Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home

The Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home Pamphlet is required to be provided to prospective buyers and renters of pre-1978 homes, and residents of homes where renovations will take place. The pamphlet is available in Spanish and other formats, and it can be accessed and ordered through the Environmental Protection Agency website, by calling 800-424-5323, or by completing the Online Document Request Form.

Renovate Right

The Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools Booklet (PDF) contains general information about legal requirements for safe lead practices for homeowners, tenants, child care providers and parents during renovation activities. Also available in Spanish and other formats via the EPA website.

Click here for more information.

To schedule an inspection, please call 913-385-4604 or email permits@pvkansas.com.

Building Permits

We have transitioned to an online, cloud-based licensing and permitting system called OpenGov. The website is available by clicking here.

Please note, drainage permits must be applied for separate from the building permits.

Building permits are required for all the construction projects listed below before work begins.  

Projects Requiring a Building Permit

Accessory Structure
Additions
Attic Finish
Basement Finish
Air Conditioning/Coil/Condenser
Backwater Valve
Chimney/Fireplace rebuild
Deck
Demolition (interior and exterior)
Ductwork
Egress Windows
Electrical - panel changeout
Electrical - replace meter can
Electrical - raise mast
Electrical - service overhead/underground
Electrical - service upgrade
Electrical - service relocate
Electrical - wiring
Fence/Retaining Wall
Foundations/Foundation Repair
Furnace
Gas/Gas Line
Garage/Carport
Generator
Handicap Ramp
Heat pump
Hot tub/spa
Irrigation Systems
New commercial buildings
New residence
New venting
Pergola/shade structures
Refrigeration units for commercial
Remodel
Repipe/re-plumb/move drain location
Roof
Shed (120 sq. ft. max)
Solar panels
Stairs/balcony
Sump pumps
Swimming pool - new installation
Swimming pool - demolition (in ground)
Tenant finish for commercial buildings
Tennis Court
Water Heater
Windows (if changing size of current opening or adding a new window opening)

All construction plans must comply with the City's zoning regulations. 

Projects Not Requiring Permits

Carpet or other flooring
Light fixtures going back in the same location
Painting
Plumbing fixtures going back in the same location
Siding
Window/Door replacement (Unless the size of the opening is changing or adding an opening where one didn't previously exist)

Building Permit Fees

Most building permits are based on the value of work and will be calculated and assessed by the Codes Department prior to the building permit being issued.

View 2024 fee schedule

Plan Review Turnaround Time

Plan review turnaround time is an average of two weeks. Plans are reviewed in the order they are received, including revisions submitted.

Cold Weather Concrete Policy

If concrete is poured during cold weather, the Prairie Village Cold Weather Concrete Policy must be followed. If concrete is poured during cold weather conditions and is not protected by an approved measure as described above in this policy, prior to rough-in inspection, the Building Codes Division will require the permit holder to provide a sealed report from a certified third party testing agency, testifying that the concrete in question has been tested and verified to meet the specifications dictated by ACI 318, ACI 332, and the building code.

Truck Route Information

Construction trucks are required to follow the City's truck traffic regulations. 

Questions

If you have questions as to whether or not your project requires a permit, please call the Building Codes Department at 913-385-4604 or email permits@pvkansas.com

2024 Contractor Licensing Information

The City of Prairie Village has transitioned to an online, cloud-based contractor licensing and building permitting system called OpenGov. All general contractor and sub-contractor licenses are $75, which can be paid online by credit card. All licenses shall be for a 12-month period commencing at the time of licensing and renewing 12 months later.  Contractor licenses will not be processed without an active Johnson County Contractor License. 

Click here for Contractor Licensing

Required Licenses

The following contractor classifications are required to have a current Johnson County Contractor License, as well as a Prairie Village Contractor License, to obtain permits and inspections:

General Contractor – Class A
Building Contractor – Class B
Residential Contractor – Class C
Electrical Contractor – DE
Plumbing Contractor– DP
Mechanical Contractor – DM
Swimming Pool Contractor – DS
Roofing Contractor – DR
Fire Protection Contractor – DF
Wood Framing Contractor – DW

Sign Contractors, fence contractors, utility contractors and concrete contractors are not required to have a Johnson County license, but are required to be licensed with the City for work which involves a permit and inspections.  A contractor license is not needed for other home improvement work that does not require a permit.

