Bolthole Index

Johnson County, Kansas

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Johnson County, Kansas

43Index Score / 100
#78 of 105 in Kansas

Unincorporated Johnson County, Kansas requires a building permit for a new home or modular home and regulates land through county zoning and subdivision rules123. Johnson County Building Codes issues building permits, while Planning and Zoning confirms the district and Environmental Division permits private sewage systems where public sewer is unavailable456. Incorporated cities administer their own rules7.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in unincorporated area1
Zoning
Yes in the unincorporated area2
Septic permits
Johnson County Environmental Division8
Owner-builder
Homeowner may do own work (contractor-license exemption), but the building permit is still required910
Rural-district lot size
Generally at least 10 acres per dwelling11
Residential lot sizes
1, 2 or 3 acres, depending on district121314
Household well permit
Required; listed fee is $6515
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning5

Who to call

Building permits

Johnson County Building Codes

Building permits, plan review and inspections for new homes, modular homes and other structures in unincorporated Johnson County

913-715-2200

planningandcodes@jocogov.org

111 S. Cherry St., Suite 2000, Olathe, KS 66061

Online permits →

Zoning

Johnson County Planning and Zoning

Zoning, subdivision and floodplain questions for a specific unincorporated parcel, and confirming whether an address is unincorporated or inside a city

913-715-2200

County Administration Building, 111 S. Cherry St., Olathe, KS 66061

Septic permits

Johnson County Environmental Division (Department of Health and Environment)

Septic (on-site sewage) system permits and inspections, and licensing of installers and pumpers, for unincorporated Johnson County

913-715-6900

11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite #2700, Olathe, KS 66061

Roads & driveways

Johnson County Public Works

County road and bridge maintenance in the unincorporated area, and entrance (driveway) permits

913-715-8300

1800 W. Old Highway 56, Olathe, KS 66061

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Johnson County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Johnson County, Kansas?

Unincorporated Johnson County, Kansas requires a building permit for a new single-family home, modular home and most other structures1. The county has adopted building codes for the unincorporated area, while cities in Johnson County have their own codes16. Johnson County Building Codes requires a complete application, construction plans and a site plan before issuing the permit1. A homeowner who does the work personally must file a Homeowner Installation form and still needs the standard building permit10. Johnson County exempts a homeowner from its contractor-licensing rules only when the residence is for the homeowner's own use and occupancy and is not built for sale or lease; the exemption covers licensing, not the building permit9. Residential permit fees are due when the permit is issued, and a 2.4% service fee applies to credit-card payments17. Before applying, confirm the parcel is unincorporated: a city-name result on the county address search directs you to that city's planning department5.

Who is the Johnson County building department, and how do you reach them?

Johnson County Building Codes, a division of Planning, Housing and Community Development, issues permits and performs inspections for unincorporated Johnson County4. Reach the office at 913-715-2200 (option 1) or planningandcodes@jocogov.org, at the County Administration Building, 111 S. Cherry St., Suite 2000, Olathe, KS 660614. Johnson County Building Codes uses the MyGovernmentOnline (MGOConnect) portal for applying, paying fees, requesting inspections and checking permit status4. A full set of construction plans — elevations, framing, floor plans, footing and foundation details — plus a scaled site plan showing the new structure, existing buildings, septic tank and laterals, and lot-line distances must be uploaded with the application1.

Does Johnson County have zoning?

Johnson County zoning and subdivision regulations apply in the unincorporated area; incorporated cities administer their own zoning, although county rules may cover unincorporated pockets within some cities and towns27. Minimum lot size depends on the county zoning district: RUR generally requires at least 10 acres per dwelling, RLD requires 3 acres, RN-2 requires 2 acres and RN-1 requires 1 acre11141312. A PRUR subdivision has a 4-acre minimum nominal lot area but may not exceed overall density of one dwelling per 10 acres, apart from its stated bonus-lot provision18. Narrow exceptions can apply to qualifying existing lots and replats, and subdivision regulations also control land division193. Ask Planning and Zoning to identify the parcel's district, setbacks and floodplain status before relying on acreage alone5. Setback requirements apply to any structure regardless of size, including small sheds, and the county's building-permit page does not publish the distances, so call Planning and Zoning for them before siting a building20.

