Permits and Licenses Guide

Binders of permits and pencils in a pencil holder

Johnson County Government provides permits and licenses for a range of activities, from construction and building permits to solid waste and sewer permits.

Whether it's for a home project, commercial facility, recreational opportunity or another action requiring a permit or license, you can get started by using this Permits and Licenses Guide.

Below, you can explore permits and licenses by your specific need, and find application and submission details.

Permits and Licenses Overview

Contractor Licenses and Building Permits

A contractor wearing a hard hat looking at building plans

Contractor Licenses

Are you wanting to build in Johnson County? Before getting their building permit, the builder must obtain a contractor license through the county for that specific type of building.

The Contractor Licensing division of Planning, Housing and Community Development issues and tracks 11 types of construction contractor licenses. Contractor licenses include the following classes: General (A), Building (B), Residential (C), Electrical (DE), Fire Protection (DF and DFA), Mechanical (DM), Plumbing (DP), Roofing (DR), Swimming Pool (DS) and Wood Framing (DW).

Learn more about Contractor Licenses

Building Permits

Once the builder has their contractor license, their next step is to apply for a building permit for the project. The Building Codes division of Planning, Housing and Community Development issues permits for building projects in unincorporated Johnson County. A building project in a city requires a permit through that specific city.

Permits are required to enlarge, alter, repair, move or demolish, including all decks, roofs and new structures. Permits are also required to repair, remove, convert or replace electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing, including repairs to decks or replacing siding and windows.

If you are unsure of what type of permit you may need, please call 913-715-2200 or email planningandcodes@jocogov.org.

Learn more about Building Permits

Wastewater Permits

Wastewater being treated at an outdoor wastewater facility

Are you a developer, engineer or contractor in Johnson County? Johnson County Wastewater is your wastewater provider, and permits are needed to dispose of wastewater through commercial, industrial, food service and residential sewers.

You can submit and track wastewater permit applications through My Government Online. For industrial permitting, application requirements may vary by industry. Please contact 913-715-6956 or david.becker@jcw.org for industry-specific requirements.

Developers can also apply for sewer main developments for privately and publicly financed sewer mains.

Learn more about Wastewater Permits

Public Works Permits

Johnson County Public Works issues permits for commercial and residential projects in unincorporated Johnson County.

Permits issued by Public Works include entrance permits, land disturbance permits, utility permits, transport large structure permits and stormwater treatment facility permits.

You can also find project regulations for your project on this webpage, including construction specifications, drainage plan criteria, driveway limitations and other regulations.

Learn more about Public Works Permits

Special Permits

The County Manager’s Office issues special permits for amusement enterprises, commercial parties and celebrations, fireworks, itinerant sales activities and auctions, and parades and demonstrations.

To apply for a permit, please submit an application via email to susan.maier@jocogov.org, dropped off at the Johnson County Administration Building, 111 S. Cherry St. #3300, Olathe, KS, or mailed to:

CMO ATTN: Special Permits
111 S. Cherry, #3300
Olathe, KS 66061

Learn more about Special Permits

Recreation Permits

A man holding a fishing pole in the water

Those interested in boating, archery, metal detecting and other activities in Johnson County parks must obtain a permit through Johnson County Park and Recreation District. These permits may be purchased online through the JCPRD website.

You are no longer required to purchase fishing and trout permit through JCPRD. A state of Kansas fishing license and the state trout license is required for county lakes. If you do not have a Kansas state fishing license or need to renew your state license, visit ksoutdoors.com to purchase.

Learn more about Recreation Permits