For further questions regarding licensing, please contact the Community Development Department at permits@pvkansas.com or (913) 385-4604.

Schedule an Inspection

To schedule an inspection, call 913-385-4604 or email permits@pvkansas.com. 

Required Inspections

It is the permit holders responsibility to schedule each of these inspections with the City throughout the construction process:

• Setback (review location on property for new construction & additions)
• Footing and foundation wall (prior to concrete placement, after steel & forms are in place)
• Ground rough-in (all electrical, mechanical, and plumbing which will be under a slab pour prior to plastic, gravel, and concrete)
• Building rough-in (this inspection includes all electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling and structural prior to any wall or ceiling covering)
• Insulation & Fenestration  (Table N1102.1 - Climate Zone 4 - as amended by City)
• Gas service, piping & appliances (gas piping will be tested inside the building wall)
• Fences (require final inspection upon completion)
• Mid-phase roofs (roof decks, flashing & fastening are just some details the City will review before you cover)
• Electrical service (services, panels & distribution are reviewed prior to the City's release to Evergy for power)
• Fireplaces/flues/chimneys (inspection is necessary prior to permanently closing any portion of these components)
• Hot tub/pool/spa (property location, electrical & plumbing are just 3 aspects of our inspections of these structures)
• Driveway repairs/replacement (review the Public Works ROW Permits on their website or contact Public Works at 913-385-4647)
• Re-inspection (one or more re-inspections shall be required when any inspection has failed)
• Final occupancy (finals are required on all projects, and upon approval - release the project back to the owners for use.  All permits, excluding roofs, require a final inspection. It is the permit holders responsibility to notify the City to request a final inspection). 

Effective June 1, 2021, the City of Prairie Village will operate under the 2018 International Building Codes adopted by the International Code Council, and as amended by the City, when reviewing building plans for commercial and residential projects. 

The City utilizes the following codes (with city-specific amendments linked below):

• 2018 International Building Code
• 2018 International Residential Code
• 2018 International Plumbing Code
• 2018 International Mechanical Code
• 2018 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2017 National Electrical Code
• 2018 International Existing Building Code
• 2018 Swimming Pool and Spa Code
• 2018 Property Maintenance Code
• 2018 International Fire Code

All plans must also comply with the City's zoning regulations. 

Accessory Structure
Addition
Attic Finish
Basement Finish
Chimney/Fireplace rebuild
Demolition
Deck
Egress Window
Fence/Retaining Wall
Foundations/Foundation Repair
Generator
Hot tub/spa
Irrigation System
New commercial building
New residential structure
Pergola/shade structure
Remodel
Roof
Shed
Solar panels
Swimming pool - new installation
Swimming pool - demolition
Tenant finish for commercial buildings
Tennis Court

Neighborhood Design Guidelines

New residential structures and major additions on properties zoned R-1A and R-1B must comply with the the neighborhood design guidelines found in the City's zoning regulations. Please review the following resources as you design your project prior to applying for a building permit:

• View Planning Commission interpretations of neighborhood design guidelines - updated 2021

• View summary of design guidelines and examples

• View frequently asked questions regarding design guidelines

• Review public notice instructions for contractors for teardowns and rebuilds

• Access the Notice of Demolition and/or New Single-Family Residential Structure form

Pursuant to City Ordinance 2427, construction noise is limited to the following:

Summer Construction Hours (May 15 - September 15)

• Monday through Friday (excluding Federal holidays): 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday (and Federal holidays): 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. 

Non-Summer Construction Hours (September 16 - May 14)

• Monday through Sunday: 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Report a Construction Noise Violation

To report a construction noise ordinance violation, please report the violation immediately while it is occurring directly to the non-emergency line at the PVPD - (913) 642-6868. 

