Many construction projects require appropriate permitting.  New businesses, new homes, decks, swimming pools, furnaces and water heaters are all examples of projects that require a permit.  The Olathe Municipal Code has a comprehensive list of construction projects that do not require a permit in Title 15, 15.02.140.

The beginning stages of a construction project provides an opportunity to seek information, discuss factors that impact the need for a building permit, and gives time to research Building Codes and Municipal Code amendments that may be specific to the City of Olathe.

Depending on the project, applicants may request a Pre-Permit Application meeting to further understand the permitting process. To schedule a Pre-Permit Application meeting, submit that request via email to buildingcodescontact@olatheks.gov and a representative will respond with a confirmation, date and time for the meeting which can be in-person or online at the applicant’s request.

Applications must be submitted through the Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal with all required documents, which can vary by permit type. For reference, a list of documents typically required for each type of application is provided at the end of this document.

All required documents must be uploaded at the time of application, and after the application is accepted, staff will move the permit application into the Plan Review process.

Every application and required documents are reviewed by the Building Codes Plan Review team and all other divisions within the City that require a plan review.  For example, a deck may only need to be reviewed by the Building Codes staff, and a new industrial warehouse may need to be reviewed by Building Codes, Planning, Engineering, Stormwater, Utilities, Fire and Traffic divisions. 

General lead times for plan review and resubmittals are five (5) business days for residential, and fifteen (15) business days for commercial applications. 

Residential applications that only require the Building Codes division review may be completed as Express Permits and are typically reviewed in one (1) business day at no additional charge to the applicant. Ask if you qualify for our express service!

At the successful completion of the plan review process, all contractors will be verified with Johnson County and then appropriate permit fees will be invoiced to the applicant.  All fees can be found within the City’s Comprehensive List of Fees online and once paid, the permit will be issued and construction can begin.

Permits are issued and active for 180 days and work must begin within this time, or the permit will require a new application.  If construction has begun within the 180-day window, scheduling the appropriate inspections will schedule City inspectors to verify construction progress which ensures the permit remains active and in good standing.  

County licensed contractors are required to undertake work which requires a permit with an exception; the owner of a single-family residence (only if occupied and used as their primary residence) shall be allowed to act as the general contractor and obtain a permit to construct, alter or repair said residence.  More information can be found within Title 15, 15.02.130.  Property owners that are landlords, “flipping” units, or involved in real estate investing must have the required licensed contractors perform the work within the scope of the permit.

Inspections are scheduled through the Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal and the required inspections will be listed in sequence.  At any time, applicants are encouraged to speak with the inspectors on site to learn more about the process, the next steps, or any general inquiries about the construction details so that the process runs as smoothly as possible. 

Inspectors are typically available the next day after scheduling, and the Portal will allow you to request inspections according to the City’s calendar.  To cancel an inspection, you may do so in the portal before the day of the scheduled inspection.

Once all inspections are complete, a Certificate of Occupancy may be issued, or in some cases a Certificate of Completion will be generated.  This signifies the completion of a project and allows the use of the building or space that was under the scope of the permit.  If construction is still ongoing, but occupancy is required, a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be requested based on completion and inspection of all life-safety items – this is a valuable option that allows items like painting or landscaping to be completed at a later date.