Fees, valuation & enforcement
Permit fees are a project input. Enforcement exposure is a project risk. Use the official schedule where available, then confirm valuation, trade permits, plan review, and inspection charges with the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Official fee pathway
The final charge may depend on declared construction value, occupancy classification, square footage, plan review, state surcharges, trade permits, technology fees, and inspection activity. Do not use a neighboring city’s fee table as a substitute for this jurisdiction.
Fee desk contact
913-715-2200 (Option 1 for permits); 913-715-2200 general Building Codes; 913-715-2204 Building Official
Ask the counter to confirm current charges before submitting a project with multiple trades or a change of use.
Financial exposure
Plan for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire, energy, zoning, septic, right-of-way, or other reviews that the project scope triggers. The lowest initial permit fee is not always the lowest project cost.
Enforcement exposure
When work begins without authorization, the agency may halt the site, require corrective plans, impose additional fees, withhold inspection release, or require concealed work to be exposed for review.
Closeout exposure
A missing final inspection or certificate can complicate occupancy, refinancing, sale, insurance, and utility connection. Preserve the approved plans and signed inspection record through closeout.
Professional field note
Even when a cosmetic or minor project does not require a building permit, zoning, floodplain, shoreline, historic, utility, fire, or right-of-way controls may still apply. Confirm the full jurisdictional picture before work starts.
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.
Why permit costs vary
Building departments commonly calculate charges from valuation, occupancy, floor area, project type, plan review effort, trade scope, state surcharges, and inspection activity. A remodel that appears small on paper may still trigger structural, energy, fire, or utility review. Ask the permit counter which disciplines apply before you finalize the construction budget.
The same discipline applies to enforcement. Correcting unpermitted work after finishes are installed can require demolition, revised plans, additional inspections, and schedule disruption. Authorization is usually the less expensive project-management decision.