Do You Need a Fence Permit in Johnson County, KS?
Short answer: In Johnson County, KS, fence permit rules vary by city. You typically don’t need a permit if your fence is under 6 ft (in Shawnee) or under 7 ft (in Olathe or unincorporated areas). However, cities like Overland Park and Lenexa require permits in most residential cases — even for standard 6-foot privacy fences with only a few exceptions. Below is a detailed breakdown for each major city, so you can avoid fines, setbacks, or being forced to remove your fence.
Fence Permit Rules by City
Overland Park
✅ Permit required for:
Any new fence
Replacing over 50% of an existing fence line
Fence extensions
📏 Height limits:
Up to 8 ft in rear and side yards
3 ft maximum for decorative front yard fences (must be at least 50% open)
📝 Application: Submit via the city’s ePLACE portal
💵 Typical fees: Around $25–$50
🔗 Looking for installation help? Visit our Overland Park fence installation page.
Olathe
❌ No permit required for fences up to 7 ft tall
✅ Permit required only if the fence exceeds 7 ft
📏 HOA restrictions and easement rules still apply even if no permit is needed
📝 Apply through Olathe’s Building Codes Division if over 7 ft
🔗 Need help with your next project? Check out our Olathe fence contractor services.
Lenexa
✅ Permit required for most fences, except:
Decorative fences under 3 ft
Agricultural fences
Retaining walls under 4 ft
Replacing less than 50% of a fence line with the same material, height, and style
📏 Most residential fences are capped at 6 ft
📝 Permit applications go through Lenexa’s Planning and Development department
💵 Fees generally range from $30–$60
🔗 See our Lenexa fence installation options.
Shawnee
❌ No permit required for residential fences 6 ft or shorter
✅ Permit required for:
Any fence over 6 ft
All commercial or specialty fences
📏 Height limits:
4.5 ft max for solid fences in front yards
6 ft allowed in side and rear yards
On corner lots, fences must step down to 4.5 ft at the front setback line
📝 Apply via CitizenServe if required
🔗 Visit our Shawnee fence installation page.
Unincorporated Johnson County
❌ No permit required for fences up to 7 ft
✅ Permit required if the fence exceeds 7 ft in height
📏 Standard residential fences under 7 ft are exempt from formal application
📝 Permits go through the Johnson County Building Codes Department
🔗 We proudly serve unincorporated areas — book a free quote here.
How to Apply for a Fence Permit (By City)
Overland Park
Create a site plan sketch with setbacks
Visit the ePLACE portal
Submit your plan and application
Pay fee and wait 5–7 business days
Olathe
If fence is over 7 ft, download the Residential Building Permit Application
Submit via Olathe’s Building Division
Include details like height, location, and materials
Lenexa
Check whether your fence is exempt
If not, submit via the city’s building portal
Include site plan, dimensions, and materials
Shawnee
If your fence is over 6 ft or commercial, apply via CitizenServe
Include location, dimensions, and photos if needed
Unincorporated Johnson County
Use the online Building Permit form for fences over 7 ft
Submit via Johnson County’s Building Codes site
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the permit process when one is required
Failing to follow front yard and corner lot visibility rules
Confusing HOA approval with city approval
Building too close to easements without checking
Not calling 811 before digging to check for utilities
FAQs About Fence Permits in Johnson County
Do I need a permit in Overland Park?
Yes — nearly all new fences or significant replacements require one.
Can I build a fence in Olathe without a permit?
Yes — as long as it’s 7 ft or shorter. Anything taller needs a permit.
Do I need a permit for a small decorative fence in Lenexa?
No — fences under 3 ft (and agricultural fences) are exempt.
Can I build a 6 ft fence in Shawnee without a permit?
Yes — 6 ft is the limit for residential fences in Shawnee. Over that requires approval.
What if I live on a corner lot in Shawnee?
Fences must step down to 4.5 ft at the front setback line.
Do I need a permit in unincorporated Johnson County?
Not if the fence is 7 ft or shorter. Taller fences require a building permit.
Do It Right, Build It Once
Fence permits might seem like a hassle, but knowing the right rules will save you from expensive fines, redo work, or unhappy neighbors. Each Johnson County city has its own standards — and if you’re still unsure, we’ll handle the permit process for you.
📞 Call us at 913-358-5305 or visit PicketPros.com to book a free on-site quote today.