Home renovation season is in full swing, and you’re thinking about constructing that home renovation you’ve always wanted. Maybe it’s a new deck? A fence? A basement finish? There are lots of ways to upgrade your home, and plenty of time throughout the rest of the year to get started.
Before beginning your project, make sure you apply for a building permit if your project requires it. Building permits are required before starting construction on a variety of projects, including fences, decks, garages, sheds, pools, furnaces and more.
The Importance of a Building Permit
Why is it important to get your permit beforehand? We want to make sure the project is done right, as building permits
- Ensure the safety of yourself and others
- Protect property value
- Are required by City ordinance
Learn more about permitting requirements and why they’re in place in the video below.
What Projects Require a Permit?
These are some of the projects you need a building permit for:
- Fences
- Decks
- Basement finishes
- Accessory structures (garages/sheds/greenhouses/etc.)
- Furnaces/air conditioners
- Pools/spas/hot tubs
These are some of the projects you do not need a building permit for:
- Basketball goals
- Cabinets
- Playgrounds
- Satellite dishes
- Awnings/canopies
- Patios
Who Needs a Building Permit?
You know you need a building permit for your project, but who needs to apply? The person responsible for the building permit depends on who’s doing the work:
- Hiring a contractor? The contractor is responsible.
- Doing the work yourself? You are responsible.
- Acting as a contractor and hiring subcontractors? You are responsible.
What About a Contractor’s License?
A contractor’s license is required for contractors that work on home improvement projects. This includes all kinds of contractors, including mechanical, plumbing, electrical and more. Basically, if a contractor needs a permit to operate, they also need to be licensed.
If you’re undertaking the home improvement project personally instead of hiring a contractor, you do not have to be licensed.
Contractor’s licenses are handled by Johnson County. Learn more about contractor licensing and renew your county license through the Johnson County website.
How Do You Apply for a Building Permit?
You can apply for many permits online through ePLACE, the City’s online permitting system. You can also find information about the permits and specific building requirements through our permits directory.
Once you apply for a permit, you will need to wait for approval by the City. If approved, you can begin construction on your project. City inspectors will be involved in the project to make sure you’re following key standards of safety.
City staff are happy to help you as you work through the permitting process. You’re welcome to call the Building Permits desk at 913-895-6225 or visit in person at City Hall, 8500 Santa Fe Drive, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.