How do septic permits work in Johnson County?

The Johnson County Residential On-Site Program issues permits for private sewage treatment systems where a property is not served by public wastewater collection6. Reach the Environmental Division at 913-715-6900, at 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite #2700, Olathe, KS 6606121. Kansas law lets local governments adopt sanitary codes, approve plans and issue permits, so the county sanitary code controls the local process while statewide design limits still apply22. Kansas bans cesspools, seepage pits and dry wells for onsite systems and forbids a private onsite system from discharging to the surface23. Countywide soil data rate 0% of Johnson County land as free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation early and allow for the possibility of an engineered or alternative design24. Ask the Environmental Division whether the parcel has an approved system or prior evaluation before making an offer. The county lists $480 for a private sewage treatment system installation permit17. Buyers of an existing home should know that, in the areas covered by the Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code (every area except DeSoto, Gardner and Edgerton), an inspection is required within 60 days after purchase, at a listed $2602517.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Johnson County?

We could not confirm a Johnson County rule that allows or prohibits living in an RV or tiny home on a rural parcel during or after construction. County land uses are controlled by zoning districts in the unincorporated area, while incorporated cities apply their own zoning267. A tiny home intended as a dwelling does not escape the ordinary building-permit process merely because it is small; unincorporated Johnson County requires permits for new homes and has adopted building codes116. Before buying, call Johnson County Planning and Zoning at 913-715-2200 and ask about the exact proposed use, district, duration of occupancy and whether utilities may be connected5. Do not treat short-term rental rules as an answer to residential RV occupancy; they address a different use.

Building a home in Johnson County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the address is unincorporated; a city-name result means the city's offices handle the project5.
  2. Ask Planning and Zoning to confirm the district, minimum lot size, subdivision status, setbacks and floodplain conditions2635.
  3. If public sewer is unavailable, contact the Environmental Division before fixing the house location because the county permits private sewage systems621.
  4. If you plan a household well, obtain the required county permit; the listed fee is $6515.
  5. Get an entrance permit from Public Works if the house is the first structure on the property or adds an entrance; driveway spacing rules related to road frontage limit how many driveways a parcel gets2728.
  6. Prepare the building-permit application, construction plans and site plan, then submit through the county's permit portal and arrange inspections14.

What to check before you buy land in Johnson County

Start with jurisdiction and parcel configuration: county rules govern unincorporated land, cities have separate zoning, and dividing land triggers subdivision review73. Verify the zoning district because minimum residential lot sizes range from 1 acre in RN-1 to 10 acres per dwelling in RUR, with separate PRUR density rules and limited replat exceptions12111819. Check public sewer availability and soil suitability before choosing a house site; countywide soil data rate 0% of the land as free of severe conventional drain-field limits24. A household water well requires a county permit with a listed $65 fee, while lawn-and-garden, livestock/pasture and geothermal wells are listed without a county permit; other state permits may still apply15. Also confirm legal road access and whether the driveway meets a county road or state highway2829.

Watch-outs

  • Confirm your parcel is unincorporated before assuming county rules apply — Johnson County's own address search tells you when a result belongs to a city instead, and cities run their own separate building and zoning departments5.
  • Johnson County's RV-occupancy, tiny-home-occupancy, minimum-home-size and numeric setback rules could not be confirmed; call Planning and Zoning at 913-715-2200 with the parcel and proposed use before buying5.
  • Johnson County requires a county permit for a household well and lists a $65 fee, but other well categories and possible state approvals differ, so identify the intended well use before drilling15.

