Kansas, Shawnee County Remodeler Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Shawnee County Building & Safety Division
Shawnee County's Land Use & Development Department, through its adopted building code, administers a building permit process to ensure construction compliance with county regulations. This process applies to all of unincorporated Shawnee County. The county's building code is based on the City of Topeka's adopted codes, including the International Building Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, and International Residential Code, among others.
Unincorporated Areas
The Shawnee County building code and permit procedures are applicable to all properties located in unincorporated Shawnee County.
Demolition Work During Remodels
A demolition permit is required for the removal or demolition of any building or structure, excluding signs and fences. This permit is processed similarly to a building permit, though a site plan is not required if the applicant can clearly identify the structure to be demolished. If a structure is being relocated, a building permit for the new location and a Moving Permit from the Public Works Department are also necessary. Partial demolition involving the removal of structural elements, such as walls or roof sections, will require a building permit, and structural plans may be needed to show how the remaining structure will be supported.
Converting Non-Living Spaces to Habitable Areas
A building permit is required to convert attics, basements, or garages into habitable living space. Depending on the scope of work, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits may also be necessary. It is recommended to consult with the Development Services Center (DSC) staff early in the planning process to address zoning and building code requirements.
- Habitable Space Requirements: Living space must have at least 70 square feet of floor area. Utility rooms, closets, and bathrooms may be any size.
- Ceiling Height: Living space in basements must have a minimum ceiling height of 6'8". For living spaces with sloped ceilings, no more than half of the required floor area may have a ceiling height less than 6'8", with no part of the required floor area less than five feet in height.
- Egress: Basements with living space and all sleeping rooms must have at least one egress window or exterior door for emergency escape. Egress windows must have a sill height of 44 inches or less.
- Garage Conversions: If converting a garage, you may need to demonstrate how required on-site parking will be provided. Detached garages may have specific setback requirements and potential structural deficiencies that need to meet building code standards.
- Attic Conversions: Ensure the existing attic floor structure is adequate to support the weight of occupants and furniture. Raising the roof for an attic conversion may be subject to height regulations.
Resources to Learn More
Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Kansas, including Shawnee County.
Kansas Remodeler Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
Kansas State-Level Building Codes and Legislation for Remodelers and Residential Renovations
Kansas operates under a "Home Rule" system, meaning there is no single, statewide building code. Instead, building codes are adopted and amended at the local level by individual cities and counties. This results in a varied regulatory landscape across the state, where the specific adopted versions of model codes and local amendments can differ significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Therefore, it is crucial for remodelers and those undertaking residential renovations to verify the exact codes and ordinances with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for the project's specific location.
1. Specific State Statutes and Codes Adopted
While there isn't a statewide mandate, many Kansas jurisdictions adopt versions of the International Code Council (ICC) model codes. Common adoptions include:
- International Building Code (IBC)
- International Residential Code (IRC)
- International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- International Fire Code (IFC)
- International Mechanical Code (IMC)
- International Plumbing Code (IPC)
- International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- National Electrical Code (NEC)
For example, Johnson County adopted the 2018 International Codes, including the 2018 IEBC, effective July 1, 2020. Manhattan adopted the 2021 International Codes, including the 2021 IEBC, effective January 1, 2023. Sedgwick County has adopted the 2024 IBC and 2024 IEBC, alongside the 2018 IRC. Lawrence adopted the 2018 International Codes, including the 2018 IEBC.
2. Primary State Boards or Agencies
The primary entities responsible for setting and enforcing building standards in Kansas are the local city and county building departments, often referred to as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Organizations like the Johnson County Building Officials Association and the Kansas Association of Code Enforcement work towards uniformity and consistency in code adoption and interpretation across jurisdictions. The Kansas State Fire Marshal's office also plays a role, particularly concerning life safety requirements for certain types of facilities and public buildings.
3. Classification of Remodels and Demolition Guidelines
The distinction between cosmetic remodels and structural alterations is generally guided by the scope of work and its impact on the building's integrity. Cosmetic work, such as painting, wallpapering, or replacing fixtures, typically does not require a permit. However, alterations that involve structural changes, such as converting attics or basements to habitable spaces, adding or modifying walls, or extending electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems, will likely require a building permit.
The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) provides guidelines for alterations, repairs, additions, and changes of occupancy. Generally, additions, alterations, or repairs must conform to the requirements for new structures without necessarily requiring the entire existing structure to comply, unless otherwise specified. However, these modifications must not render the existing structure unsafe or adversely affect its performance.
Demolition guidelines and permit requirements vary by locality but generally involve:
- Submitting a demolition permit application.
- Providing a site plan showing the structure to be demolished and its location.
- Evidence of disconnection of all public utilities (water, gas, electric, sewer).
- Proof of permission from the property owner.
- Details on the demolition method and equipment to be used.
- Information on where demolition debris will be deposited.
- Erosion and sediment control measures.
- Contractor licensing and insurance requirements, which may include county-level licensing (e.g., Johnson County).
For example, Leawood requires proof of utility disconnections, rat-abatement (if applicable), and erosion control. Leavenworth mandates utility disconnect notices, a Land Disturbance Permit, and sewer capping by a licensed plumber. Johnson County requires a building permit for demolition in unincorporated areas and specifies pedestrian protection measures based on the IBC. Lenexa requires utility disconnections, erosion control, and a performance bond.
Resources to Learn More