Unincorporated Johnson County

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.

• Exempt Minor ordinary repairs that do not affect structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems
• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
• Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Exempt Swings and other playground equipment
• Exempt 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.

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.

Permit validity

Permits expire if no approved inspection is obtained within 180 days of issuance. Work must be completed within the permit period.

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.

1. 01
   Confirm project is in unincorporated Johnson County (not within city limits).
2. 02
   Create a free MGO Connect account at the portal linked from jocogov.org.
3. 03
   Select the applicable permit type (residential remodel, new SFD, commercial, accessory structure, MEPR, demolition, etc.).
4. 04
   Upload required documents including site plan, construction drawings, and contractor license information.
5. 05
   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. 06
   County reviews plans for code compliance.
7. 07
   Permit is issued upon approval; permit fee is due at issuance for residential (commercial fees are due at submittal with balance at issuance).
8. 08
   Post approved permit card at job site; begin construction.
9. 09
   Schedule required inspections via MGO Connect or phone.
10. 10
    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 ↗

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• MGO Connect portal (online)
• 913-715-2200 (phone)

Inspection hours

Standard business hours

Typical 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.