Sources

  1. New Single Family Dwellings, Modular Homes Permit (2026 county census)
  2. Unincorporated Area, quoted and re-checked
  3. Unincorporated Area, quoted and re-checked
  4. Johnson County Building Codes (jocogov.org)
  5. Johnson County Planning and Zoning (jocogov.org)
  6. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  7. Unincorporated Area, quoted and re-checked
  8. Septic Systems (2026 county census)
  9. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  10. New Single Family Dwellings, Modular Homes Permit, quoted and re-checked
  11. Article 9 — Rural Districts, quoted and re-checked
  12. Article 10 — Residential Districts, quoted and re-checked
  13. Article 10 — Residential Districts, quoted and re-checked
  14. Article 10 — Residential Districts, quoted and re-checked
  15. Water Well County Permits, quoted and re-checked
  16. Unincorporated Area, quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  18. Article 9 — Rural Districts, quoted and re-checked
  19. Article 30. Minimum Subdivision Standards, quoted and re-checked
  20. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  21. Johnson County Environmental Division (Department of Health and Environment) (jocogov.org)
  22. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  26. Unincorporated Area, quoted and re-checked
  27. New Single Family Dwellings, Modular Homes Permit, quoted and re-checked
  28. Johnson County Public Works (jocogov.org)
  29. Kansas Administrative Regulations, Volume 3 (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Johnson County has countywide zoning.

RuleJohnson CountyWyandotte CountyMiami CountyLeavenworth CountyDouglas CountyFranklin CountyJefferson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedLimited
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. Dept.Unified Government Public Health Dept.County Env. Health Dept.County Planning & Zoning Dept.Lawrence-Douglas County Public HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Health Dept.

County locator

Johnson County in Kansas

43
County map
Johnson County highlighted among the Kansas counties · colored by Index score

How Johnson County scores

Seclusion17100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency57100% ev.
Admin Boringness43100% ev.
Durability63100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost55100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$469kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$6,558Land / acre
39.5"Annual rain
8.5% of yrsSevere drought
15.5 / yr (+12.3)Mid-century 100°F days
20.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.34" (+4.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.65×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,486Home insurance / yr
2.5% / yrInsurance growth
0.94%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
487,936People within 30 min
3,260,796People within 2 hr
570,288Radius comparison (15 mi)
1,313.8People / sq mi
0%Federal land
96.1%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
23 acWorkable land screen
26.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Johnson County

Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.

Not yet researched: Aubry Township · De Soto · Edgerton · Gardner Township · Lake Quivira · Leawood · Lenexa · Lexington Township · McCamish Township · Merriam · Olathe · Oxford Township · Spring Hill · Spring Hill Township · Westwood Hills

Answers from the rulebook for Johnson County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Johnson County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New single-family dwellings and modular homes in unincorporated Johnson County.

    • The address must be confirmed as unincorporated.
    • Required documents include a residential building permit application, site plan, and applicable septic or sewer, entrance, and land-disturbance permits.
    • Municipal projects are directed to the relevant city planning department.
    “Residential Building Permit Application -The Building Permit Application does not replace Sub-Contractor Forms.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Building projects in unincorporated Johnson County.
      “issues permits for building projects in unincorporated Johnson County. [...] Permits are required to enlarge, alter, repair, move or demolish”
    • Required — New single-family dwellings and modular homes in unincorporated Johnson County.
      “Before you apply for a permit, make sure the address for your project is in the ‘unincorporated’ Johnson County area.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Homeowner-performed work under Johnson County contractor-licensing rules.

    • The residence must be for the homeowner's use and occupancy only.
    • The residence may not be built for sale or lease.
    • All commercial projects must have a licensed general contractor and licensed subcontractors; the owner cannot do the work.
    • This is an exemption from contractor licensing requirements, not an exemption from building permits.
    “In order to receive an exemption to the Johnson County Contractor Licensing Regulations, which requires the use of a licensed contractor to do the work, the residence MUST be for the use and occupancy of the homeowner only. It may not be built for sale or lease.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building codes for Johnson County and its unincorporated area.

