A Homeowner’s Guide to Permitting Before Construction Begins
Building a new deck in Johnson County, Kansas, requires a permit. The county’s Permits and Licenses Guide states that all decks and new structures require one, and that work to enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish a deck requires one, too.
The first question to ask is who issues the permit. Permitting in Johnson County is divided between the county and its cities, so the office that reviews your plans depends on where your property sits. Whether you’re a homeowner getting ready for your own build, or a deck builder pulling a permit in advance of construction, your local permit office is where you’ll start.
Start by Determining the Right Jurisdiction
Johnson County’s Building Codes Division issues permits for building projects in unincorporated Johnson County, so a homeowner outside a city such as Leawood, Olathe, Overland Park, or Lenexa applies directly to that division. A project inside one of those cities, however, needs a permit from that city. The project types listed on Johnson County’s Building Permits page explain this split, which makes it the quickest way to confirm which office applies to your address.
Each jurisdiction sets its own requirements and fees, as well as its own permit review schedule. Be sure to check the regulations for your local jurisdiction before beginning your deck project.
The Purpose of Deck Permit Requirements
A permit gives the city or jurisdiction a chance to review the design before construction begins. Reviewers look at whether the framing can carry its expected load and whether the deck and its plans meet local building codes. A scaled site plan, usually required as part of a permit application, shows the deck’s distance from property lines and easements, which ensures safety for the homeowner and code compliance. Olathe describes the purpose of permits as making sure a project meets safety, zoning, and building code requirements while protecting the family living there, the property, and future resale value.
Inspections Continue After the Permit Is Issued
Permit review is a required part of the process, and usually happens in two stages. Plan review checks the design on paper, before construction begins, and inspections check that the finished deck matches what was initially approved.
Inspections are part of the permitting process, and are tied to phases of construction. A footing or pier hole inspection may be required before concrete is placed, for example, or a separate framing inspection may be required when the under-floor framing cannot be seen at the final visit. In all cases, a final inspection follows the completed work. Regulations require 24 hours advance notice when scheduling a permit inspection visit. Neither the builder nor the homeowner has to be present, but the inspector needs permission to enter the property.
Permits may expire if inspections do not occur within a given time frame. Johnson County’s Building Permits page says a permit is valid as long as an inspection takes place within six months of the issue date. An additional renewal fee may be required if a homeowner misses this deadline.
As always, check your local municipality or Johnson County’s requirements for the exact permit review timeline for your city or area.
A Typical Path From Permit Application to Final Inspection
The details vary from city to city, but a project handled by a homeowner or custom deck builder usually follows this sequence:
- Identify which jurisdiction, city, or county has authority over the property.
- Find out what that jurisdiction requires for permit submission.
- Prepare a site plan and deck plans.
- Submit the application and pay the fees.
- Wait for plan review.
- Receive the permit once the plans are approved.
- Build according to the approved plans.
- Pass the required inspections, both during the build and at the completion of your project.
Local Laws Differ: Leawood vs. Olathe’s Deck Builder Permit Guidelines
Exact documents, review times, fees, and inspections vary by jurisdiction, so each step should be confirmed with the office that covers the property.
For example, Leawood’s permit and construction guidelines come from the Johnson County Building Officials Association, and require a permit before constructing, altering, or replacing a deck. Their permit process asks for a site plan drawn to scale, along with plans for the proposed deck. Either the homeowner or a deck building company in Leawood can draw the site plan, and it does not need a design professional’s seal.
Olathe, however, handles residential deck permits through an all-digital application, and first-time users register with an email address. Again, the required documents are a deck and site plan. In Olathe, a homeowner who acts as the contractor on a primary residence must also submit an executed homeowner affidavit.
These differing city regulations are one reason to consider using an experienced deck builder to manage the permitting process. Creative Concepts & Design has been building custom decks for Kansas City homeowners since 2009. They know the permit process inside and out, and are happy to handle it as part of their streamlined process.
Why A Deck Builder Should Manage Your Permit Paperwork
As you’re probably realizing, the permit process can be detailed and complex. Delays because of missed code restrictions often set a deck project back weeks or even months. An experienced custom deck builderwill be familiar with the requirements when building decks with composite wood, for instance, or the specialized codes calling for deck piers to reach at least 36 inches deep, below the frost line.
If you’re building a more complex project, the advantages become even clearer. For a multi-level deck or structure that supports a hot tub, sauna or sunroom, you’ll need additional direction from the local jurisdiction. A deck containing long cantilevers may require design by a licensed engineer or architect. A homeowner planning one of these should ask the jurisdiction what additional documents and certifications it will need to permit the project.
Even better, consider what a deck building company in Leawood might bring to your project: expertise, peace of mind, and a streamlined permit process.
A Deck Builder That Treats Permitting as Part of the Build
Creative Concepts & Design, a Kansas City-area deck builder, manages permitting as an included step in its customized deck-building process. If your project is large or complex, the terrain beneath your planned deck is unique, or you simply don’t want the task of managing the complicated permit process, consider adding Creative Concepts & Design as a trusted partner when you build a deck.
The company’s owner, Caleb Hunt, is involved in each step. Call (816) 301-0275 or contact Creative Concepts & Design to start planning your perfect backyard getaway.
Caleb’s passion for construction began at an early age, working alongside his father and gaining hands-on experience across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. He combines decades of construction knowledge with a natural eye for design, creating decks, outdoor spaces, and custom projects that are both functional and visually appealing. At Creative Concepts & Design, Caleb brings creativity, technical expertise, and a commitment to quality to every project. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors and friendly fishing competitions with his fiancée, Laura.