Accessory Dwelling Unit – Administrative Review
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is defined as a dwelling unit that is accessory and secondary to the principal dwelling unit and under the same ownership in all respects. The Principal Dwelling Unit is defined to be the larger of the two dwellings. ADUs are not duplexes and is not intended to replace duplex and other multi-family zoning districts and dwellings.
1. Search Address
Before you create an application, make sure the address for your project is in the ‘unincorporated’ Johnson County area. Enter an address or KUPN number in the location search box provided. 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.
2. Is this project eligible for administrative approval?
Before proceeding with the application process please review the Accessory Dwelling Unit Worksheet to confirm if your project may be eligible for Administrative Approval.
An accessory dwelling unit must meet certain performance standards to be eligible for Administrative Review. Planning staff will assist you in determining the appropriate application form for your project.
3. Application Process
Before you Apply
Have you spoken to a Planner and scheduled a Development Review Committee Pre-Application Meeting? Download the Guidebook, review and complete the Questionnaire, and call the Planner on Duty at 913-715-2200 to set up a meeting.
How to Apply
Submission of less than the following items may delay the review and processing of the application.
- A complete Administrative Accessory Dwelling Unit Application form.
- A complete Zoning Permit Application.
- Payment of filing fee. Make check payable to Johnson County Planning Department.
- Letter of Authorization if not the legal owner of the property.
- Two Development Plan drawings, including a site plan, elevations, and a table of building areas, in accordance with the requirements of Article 15, Sections 3 and 6 of the Zoning Regulations.
- Legal Description emailed, Microsoft Word format and common street address of the property.
- Written narrative description of proposal.
- Accessory Dwelling Unit Worksheet.
Articles of Reference
- Article 5 – Permits
- Article 15 – Development Plan Procedures
- Article 17 – Supplementary Height, Area, and Bulk Regulations
- Article 18, - Section 7(D) – Accessory Dwelling Units (page 14)
- Performance Standards
Planning Department Procedures
The Department reviews the Accessory Dwelling Unit Certificate request and notifies the applicant whether it is approved or denied. The application may be approved subject to stipulations.
When Accessory Dwelling Unit Certificate Approval is received, the applicant may apply for a building permit. A copy of the Accessory Dwelling Unit Certificate Approval and Zoning Permit Application will be attached to the building permit.
Prior to or concurrent with the Final building permit inspection, the subject real property will be reviewed to determine whether the actual site development conforms with the requirements of the approved development plan. If the site is in conformance with the approved development plan, then the Zoning Permit will be issued.
The Zoning Permit must be approved before use of the accessory dwelling unit is allowed.