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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lake Quivira
Building permits are required for new construction, additions, renovations, demolition, fencing, and similar work. The city website states that most construction projects require a building permit.
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (exceptions: walls adjacent to drainage easements, E/I lots, or liquid impoundment structures — those DO require permits)
- Exempt Sidewalks, driveways, decks, and platforms not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Window and door replacements without changes to the structural framework
- Exempt Re-roofing and re-siding (must still comply with 2018 IBC/IRC material standards)
Note: Even exempt work may be subject to Quivira Inc. ARB review and impact fees depending on the project. Confirm with both the Building Official and Quivira Inc. before starting.
- Completed CitizenServe application
- Engineered stamped plans (depending on project scope)
- Engineered drainage plans (if applicable)
- Erosion control plan (for exterior projects with soil disturbance)
- Proof of valid Johnson County Contractors License
- Building code
- 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, 2018 IFC, 2018 IPC, 2018 IMC, 2017 NEC (NFPA 70).
- Permit validity
- Work must commence within 180 days of issuance. Permits expire 1 year from issuance date. One extension of up to 180 days may be granted for justifiable cause. If a required building inspection is not obtained within any 180-day period after issuance, the permit expires.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners acting as their own general contractor must still obtain a current Johnson County Contractors License.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors (and owner-builders acting as GC) must have a current Johnson County, Kansas Contractors License in the appropriate class. The Building Official may waive the license requirement for minor projects (decks, fences, simple repairs, grading, demolition). All persons performing demolition or construction must file a current contractor registration form with the Building Official.
Source: City of Lake Quivira — Building Permits (Building Official: Charles McAllister) ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Not officially published; depends on Shawnee review timeline
- 01 Contact the Building Official (Charles McAllister) at (913) 631-5300 ext. 1004 or building@lakequivira.ks.gov before starting any project to determine permit requirements.
- 02 Create or log in to a CitizenServe account at the portal link above.
- 03 Select the appropriate permit type: LQ Building Permit, LQ Fence Permit, LQ Demolition Permit, LQ Architectural Review Board (ARB) Application, or LQ Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Application.
- 04 Complete and submit the application online with all required documents (stamped plans, drainage plans, erosion control plan if applicable).
- 05 The Building Official conducts an initial review and contacts the applicant if additional information is required.
- 06 If no additional information is needed, the application is submitted to the City of Shawnee for plan review and final approval.
- 07 Pay permit fees online through the city payment system (nCourt) or as directed.
- 08 For projects subject to Quivira Inc. rules: an impact fee equal to 2% of expected construction/demolition cost is assessed by Quivira Inc. upon permit approval. A performance bond (fully refundable upon successful project completion) may also be required.
- 09 Post permit at job site.
- 10 Inspections are conducted by the City of Shawnee during construction and at final completion.
- 11 Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon passing final inspection.
Typical processing time: Not officially published; depends on Shawnee review timeline
Source: City of Lake Quivira — Building Permits (Building Official: Charles McAllister) ↗
Fee schedule
Lake Quivira building permit fees
Online payment available via nCourt at https://www.ncourt.com/x-landing/default.aspx?ID=KsLakeQuivira. Performance bonds may be required for certain projects (fully refundable upon successful project completion).
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (913) 631-5300, ext. 1004 (phone)
- building@lakequivira.ks.gov (email)
- Inspection hours
- Construction permitted Monday–Friday 7 AM–7 PM; Saturday 8 AM–6 PM; no construction on Sundays or holidays. Inspection scheduling follows Shawnee's schedule.
Typical sequence: Inspections during construction phases and a final inspection upon completion (per City of Shawnee process). Annual inspection certificates required for any existing elevators ($25/elevator, $15/escalator or moving walk, $10/dumbwaiter per year).
Frequently asked
Common questions about Lake Quivira permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Lake Quivira, KS? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Lake Quivira, KS? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Lake Quivira, KS? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Lake Quivira, KS? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Lake Quivira, KS? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Lake Quivira, KS? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Lake Quivira — Building Permits (Building Official: Charles McAllister) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.