Accessory Structures in Overland Park, KS

If you live in Overland Park or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Overland Park has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

ADU Rules

Overland Park allows accessory dwelling units only within land zoned PRN, Planned Residential Neighborhood District. City code caps each lot at one ADU, sets a 400 square foot minimum size, and limits the unit to half the primary home's square footage.

Key details: Where ADUs are allowed: PRN zoning district only. Units per lot: 1 accessory dwelling unit. Minimum ADU size: 400 square feet. Maximum ADU size: 50% of primary dwelling. Governing chapter: Municipal Code 18.245.

Building or occupying an accessory dwelling unit on a lot not zoned PRN is a zoning code violation, subject to enforcement action, a stop-work or notice of violation from the Code Administrator, and required removal or reconversion of the unit. Within PRN developments, exceeding one ADU per lot or building past the 50 percent size cap tied to the primary dwelling likewise violates 18.245.050(I) and can hold up certificate of occupancy issuance.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Overland Park actively enforces its adu rules requirements.

Shed & Carport Rules

Detached sheds and accessory buildings in Overland Park must sit in the rear yard, at least 3 feet from interior lot lines and 20 feet from any street right-of-way. Coverage in the rear yard is capped at 30% and only 2 detached accessory buildings are allowed per residence.

Key details: Placement: Rear yard only, not front or side yard. Interior line setback: 3 feet minimum. Street right-of-way setback: 20 feet minimum. Rear yard coverage cap: 30% of rear yard area. Max detached buildings: 2 per residence.

Building a shed in violation of § 18.180.070(A)'s setback, coverage or count limits is a zoning code violation enforced by the Code Administrator; owners are typically ordered to relocate or remove the noncompliant structure. Building over the 200-square-foot threshold without first obtaining a permit under § 16.300.105.2/IBC § 105.2 exposes the owner to building code enforcement and after-the-fact permit and inspection fees.

Tiny Homes

Overland Park sets a hard minimum of 864 square feet of livable floor area for any single-family dwelling, and the Planning Commission assigns each subdivision a minimum size class as high as 2,600 square feet. The IRC tiny house appendix is not adopted.

Key details: Absolute minimum: 864 square feet livable area. Largest class: 2,600 square feet, Classification 1. IRC Appendix AQ: Not adopted. Adopted appendices: BA, BF and BG only. Sheds: 200 square feet, two maximum.

Building without a permit or below the assigned minimum dwelling size blocks the certificate of occupancy; zoning and property maintenance violations are public offenses penalized under OPMC 1.12.010.

Compared to other cities, Overland Park takes a harder line on tiny homes. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Overland Park is tougher than many cities when it comes to accessory structures. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Overland Park, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Overland Park's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.