Code of Regulation for Building and Construction
The Code of Regulations was created to establish a comprehensive set of codes and standards, designed to be compatible with one another, in order to provide better building construction and greater safety to the public.
This Code of Regulations shall be applicable to all unincorporated areas of Johnson County, except in any unincorporated area of the County which is expressly excluded from the application and provision of the County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations.
Unincorporated Area
The following information pertains to residential and commercial property located in the unincorporated parts of Johnson County. Before you use any of the following information, make sure the address for your project is in the ‘unincorporated’ Johnson County area by entering your information in the space provided.
Johnson County Code of Regulations for Buildings and Construction
On March 12, 2020 the Board of County of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the 2018 International Codes and the amendments in the Johnson County Code of Regulations for Buildings and Construction, 2018 Edition. The codes and regulations will be effective July 1, 2020.
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Basement Finishing and Remodeling Code Guidelines
A permit is required to finish or remodel a basement that involves construction of walls or installation or extension of electrical circuits, plumbing drains or vents, or ductwork. Repair and maintenance work, such as carpeting, painting, wallpaper, receptacle replacement, fixture replacement of previously installed (sinks, stools, lighting fixtures), vanities and cabinetry do not require a permit.
Cold Weather Concreting
The temperature must be 20-22° F and rising to pour footings. The temperature must be 30° F and rising to pour walls. When air temperature is below 40° F, or forecast to fall below 40°during the next 24 hours, weather protection must be on the project site in order to receive a passing inspection. Blankets, straw and tented plastic with heat may be considered as adequate for weather protection.
ACI Standard 318
ACI Standard 318 5.12 – Cold weather requirements 512.1 – Adequate equipment shall be provided for heating concrete material and protecting concrete during freezing or near-freezing weather. 512.2 – All concrete materials and all reinforcement, forms, fillers, and ground with which concrete is to come in contact shall be free from frost. 512.3 – Frozen material or materials containing ice shall not be used.
Commercial Roofing Permit Requirements
All submittals for commercial roofing or reroofing shall meet following items. These requirements are in accordance with 2018 IBC, and 2018 IECC. See following items for submittals and inspection for roofing and re‐roofing permit for commercial projects. We also perform site inspection during different stage of the project until approval by final inspection.
Commercial Roofing/Reroofing submittal requirements
- All Submittals shall be reviewed, sealed, and signed by a design professional registered in state of Kansas. (Drawings, cut sheet, manufacture specifications, product listing, etc.)
- Description of the work and method of application for new roofing or, reroofing shall be written clearly in detail for installation and inspection by the jurisdiction.
- Type of the construction and type of the occupancy and minimum roof covering fire classification in accordance with 2018 IBC chapter 15 shall be clarified and verified on the submittals.
- Foam plastic insulation used in roofing assembly shall meet 2018 IBC chapter 26. Also, Insulation R values shall meet 2018 IECC requirements.
- Fire resistance roof construction shall meet 2018 IBC Table 601. (Note: Roof assembly consists of roof deck and roof covering, as defined in 2018 IBC, Definition chapter2)
- Combustible materials shall be permitted in buildings of type I, and II construction per 2018 IBC section 603.
- Proposed roof covering assembly shall be listed and listing design # by UL, FM, or any other approved agency shall be part of the submittals.
- All individual membrane in the roof covering assembly shall be listed and approved individually, by any approved agency (UL, FM, etc.)
- Contractors may not create their own custom roof assembly using various individual component materials of their own choosing. Contractors may only submit full assemblies approved by UL, FM, or similar authorities for review and approval by a design professional registered in the State of KS. Final, sealed, submissions are then transmitted to the Johnson County Planning and Codes Office for final review and approval before roof construction begins.
Erosion Control
Engaging in land disturbing activities, within the unincorporated areas of Johnson County, requires a Land Disturbance Permit to implement erosion and sediment control measures.
Pole Barn – Post Frame Construction
Post Frame Construction (Pole Barn) shall be designed by a design professional registered in the state of Kansas. Post Frame structures shall be designed in accordance with the 2018 International Building Code or 2018 International Residential Code requirements for exposure “C” and roof snow load of 20 psf.
Submittal requirements
Construction drawings shall be sealed and signed by a design professional registered in the state of Kansas and include all framing details, post to beam, connection method, wall bracing method and approved footing for the proposed structure shall be identified and referenced on submitted construction plans.
If pre-engineered truss system, roof/floor, will be used, complete set of details to Truss layout plan engineered sealed truss package shall be submitted for review and approval.
Residential Energy Code Requirements
Energy code submittals are required for all residential projects in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 2018 IRC.
Residential Decks
This guideline is limited to deck designs using a uniform floor loading of 40 pounds per-square-foot live load and 10 pounds per-square-foot dead load over the entire floor of the deck. Decks supporting loads in excess of the standard uniform loads will require specific approval from the local jurisdiction and may require design by a licensed architect or engineer. Multi-level decks, as well as decks supporting roofs, hot tubs, spas, sun rooms, etc., and decks with cantilevers exceeding code allowances are examples of deck design elements that are not covered by this guideline and will require additional direction from the local jurisdiction.
Residential Foundation Guidelines
Foundation designs for one-and two-family dwellings may use the approved standard designs provided in this policy in lieu of the prescriptive requirements of the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC). This document is applicable only to foundation systems with adequate surface drainage away from the foundation walls, not affected by groundwater, and without surcharge on wall backfill.