Olathe, KS Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Olathe, KS, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Max shed, lots under 7,000 sf
- 210 sq ft
- Max shed, lots over 13,000 sf
- 400 sq ft
- Setback from rear/side line
- 5 feet (15 on corner)
- Distance from house
- 10 feet minimum
Summary
Olathe caps detached sheds at 210 to 400 square feet by lot size and keeps them at least 5 feet from rear or side lines, 15 feet on a corner lot.
Maximum size of a shed is based on lot area, as follows: a. For lots under seven thousand (7,000) square feet: Two hundred ten (210) square feet, ... c. For lots exceeding thirteen thousand (13,000) square feet: Four hundred (400) square feet. ... Sheds may not be located within five (5) feet of rear or side property lines or fifteen (15) feet of a corner lot property line.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-39, passed July 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
UDO § 18.50.060 governs detached garages, carports, and sheds citywide. Sheds may not exceed 210 square feet on lots under 7,000 square feet, 3 percent of lot area on lots between 7,000 and 13,000 square feet, or 400 square feet on larger lots, and must stay at least 5 feet from rear or side property lines (15 feet on a corner lot). All accessory buildings, sheds included, must sit at least 10 feet from the principal building, stay off drainage and utility easements, top out at 25 feet to the ridgeline, and cannot cover more than 30 percent of a required rear yard.
Violations & Fines
Building an oversized or misplaced shed is a public offense under § 18.70.030.F, punishable by up to a $500 fine or six months in jail per offense, with each day counted separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big a shed can I build in Olathe?
How close to my property line can a shed sit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Olathe
How Olathe compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Olathe to another location·View the Kansas accessory structures overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Johnson County handle shed & carport rules.