be covered with gypsum board, mineral fiber, glass fiber or other approved materials securely fastened in place.
Reinstallation of Materials
Existing slate, clay, or cement tile shall be permitted for reinstallation, except damaged, cracked, or broken slate or tile which shall not be reinstalled. Existing vent flashing, metal edgings, drain outlets, collars and metal counter flashing shall not be reinstalled where rusted, damaged or deteriorated. Aggregate surfacing
materials shall not be reinstalled.Flashings
Flashings shall be reconstructed in accordance with approved manufacturer’s installation instruction. Metal flashings, to which bituminous materials are to be adhered, shall be primed prior to installation.
Roof Deck – Repair/Replacement
A permit is not required unless structural repairs are necessary.
Floodplain Development Permits
Re-roofing a structure shall be considered routine maintenance and exempt from requiring a floodplain development permit except in the following cases:
The sheathing or joists underneath the roofing materials are replaced or other structural repairs are necessary.
The roofing is replaced in conjunction with other building repairs that require a building permit. For example, storm damage to the roof that damages other portions of the structure.
If a floodplain development permit is required, information about the cost of all repairs shall be provided to verify that the repairs do not constitute a substantial improvement to the building.
- Satellite Dishes
A permit is not required. Dishes 39 inches in diameter or smaller may be attached to the house. Where the antenna is ground-mounted on a self supporting mast, the mast shall be set back a distance from any property line equal to 1/3 of its height and shall not be located in the front yard. Satellite dishes greater than 39 inches in diameter shall be ground-mounted and shall not exceed 13 feet in height (distance between the average surrounding grade and highest point on the satellite dish antenna). Ground-mounted dishes must be in the backyard and set back from the property line by a distance equal to its height.
- Sewer
Johnson County permits repair and replacement of sewer lines outside of a building connected to the Johnson County Wastewater sewer system. A permit from Johnson County Wastewater is required for new installations of switching from septic to sewer. Any work in the public right-of-way requires issuance of a right-of-way work permit. Contact the Public Works Department at 913-895-6040 for more information.
- Sidewalks
The City maintains sidewalks on public streets. Please file an OPCares request if your sidewalk needs maintenance.
- Siding
Siding repair and replacement are considered maintenance and do not require of a permit, except when replacing with stucco or EIFS. These materials require a permit. The building code contains requirements regarding siding applications and flashing.
- Sump Pumps
A permit is not required for the replacement of an existing sump pump. Johnson County Wastewater District does not allow sump pump connections to the sanitary sewer system. Sump pump discharges shall not be closer than 5 feet to an adjoining property line (OPMC 7.54.250). A new sump pump requires a dedicated GFCI electric circuit. An electrical permit is required for new branch circuits.
- Tree Houses
A permit is not required. Electrical connections to tree houses are not allowed.
- Water Line Replacement - Exterior
A permit is required for the replacement or repair of fire service mains service private fire hydrants, fire suppression systems (sprinkler) and standpipe systems. Permits are not required for general water line replacement. Call Water One at 913-895-1800 before beginning work. Any work in the public right-of-way requires issuance of a right-of-way work permit. Contact the Public Works Department at 913-895-6040 for more information.
- Window Replacement
A permit is not required for in-kind replacement. Alterations to exterior walls do require a permit.
Permit Holder Acknowledgement
As the permit holder, I agree to comply with all the provisions of the Zoning Regulations and Building Code as adopted by the City of Overland Park, and all other applicable regulations and laws. By signing this document, the undersigned agrees to comply with the approved plans and/or any special conditions, which may have been stipulated as conditions/holds for permit issuance or permit closure. This building permit is subject to revocation upon any violation of the Zoning Regulations, Building Code or other applicable law.
The permit holder is responsible for ensuring that all work performed under this permit is inspected and brought to closure. The conditions of the permit are not satisfied until a final inspection is approved and a Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. To schedule inspections please visit ePlace or call 913-895-6220.
No equipment or structure shall be used, nor shall any building or structure be occupied unless the permit holder has first received a Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy.
The permit shall become invalid if the authorized work is not commenced within 180 days after issuance of the permit, or if the work authorized is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time of commencing work. The lack of a request for inspections for a period of 180 days will be considered as evidence of suspension or abandonment. For further information on suspension of the permit, call 913-895-6022.
Electronic Plan Submission Drawing Standards
You can submit application drawings electronically using ePLACE. Submit drawings based on the standards included below.
- All documents shall be in PDF format with a graphic scale and rotated so that the pages read upright.
- Verify you have unlocked and flattened all the drawings and reports. The markups list and layers should be cleared and empty (you can also control this in your print settings).
- Vector content only.
- Drawing Export Tips:
- Maintain output Scale – avoid “Fit to Page”.
- Keep hatch patterns to a minimum as a best practice as these can quickly increase file sizes and slow the files down.
- Sheet title block sizes shall remain consistent on each page of the plan set including sub-disciplines.
- Name each page with a page label that matches the sheet.
- Example: Page label “C2 – Grading plan”. Watch a page label tutorial here.
- Each plan sheet must be bookmarked to clearly identify the content of the page. This is in addition to the Page Labels.
- Example: Page “A1.0 – Architectural Site Plan”.
- Any revisions to plans during the review process shall be submitted as a full set. Add revision clouds to the changes.
- Revisions to a plan after the permit is issued shall be submitted only as revised sheets. Add revision clouds to the changes.
- Drawings, reports and other documents must be submitted as a separate PDF for each document type as indicated in the ePLACE application. For example,
- Specifications
- Fire Alarm Plans
- Soils Report
- Geotechnical Studies
- Statement of Intent for Special Inspections
- Structural Calculations
- Truss layout
Plan Review
During the review process, permitting staff perform a quick check to determine if the commercial and residential plans submitted are sufficiently complete for a thorough review. This includes meeting all applicable building codes.
If not, the applicant is notified within one to two working days and the deficiencies are noted. These items must be fixed before the plans are submitted again.
Applications for new residential construction that are ready for review will be completed in five days. Applications for new commercial construction will be ready in 15 days.
Contractor Licensing
Overland Park requires contractors have a current Johnson County contractor’s license in order to receive a building permit for work in Overland Park.
Contractors must also have the proper Johnson County license type for the building permit in which they are applying. A permit will only be issued to an applicant whose name is listed as a permittee in the County’s system. Contact Johnson County Contractor Licensing to update all records.
Before hiring anyone to do work at your home or business, use the Johnson County website to find a licensed contractor.
Building Permit Reports
Building permit reports show the number of building permits, project valuations and size, and to whom the city issued permits for a given time frame.
You can also see this information on the City’s interactive building permit dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I've never applied for a permit before, what do I need to know?
Please take a look at our Residential and Commercial Guidelines, fees, and exceptions on our website.
- I didn't receive a confirmation after submitting my files. What should I do?
You will receive a confirmation via email after clicking the “Submit” button. If you did not receive a confirmation email, please re-upload your files and click “Submit.”
- How long does the review process take for small residential projects?
Please expect the review process for small residential projects to take one to two business days.
- I can see my permit, but I can't do anything to it?
Please make sure you log in using the same account that created the permit application.
- Why can't my contractor see my permit? (Or why can't I see my contractor's permit for my property?)
Individuals must be added as contacts in order to see the permit. The individual who originally submitted the application may add contacts and manage permit access. The City cannot add contacts to a permit application.
- Am I licensed / is my contractor licensed to pull the permit?
You may check licenses on the Johnson County website or call Johnson County at 913-715-2233.