    • The official page also states that all cities in the county have enacted building codes; municipal rules may differ.
    • The new-home permit page references the Johnson County Code of Regulations for Buildings and Construction 2018 edition and the 2018 International Residential Code, Chapter 11.
    “which is constructed in accordance with the building codes adopted by the County.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Johnson County Code of Regulations for Buildings and Construction, 2018 Edition, including adopted 2018 International Codes and county amendments.
      “On March 12, 2020 the Board of County of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the 2018 International Codes and the amendments in the Johnson County Code of Regulations for Buildings and Construction, 2018 Edition. The codes and regulations will be effective July 1, 2020.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code enforcement for residents and businesses in unincorporated Johnson County.
      “Johnson County and all cities in the County have enacted building codes. Persons wishing to construct any buildings or structures are advised to contact local officials.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Applicable inspections for new residential construction in unincorporated Johnson County.

    • An inspection will not be done without approved plans on the job site.
    • Concrete inspections require two hours' notice; other inspections require at least one-half day notice.
    • Required stages include underground rough-in, rough-in, roof, insulation, drywall, gas, electrical service, and final inspection.
    • If a septic or entrance permit was required, Environmental and Public Works final inspection reports are required before the final building inspection.
    “An inspection will not be done without approved plans on the job site.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building permits issued by Johnson County Building Codes, including new residential construction in unincorporated Johnson County.
      “All building permits issued by Johnson County Building Codes require inspections.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning administered by Johnson County Planning in the unincorporated area.

    • The county zoning and subdivision regulations apply to the Unincorporated Area, defined on the source page as area not located in a city.
    • Incorporated cities have their own zoning requirements.
    “On March 17, 1994, the Board of County Commissioners adopted new zoning and subdivision regulations for the Unincorporated Area (that area not located in a city). These regulations govern the subdivision of land and the types of land uses that are permitted in different zoning districts.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Johnson County, including county zoning in unincorporated areas and municipal zoning within incorporated cities.

    • Johnson County administers zoning in unincorporated areas.
    • Cities administer zoning within their boundaries; the county page directs users whose address returns a city name to contact the city planning department.
    “If the address returns with ‘Unincorporated Area’ then you can proceed with the permit application process. If your search returns with a ‘City’ name, then use the contact information provide to contact your city planning department.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Zoning districts and district-based land-use regulation in unincorporated Johnson County.

    • The county page confirms that land uses are permitted in different zoning districts.
    • The opened pages did not provide the complete district schedule, map or dimensional standards.
    • Municipal zoning districts are separate from county unincorporated-area districts.
    “provides a description of the zoning districts and the standards that apply to them”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Dwellings in unincorporated Johnson County zoning districts governed by Articles 9 and 10.

    • The applicable minimum varies by zoning district.
    • RUR requires at least 10 acres nominal lot area per dwelling, except as provided in Article 24.
    • PRUR requires a minimum nominal lot area of 4 acres per dwelling in Planned Rural Development Subdivisions, with overall density not exceeding one dwelling unit per 10 acres plus one bonus lot for each 30 acres platted.
    • RLD requires at least 3 acres per dwelling.
    • RN-2 requires at least 2 acres per dwelling.
    • RN-1 requires at least 1 acre per dwelling.
    • Article 24 provides exceptions for qualifying nonconforming lots.

    RUR minimum lot area: 10 acres per dwelling (Except as provided in Article 24, Nonconforming Lots and Uses.) · PRUR minimum nominal lot area: 4 acres per dwelling (Planned Rural Development Subdivisions, including bonus lots.) · RLD minimum lot area: 3 acres (Every dwelling hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or altered.) · RN-2 minimum lot area: 2 acres (Every dwelling hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or altered.) · RN-1 minimum lot area: 1 acre (Every dwelling hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or altered.)

