Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
For unincorporated Johnson County in 2026, the county’s 2018 Code of Regulations adopts the 2018 International Residential, Building, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Energy Conservation, Existing Building, Swimming Pool and Spa, and Property Maintenance Codes, plus 2009 ICC A117.1, 2014 ICC 500, and NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code 2017). The county also publishes project-specific amendments and requirements.
Inspection lane
All county building permits require inspections. Submit requests through MGOConnect or call 913-715-2200; approved plans must be on site. Concrete inspections require at least 2 hours’ notice on the day of the pour; other inspections require at least one-half day’s notice. Only concrete and homeowner-occupied projects receive set times. Inspection requests also may require prior entrance-permit and septic/environmental final reports before final building inspection.
Minor-work playbook
Minor repair and maintenance such as carpeting, painting, wallpaper, replacement of receptacles, replacement of previously installed fixtures, vanities, and cabinetry generally does not require a permit. A residential accessory building under 200 square feet does not require a building permit, although setback rules still apply. A residential or commercial fence under 7 feet does not need a building permit, but Planning must be contacted for area-specific requirements. All decks, roofs, new structures, and most enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, and trade-system work require permits.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
All county building permits require inspections. Submit requests through MGOConnect or call 913-715-2200; approved plans must be on site. Concrete inspections require at least 2 hours’ notice on the day of the pour; other inspections require at least one-half day’s notice. Only concrete and homeowner-occupied projects receive set times. Inspection requests also may require prior entrance-permit and septic/environmental final reports before final building inspection.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Johnson County Planning, Housing and Community Development - Building Codes is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 913-715-2200 (Option 1 for permits); 913-715-2200 general Building Codes; 913-715-2204 Building Official.
Approximately 7-10 business days for residential permits and 10-14 business days for commercial permits, assuming complete submissions.
All county building permits require inspections. Submit requests through MGOConnect or call 913-715-2200; approved plans must be on site. Concrete inspections require at least 2 hours’ notice on the day of the pour; other inspections require at least one-half day’s notice. Only concrete and homeowner-occupied projects receive set times. Inspection requests also may require prior entrance-permit and septic/environmental final reports before final building inspection.
For unincorporated Johnson County in 2026, the county’s 2018 Code of Regulations adopts the 2018 International Residential, Building, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Energy Conservation, Existing Building, Swimming Pool and Spa, and Property Maintenance Codes, plus 2009 ICC A117.1, 2014 ICC 500, and NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code 2017). The county also publishes project-specific amendments and requirements. Minor repair and maintenance such as carpeting, painting, wallpaper, replacement of receptacles, replacement of previously installed fixtures, vanities, and cabinetry generally does not require a permit. A residential accessory building under 200 square feet does not require a building permit, although setback rules still apply. A residential or commercial fence under 7 feet does not need a building permit, but Planning must be contacted for area-specific requirements. All decks, roofs, new structures, and most enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, and trade-system work require permits.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.