County Building Permits
Johnson County, KS - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Johnson County, Kansas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Covers only unincorporated areas of Johnson County. All incorporated cities have their own independent permit authorities. Residents in unincorporated areas can confirm jurisdiction by checking their county tax records or calling the county.
- Department
- Johnson County Building Codes Division, Planning Housing and Community Development
- Address
- 111 S. Cherry St., Suite 3600, Olathe, KS 66061
- Phone
- 913-715-2200
Online Permit Portal
Platform: MGO Connect • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Confirm project is in unincorporated Johnson County (not within city limits).
- Create a free MGO Connect account at the portal linked from jocogov.org.
- Select the applicable permit type (residential remodel, new SFD, commercial, accessory structure, MEPR, demolition, etc.).
- Upload required documents including site plan, construction drawings, and contractor license information.
- Pay plan review fee online at time of submission (residential plan review: $50; new SFD plan review: $100; commercial plan review: 65% of permit fee).
- County reviews plans for code compliance.
- Permit is issued upon approval; permit fee is due at issuance for residential (commercial fees are due at submittal with balance at issuance).
- Post approved permit card at job site; begin construction.
- Schedule required inspections via MGO Connect or phone.
- Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy or completion.
Typical processing time: Not published; contact 913-715-2200 for current turnaround times.
Source: Johnson County Building Codes Division, Planning Housing and Community Development
General Requirements
All decks, roofs, and new structures require a permit. A permit is required to enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish any structure. A permit is required to repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system.
Required Documents
- Completed online application
- Site plan
- Construction drawings/plans
- Contractor license numbers for all trades
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if no approved inspection is obtained within 180 days of issuance. Work must be completed within the permit period.
- Building code
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), and 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), with Johnson County amendments. Adopted by BOCC vote March 12, 2020, effective July 1, 2020.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may perform their own work. Contact 913-715-2200 for owner-builder affidavit requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must hold a Johnson County contractor license. License verification is required at time of permit application.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- Residential: $50 plan review; new SFD: $100 plan review. Commercial: 65% of permit fee. No plan review fee for residential MEPR permits.
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based. Permit fee calculated from total project value (materials + labor + permanent systems). Interactive calculator available on the fee chart page.
- Payment note
- Residential permit fees due at issuance (not at submittal). Commercial permit fees due at submittal with balance at issuance. Accepted: check (payable to Johnson County Building Codes), ACH, credit card. Credit card payments carry a 2.4% service fee. American Express not accepted.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Minor ordinary repairs that do not affect structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
- Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Swings and other playground equipment
- Window awnings supported by exterior wall and not projecting more than 54 inches
Important: Refer to the specific permit type page on jocogov.org for full exemption lists by permit category.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- MGO Connect portal (online)
- 913-715-2200 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Standard business hours
Typical inspection sequence: Footings/foundation, framing, rough-in trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation/energy, final inspection. Sequence varies by project type. Concrete inspections require 2 hours minimum notice and must be scheduled same day as pour. All other inspections require minimum half-day advance notice. Approved plans must be on-site for all inspections.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), and 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), with Johnson County amendments. Adopted by BOCC vote March 12, 2020, effective July 1, 2020.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Code of Regulations
- Unincorporated Area Info
- Contractor Licensing
- License lookup guide: Kansas Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Kansas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Kansas hub: Kansas Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Johnson County Building Codes Division, Planning Housing and Community Development before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Johnson County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Johnson County, KS?
- All decks, roofs, and new structures require a permit. A permit is required to enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish any structure. A permit is required to repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Johnson County, KS?
- Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Permit fee calculated from total project value (materials + labor + permanent systems). Interactive calculator available on the fee chart page.. Plan check fee: Residential: $50 plan review; new SFD: $100 plan review. Commercial: 65% of permit fee. No plan review fee for residential MEPR permits..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Johnson County, KS?
- 1. Confirm project is in unincorporated Johnson County (not within city limits). 2. Create a free MGO Connect account at the portal linked from jocogov.org. 3. Select the applicable permit type (residential remodel, new SFD, commercial, accessory structure, MEPR, demolition, etc.). 4. Upload required documents including site plan, construction drawings, and contractor license information. 5. Pay plan review fee online at time of submission (residential plan review: $50; new SFD plan review: $100; commercial plan review: 65% of permit fee). 6. County reviews plans for code compliance. 7. Permit is issued upon approval; permit fee is due at issuance for residential (commercial fees are due at submittal with balance at issuance). 8. Post approved permit card at job site; begin construction. 9. Schedule required inspections via MGO Connect or phone. 10. Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy or completion.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Johnson County, KS?
- Typical processing time is Not published; contact 913-715-2200 for current turnaround times..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Johnson County, KS?
- The following work is generally exempt: Minor ordinary repairs that do not affect structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and other playground equipment; Window awnings supported by exterior wall and not projecting more than 54 inches. Note: Refer to the specific permit type page on jocogov.org for full exemption lists by permit category.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Johnson County, KS?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: MGO Connect portal, 913-715-2200.
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