    “Minimum Lot Area: Every dwelling hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or altered shall have a lot area of not less than three (3) acres. [...] Minimum Lot Area: Every dwelling hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or altered shall have a lot area of not less than two (2) acres. [...] Minimum Lot Area: Every dwelling hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or altered shall have a lot area of not less than one (1) acre.”
    8 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Dwellings in the unincorporated Johnson County RUR Rural District.
      “Every dwelling hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or altered, shall provide a Nominal Lot Area of not less than ten (10) acres per dwelling except as provided in Article 24, Nonconforming Lots and Uses.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Dwellings in the unincorporated Johnson County PRUR Planned Rural District and Planned Rural Development Subdivisions.
      “Planned Rural Development Subdivisions, including bonus lots, shall provide a minimum Nominal Lot Area of four (4) acres per dwelling.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Dwellings in the unincorporated Johnson County RLD Residential Low Density District.
      “Minimum Lot Area: Every dwelling hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or altered shall have a lot area of not less than three (3) acres.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Dwellings in the unincorporated Johnson County RN-2 Residential Neighborhood Two District.
      “Minimum Lot Area: Every dwelling hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or altered shall have a lot area of not less than two (2) acres.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Dwellings in the unincorporated Johnson County RN-1 Residential Neighborhood One District.
      “Minimum Lot Area: Every dwelling hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved or altered shall have a lot area of not less than one (1) acre.”
    • Specified — Certain replatting of existing 10-to-15-acre lots or tracts in qualifying residential or planned residential zoning districts under Johnson County Article 30.
      “Existing lots or tracts with a Nominal Lot Area of at least ten (10) acres but not more than fifteen (15) acres that have a lot-depth to lot-width ratio not greater than 4-to-1, may be subdivided to create new 3-acre or smaller lots [...] if all the following criteria are met:”
    • Specified — Single-family dwellings and residential accessory structures on nonconforming lots of record in the RUR Rural District in unincorporated Johnson County.
      “In the Rural District tracts or lots smaller than ten (10) acres which were established as lots of record on April 7, 2006, may be used for single-family residential purposes, including dwellings and residential accessory structures, subject to the standard setback and lot coverage limitations required by Article 9 of these regulations. Single-family residential dwellings may be constructed, and may be reconstructed if damaged or destroyed. Such dwellings also may be expanded and accessory structures may be built subject to the provisions of Articles 18 and 23 of these regulations.”
    • Specified — Single-family detached dwellings or detached accessory structures on qualifying nonconforming lots in Residential or Planned Residential Districts in unincorporated Johnson County.
      “Notwithstanding any other provision contained within these regulations, a single-family detached dwelling or a detached accessory structure which complies with the restrictions in Section 2 (C) below, may be erected in any Residential or Planned Residential District on a lot that has less than the prescribed minimum lot area, width or depth, for such zoning district, if: 1. The lot was established as a lot of record on April 7, 2006; and 2. Except for lot line adjustments toward conformance with the regulations, the lot dimensions have remained unchanged.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures in unincorporated Johnson County.

    • Any structure has setback requirements, including structures below the detached-building permit thresholds.
    • The opened page did not provide the numeric setback distances.
    “Any structure regardless of size has setback requirements, contact the Planning Department, 913-715-2200 or by email (PLN-PlannerOnDuty@jocogov.org).”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units used for short-term rental in unincorporated Johnson County.

    • The accessory dwelling unit must be approved.
    • This claim does not establish general accessory-dwelling eligibility outside the short-term-rental context.
    “A short-term rental is permitted in an approved Accessory Dwelling Unit.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private on-site sewage treatment systems in areas served by the Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code.

    • DeSoto, Gardner, and Edgerton are excluded from the resale-inspection coverage described by the county page.
    • Public wastewater systems are administered separately by Johnson County Wastewater.
    “The Residential On-Site Program issues permits for private sewage treatment systems where property owners are not served by a public wastewater collection system.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Private sewage treatment system installation and significant alteration where property owners are not served by public wastewater collection.

    • The process involves applications, fees, soil analysis, plan review, and inspections.
    • A design plan must be prepared by a JCDHE-licensed installer or designer or a licensed engineer.
    • The permit is issued after plan review and requires payment of the permit fee.

    installation permit fee: 480 USD · significant alteration permit fee: 430 USD

    “Obtaining a permit to install a private sewage treatment system is a multi-step process involving applications, fees, soil analysis and inspections.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New private septic systems and qualifying residential or commercial systems in Johnson County areas covered by the county sanitary code.