Sign Permit Requirements

A permit is required prior to installation of any permanent sign on a building or property. Sign design and installation must comply with all sign requirements found in Chapter 19.48 of the Prairie Village Zoning Regulations. 

Prohibited Signs

All signs not expressly permitted or those that are exempted in the zoning regulations are prohibited. Such prohibited signs include, but are not limited to:

• Animated Signs
• Awning Signs
• Digital Readout or Electronic Graphic Signs
• Flashing or Blinking Signs
• Off-Site Signs
• Pole Signs
• Portable Signs
• Projecting Signs
• Roof Signs
• Rotating Signs
• Signs attached to any tree, fence, or utility pole except warning signs issued and properly posted by the utility company. 
• Signs located in the right of way

Exempt Signs

Some signs are exempt from obtaining a permit as long as the meet the requirements of Chapter 19.48 of the Prairie Village Zoning Regulations. These sign types include the following:

• Property identification signs (such as address signs and building name plates)
• Public safety, traffic control, and public information signs
• Flags 
• Window signs
• Temporary signs
• Accessory signs (signs internal to a property meant to convey messages to patrons)
• Construction signs
• Sale or lease signs

Monument Sign Requirements

All monument signs must be approved by the Planning Commission through a site plan application prior to a permit being issued. 

Existing monument signs that are being re-faced do not need Planning Commission approval but do require a sign permit.

The following requirements apply to monument signs:

• 1 sign per street frontage
• 20 square feet maximum
• 5 feet high maximum
• Setback at least 3 feet from all property lines and at least 12 feet from a street
• Base of the sign must be at least 75 percent of the width of the widest part of the sign
• The base of the sign does not count as part of the sign area

Signs on Multi-Tenant Buildings

Multi-tenant buildings have property-specific sign standards that must be reviewed prior to applying for a sign permit. To receive a copy of the property-specific sign standards on file, please email the address of the property and a request for the sign standards to permits@pvkansas.com. 

Temporary Sign Requirements

Temporary signs do not need a sign permit as long as they meet all of the requirements of Chapter 19.48 of the zoning regulations.

All temporary signs must be located on private property and not in the city right-of-way. Temporary signs in residential districts must meet the following criteria:

• Signs must be no greater than 16 square feet
• All signs on the property must not exceed a total of 32 square feet
• Signs must be a maximum of 5 feet tall 
• Temporary signs are only permitted for 90 days per sign
• No property can have temporary signs displayed for longer than 120 days in a calendar year

Report a sign code violation

For questions regarding sign regulations, please contact permits@pvkansas.com or call 913-385-4604.

In 2021, the City Council adopted a Tree protection ordinance that goes into effect on June 1, 2021. Below is a summary of the Tree Protection Ordinance and a full copy of the ordinance is attached to this document. The tree protection ordinance applies to the following situations:

• Removal of a tree in the public right-of-way
• Projects subject to site plan review by the Planning Commission
• A new residential structure
• A teardown of at least 10% of an existing residential structure 
• An addition of 600 square feet or more to a residential structure

Tree Protection and Removal Plot Plan Requirements

Prior to issuing approving a request for any of the situations listed above, a tree protection and removal plan must be submitted by applying for a building permit at https://prairievillageks.viewpointcloud.com.  This plan must include the following information:

• Location of all existing trees on the lot
• Size (by DBH) of all existing trees on the lot
• Species of all existing trees on the lot
• Identification of trees that will be protected during construction
• Identification of trees planned for removal (a tree removal permit will be required)
• Placement of protective fencing for all trees required to be protected during construction
• Lot lines
• Buildable area outline
• Construction entrance

An example of a tree protection and removal plot plan is attached to this handout. 

