ADU Permits: Olathe vs Shawnee
How do adu permits rules compare between Olathe, KS and Shawnee, KS?
Olathe, KS
Johnson County
Olathe permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) accessory to a principal single-family dwelling in all residential, downtown, and planned districts under Section 18.50.025 of the Unified Development Ordinance. ADUs require a building permit through the Olathe Building Codes Division and must meet size, height, setback, and architectural-compatibility standards administered by the Planning Division.
View full Olathe rules →Shawnee, KS
Johnson County
No data available yet for Shawnee.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Olathe | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Olathe UDO Sec. 18.50.025 | - |
| Max Size | 1,000 sq ft or 50% of principal | - |
| Max Bedrooms | Two | - |
| Height Limit | Two stories / principal height | - |
| Setbacks | 6 ft behind front / 10 ft rear | - |
| Districts | Residential, downtown, planned | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Olathe FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Olathe?
Yes. UDO Sec. 18.50.025 permits ADUs as accessory to a principal single-family dwelling on the same lot in all residential, downtown, and planned districts. ADUs are capped at 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the principal structure's floor area (whichever is less), with a maximum of two bedrooms and two stories.
What permits do I need and must the ADU match the main house?
A building permit from the Olathe Building Codes Division covering structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work. Olathe enforces the 2018 IRC with Kansas amendments. UDO Sec. 18.50.025 also requires the ADU's architectural style and exterior materials to conform to those of the principal structure.
Shawnee FAQ
No FAQs available.
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