    • JCDHE inspects new residential and commercial systems.
    • For property transactions, a resale inspection is required within the first 60 days after purchase in covered areas.
    • DeSoto, Gardner, and Edgerton are excluded from the resale-inspection coverage stated on the county page.

    resale inspection deadline: 60 days after purchase (Does not apply in DeSoto, Gardner, and Edgerton according to the county resale page.)

    “The Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code requires that an inspection be performed within the first 60 days after a property is purchased, if the property is located in an area covered by the Code. All areas of Johnson County are covered except DeSoto, Gardner and Edgerton.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water wells in Johnson County, Kansas, as categorized by the official county-permit table.

    • The KDHE table lists a permit as required for household wells in Johnson County.
    • The same table lists no county permit for lawn-and-garden, livestock/pasture, or geothermal wells.
    • The listed Johnson County permit cost is $65.
    • The KDHE page states that a well may also need a Division of Water Resources permit, Class V Authorization, Public Water Supplies permit, or other permit depending on the well.

    well category: household · permit fee: 65 USD

    “County | Household | Lawn & Garden | Livestock/Pasture | Geothermal | Cost [...] Johnson | Yes | No | No | No | $65”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New structures in unincorporated Johnson County with plumbing.

    • Applicants must contact Environmental or Wastewater for the first structure with plumbing.
    • Private septic applies where there is no public wastewater collection system; public sewer is handled by Johnson County Wastewater.
    • An applicable septic or sewer permit may be required.
    “Contact Environmental or Wastewater if this is the 1st structure on your property and your structure will include plumbing.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in unincorporated Johnson County.

    • The regulations apply to the unincorporated area, defined on the page as areas not located in a city.
    • When dividing land, buyers and sellers should check with the County Planning Office to determine whether resulting parcels meet minimum standards.
    • Municipal subdivision requirements may apply within incorporated cities.
    “These regulations govern the subdivision of land”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Entrance or driveway access for the first structure on a property or an additional entrance.

    • An Entrance Permit is required as part of the process when the project is the first structure on the property or adds an additional entrance.
    • Public Works administers the entrance permit.
    “The number of driveways will be limited by driveway spacing requirements related to road frontage.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in an Area of Special Flood Hazard or Floodway Area in unincorporated Johnson County.

    • Professional engineer or architect certifications are required.
    • For development or subdivision greater than fifty lots or five acres, BFE calculations, a scaled map, and grading plan with maximum five-foot contour intervals are required.
    • Floodway development must not increase the BFE whatsoever.
    • After-construction elevation certifications are required before issuance of a zoning permit.

    subdivision threshold: > 50 lots (or more than 5 acres) · grading-plan contour interval: <= 5 feet maximum

    “If YES, a Flood Plain Development Permit is required”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published Johnson County fees for building-related and septic-related permits and inspections.

    • Building permit fees are calculated based on the applicable fee schedule and valuation; residential fees are due when the permit is issued.
    • A 2.4% service fee applies to credit-card building permit transactions.
    • Septic fees vary by permit or inspection type and are published on the county Forms and Fees page.

    credit-card building permit service fee: 2.4 percent (American Express is not accepted.) · private sewage treatment system installation permit: 480 USD · private sewage treatment system significant alteration permit: 430 USD · residential sewage system resale inspection: 260 USD · septic minor repair permit: 80 USD

    “Application for Private Sewage Treatment System Installation Permit : $480”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Published Johnson County Environmental Department fees for septic and well applications.
      “Application for Private Sewage Treatment System Installation Permit : $480”
    • Published (with conditions) — Johnson County building-permit fee information and payment timing.
      “Method of payment: check (payable to: Johnson County Building Codes), ACH, or credit card (there will be a 2.4% service fee assessed to all transactions), American Express is not accepted.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Johnson County building-permit application, plan-submission, payment, tracking, and inspection-request process.