Tree Removal Request Requirement

Prior to removal of any tree associated with new construction or major additions (as outlined above), a tree removal request must be approved. The request must include the following information: 

• The size, location, and species of all trees requesting to be removed (as outlined on the submitted plot plan)
• The reason for requesting removal of the tree
• The size, location, and species of trees planned to be planted after construction to replace the trees that were removed 

Removal of any protected tree without approval is a violation of the City's municipal code and will result in a citation to appear in municipal court with associated fines and penalties.

Trees Prohibited from Removal

The following trees are prohibited from removal during the construction process unless the removal of the tree qualifies for an exception under the ordinance:

• Any tree in the public right-of-way (Area 1)
• Any tree 6" DBH or greater within 20 feet of the front lot line (Area 2)
• Any tree 20" DBH or greater located beyond 20 feet of the front lot line and outside of the buildable area of the lot (Area 3)
• Any tree 30" DBH or greater located within the buildable area of the lot (Area 4)
• Any Kansas State Champion Tree

Exceptions for removal may be granted with written authorization from the Building Official if it is determined that one of the following criteria are met:

• The tree is dead, diseased or dying, and constitutes a threat to healthy trees, property, or public safety
• Removal of the tree is necessary for construction, development, or redevelopment under the following criteria:
  • All reasonable efforts have been made to avoid removing the tree through comparable alternative designs
  • The presence of the tree places an undue financial burden on the applicant; and
  • No other reasonable accommodations, including adjustments to the otherwise allowable building footprint or site design can be made to preserve the tree

If a tree that is prohibited from removal is approved to be removed due to an exception above, mitigation of the removed trees will be required with new trees planted when construction is completed, per the specific requirements of Table 19-47 D of the Tree Protection Ordinance.

Protective Fencing Requirements

The following trees are required to be protected during construction with protective fences. The following trees are required to be protected during construction with protective fences. If a protected tree must be removed, a tree removal permit must be granted and the tree must be replaced with at least a 2" DBH tree when construction is completed: 

• All trees in the public right-of-way (Area 1 in image above).
• All trees 3" DBH or greater located within 20 feet of the front lot line (Area 2 above)
• All trees 6" DBH or greater located anywhere else on the lot (Area 3 and 4 above)
• All Kansas State Champion Trees

Protective fencing is required for all protected trees listed above (unless a permit for removal has been approved). Fences must be a snow fence, chain-link fence, vinyl construction fence, or other similar fencing with a minimum 4 feet height. The fence must meet the following requirements:  

• Trees greater than 28" DBH: fenced area must be the lesser of 20 feet from the center of the tree or protecting at least 75% of the drip line.
• Trees between 20" - 28" DBH: fenced area must be the lesser of 15 feet from the center of the tree or protecting at least 75% of the drip line.
• Trees less than 20" DBH: fenced area must be the lesser of 10 feet from the center of the tree or at least 75% of the drip line.

Fenced areas do not include any pre-existing structures, foundations, slabs, roadways, sidewalks, and driveways. The fence should be installed along the edge of the driveways/roadways encompassing the tree to restrict access from the street side. The fence must remain in place at all times until all construction-related activity has been completed or final grade achieved. The City may authorize the fences to be moved temporarily for final grading, access, or other work.

Effective June 1, 2021, fencing and project information signs are required on the following construction sites:

• New residential or commercial structure
• Demolition of at least 10% of an existing structure
• Any additions greater than 600 square feet

Construction Fencing Requirements

Construction site fencing and screening must meet the following parameters:

• The height of the fence should be between 72 and 84 inches
• The fence must be chain link metal fence overlaid on the exterior with an opaque vinyl screen, or other equivalent fencing and screening material approved by the Building Official
• The fence must be located on or behind the front lot line and not located in any part of the right-of-way unless approval is granted by Public Works through a right-of-way permit.
• The fence must be removed upon approval of final grade before a TCO will be issued.

Project Information Sign Requirements

All construction projects listed above must affix a 2 feet x 3 feet temporary project information sign to the fence that includes the following information:

• Permit number
• Site address
• General contractor's name
• Primary contact name
• Contact phone number
• Contact email address

The project information sign should also include information about the City's allowable construction hours. An example of a project information side is provided below.