Deck Permits

Do you want to add a deck to your home? Do you want to modify or increase the size of an existing deck? Do you want to replace an existing deck? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then you will need to obtain a building permit. If you are replacing only the decking material, then no permit is required. If any structural member (floor joist, beam or post) will be replaced, then a permit will be required.

A permit application may be obtained in person from the Codes Administration Division at City Hall or by using this permit application. The form must be filled out completely and returned with the following required information:

• Two sets of plans. These plans do NOT need to be sealed and signed by an architect or engineer licensed in the State of Kansas. The plans should include, but not be limited to the following information: type and size of lumber to be used, height above ground, pier locations and depth, how the deck will be attached to the house, and stair details such as guardrail and handrail height and locations. Click here for our Deck Plan Guide.
• A completed permit application.
• Two plot plans, signed and sealed by a civil engineer or land surveyor registered in the State of Kansas. The plot plan must include property address, legal description, property dimensions, contour lines, proposed structures and distances to property lines, building lines, location of outside utilities, easements, rights of way and decks. If you do not have a plot plan, one may be available for you by contacting the Codes Administration Division at City Hall, (913) 663-9165. Please keep in mind that most residential districts require a rear yard setback of at least twenty five feet and a side yard setback of at least fifteen feet. This means the deck must be at least twenty five feet from the rear property line and fifteen feet from the side property line. Setback requirements may vary depending on your subdivision. If you have questions regarding your specific set back requirements, please contact the Codes Administration Division at (913) 663-9165.
• Construction value of the proposed deck work.
• Contractors are required to be licensed with both the City of Leawood and Johnson County. Select this link for more information about Johnson County Contractor Licensing.
• Properties north of I-435 are subject to approval from Johnson County Wastewater. Please contact Johnson County Wastewater at 913-715-8500.

For more information about deck construction, the City offers a brochure, “Residential Decks, Permit and Construction Guidelines” under the 2018 IRC.

Expiration:

Permits expire after 90 days from the date of issuance. Additional time may be granted if substantial completion can be verified prior to the expiration of the permit.

Deck Repairs:

Deck repairs in the form of replacing railings, joists, beams, or posts will require a permit.

A permit application may be obtained in person from the Codes Administration Division at City Hall or by selecting this permit application form. The form must be filled out completely and returned with the following required information:

• A completed permit application.
• Construction value of the proposed deck work.
• Contractors are required to be licensed with both the City of Leawood and Johnson County. Click here for more information about Johnson County Contractor Licensing.
• A scaled drawing of the existing deck. This drawing needs to include, but not be limited to the following information: spacing and size of joists, size and location(s) of beams, size and locations of posts, method of attachment of deck to the house and stair details such as guardrail and handrail height and locations.

NOTE: For deck repairs, notwithstanding the scope of work as described in the permit application, in order to pass final inspection, additional work may be required to address life safety or structural issues.