    • As of January 1, 2020, applications must be submitted through the customer portal.
    • Users can apply for building and trade permits, submit plans and documents as PDFs, track application progress, view review comments and approved plans, request inspections, and view completed inspection reports.
    • Inspection requests generally require at least one-half day notice; concrete inspections require two hours' notice on the day of the pour.
    • Only concrete and homeowner-occupied projects receive scheduled times.

    online-submission effective date: 2020-01-01 · standard inspection notice: >= 0.5 day (Concrete inspections require 2 hours before scheduled time and on the day of concrete pour.)

    “As of January 1, 2020, all building permit applications must be submitted through the customer portal.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit process for new single-family dwellings and modular homes in unincorporated Johnson County.
      “Johnson County Building Codes uses MGOCONNECT to apply and generate building permits.”

Kansas rules that apply here

  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Any portion of a State of Kansas-owned building that has been in construction or has a change in occupancy, under the Department of Administration DCC process.

    • Form 150 is issued before occupancy of any portion of a building that has been in construction or has a change in occupancy.
    • Healthcare and childcare occupancies and Board of Regents capital-improvement projects require OSFM participation in construction inspections before authorization or acceptance of occupancy.
    • The manual states that failure to submit the occupancy request and schedule required inspections results in denial of occupancy.

    certificate form: Form 150 - Certificate of Occupancy

    “Form 150 - Certificate of Occupancy will be issued by DCC prior to occupancy of any portion of a building that has been in construction or has a change in occupancy. For Healthcare and Childcare Occupancies and Capital Improvement Projects for the Board of Regents, OSFM will perform construction inspections prior to authorization/acceptance of occupancy.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Percentage of a lot that may be occupied under applicable Kansas municipal or county zoning regulations.

    • Actual lot-coverage percentage is set by the applicable local zoning classification, if adopted.
    • No statewide numeric lot-coverage percentage was identified.

    maximum percentage of lot occupied: local zoning classification percent

    “the percentage of lots that may be occupied”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building height and number-of-stories restrictions established by applicable Kansas municipal or county zoning regulations.

    • Actual height or story limits are set by the applicable local zoning classification, if adopted.
    • No statewide numeric building-height limit was identified.

    maximum building height or stories: local zoning classification

    “restrict and regulate the height, number of stories and size of buildings”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement and residential occupancy of manufactured homes in Kansas jurisdictions with applicable county or city zoning regulations.

    • Manufactured homes remain subject to applicable county and city zoning regulations.
    • A governing body may not exclude manufactured homes from its entire zoning jurisdiction.
    • A governing body may not exclude residential-design manufactured homes from single-family residential districts solely because they are manufactured homes.
    • Architectural or aesthetic standards compatible with site-built housing may still apply.
    • Valid restrictive covenants running with the land are not preempted.
    • The source states the zoning provision became effective January 1, 1992.
    “All mobile homes shall be subject to zoning regulations of counties and cities applicable to areas in which such homes are located.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Domestic wastewater disposal without a public sewer connection, using an approved septic system, lagoon, or alternative onsite system.

    • Domestic wastewater must be discharged to an approved sewage collection system, approved lagoon, septic system, alternative system, or permitted sewage treatment plant.
    • Private sewerage facilities are conditioned on public sewers not being available and on compliance with local requirements.
    • Seepage pits, cesspools, and dry wells (rat holes) are not permitted.
    • No private onsite wastewater system may have a surface discharge.
    • Alternative systems may require a local variance; where there is no local code, KDHE may grant a variance.
    “Wastewater from a home shall be discharged to a properly designed and maintained septic tank–soil absorption field or wastewater pond, an approved alternative treatment and disposal system, or a permitted sewage treatment plant. Seepage pits, cesspools, and dry wells (rat holes) are not permitted. [...] No private onsite wastewater system shall have a surface discharge.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Use of land for agricultural purposes and erection or maintenance of agricultural buildings under city or county zoning regulations adopted under Kansas planning and zoning statutes.

    • The exemption applies only while the land and buildings are used for agricultural purposes and not otherwise.
    • The exemption does not apply to flood-plain regulations in designated flood plains.
    • Under K.S.A. 19-2960, dwellings, garages, and other similar accessory buildings are not agricultural buildings.
    • Under K.S.A. 19-2960, all buildings, including agricultural buildings, may be regulated for setbacks from public roads.
    • K.S.A. 12-758 applies to regulations adopted by a city pursuant to K.S.A. 12-715b or by a county pursuant to the planning and zoning act.

    agricultural-use condition: land and buildings must be used for agricultural purposes and not otherwise (Flood-plain regulations remain applicable.) · public-road setback exception: permitted (Agricultural buildings may be regulated as to setbacks from public roads under K.S.A. 19-2960.)

    “regulations adopted by a city pursuant to K.S.A. 12-715b, and amendments thereto, or a county pursuant to this act shall not apply”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals and vacation units or properties regulated by a Kansas municipality during the temporary statutory period from May 15, 2026 through July 25, 2026.

    • The temporary rule applied from May 15, 2026 through July 25, 2026.
    • No municipality could limit the number of permits or other municipal authorizations or limit rental duration during that period.
    • Completed authorization applications had to receive a response within 15 calendar days.
    • If the municipality failed to process and respond within 15 calendar days, the application was deemed approved and no additional municipal regulation or code requirement could be imposed as a condition of approval.
    • The definition excluded a permanent guest or a person occupying under a contract intended for long-term or permanent occupancy for more than 28 consecutive days within the period.

    application response deadline: 15 calendar days (completed municipal authorization applications during the statutory period)

    “During such period, all completed applications to a municipality [...] shall be processed by the municipality [...] within 15 calendar days.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Kansas counties adopting zoning regulations for all or any portion of unincorporated county territory.

    • The authority is exercised by the board of county commissioners through resolution and under the applicable planning-and-zoning act.
    • Permissible subjects include building height, number of stories, building size, lot coverage, yards and open spaces, population density including minimum lot dimensions, building and land uses, and floodplain land use.
    • County zoning jurisdiction may cover all or any portion of the unincorporated area; incorporated municipalities have separate statutory zoning jurisdiction.
    “The board of county commissioners, by resolution, may provide for the adoption or amendment of zoning regulations for the unincorporated portion of the county in the manner, and for the purposes, provided by this act.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    Kansas counties' authority to require building permits and regulate construction in unincorporated areas through subdivision regulations

    • The county must first adopt a comprehensive plan before adopting subdivision regulations under K.S.A. 19-2961.
    • The permit procedures apply to lots divided, subdivided, resubdivided, or replatted within an area governed by the county's subdivision regulations.
    • No building authorization may be granted for a structure on a lot subdivided, resubdivided, or replatted after adoption of the regulations unless the statutory approval process is followed.
    • Regulations must provide a building-permit procedure for lots divided into not more than two tracts without replatting, unless otherwise provided.
    • Permit procedures must account for zoning regulations, adequate street rights-of-way, easements, and improvement of public facilities, and specify a decision time limit.
    • The statute permits the final permit decision to be made by the county commission, subject to other law.

    maximum tracts for permit without replatting: <= 2 tracts (unless otherwise provided by the county regulations)

    “Any regulations adopted by the board of county commissioners with reference to subdividing lots shall provide for the issuance of building permits”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Kansas counties adopting and enforcing building codes in unincorporated portions of the county.
      “Any part of a code adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section may be made applicable, by resolution, either to all unincorporated portions of the county or to any area of the county outside of but within three (3) miles of the nearest point of the corporate limits of any city.”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In Kansas, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Johnson County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Minimum dwelling size
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Johnson County, Kansas

Is Johnson County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Johnson County scores 43/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 487,936 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Johnson County, Kansas?

Johnson County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Johnson County Environmental Department. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Johnson County, Kansas?

Land in Johnson County runs about $6,558 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Johnson County?

Johnson County gets about 39.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.5% of years.

How remote is Johnson County?

A representative private-land location has about 487,936 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,260,796 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Johnson compares in Kansas

Compare side-by-side →See all 105 Kansas counties ranked →