Height Limits: Overland Park vs Shawnee
How do height limits rules compare between Overland Park, KS and Shawnee, KS?
Overland Park and Shawnee have similar restriction levels.
Overland Park, KS
Johnson County
Overland Park limits residential fence heights to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots must maintain sight triangle visibility. Fences in the front yard must be open style (at least 50% open).
View full Overland Park rules →Shawnee, KS
Johnson County
In unincorporated Johnson County, the Zoning Regulations administered by the Planning Department set fence height and placement standards. Fences may be built up to a maximum of eight feet, but may not be located in the front yard except for a decorative entry fence. A building permit from Johnson County Building Codes is required only when a fence exceeds seven feet in height; fences seven feet and under do not require a building permit but must still comply with zoning standards. Fence rules inside Johnson County cities — Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee, Mission, etc. — are set by each city's own code.
View full Shawnee rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Overland Park | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 4 feet maximum, open style | Prohibited except decorative entry fence |
| Side/Rear Yard | 6 feet maximum | - |
| Open Style | At least 50% open in front yard | - |
| Corner Lots | Sight triangle required | - |
| Maximum Fence Height | - | 8 feet |
| Permit Threshold | - | Building permit required over 7 feet |
| Zoning Authority | - | K.S.A. 19-2901 et seq. |
| Planning Department | - | 913-715-2200 |
| Building Codes | - | 913-715-2233 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Overland Park FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Overland Park?
Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet and must be open style (50% open). Side and rear yard fences can be up to 6 feet and may be solid.
Can I put a privacy fence in my front yard?
No. Front yard fences must be open style with at least 50% openness. Solid privacy fences are only allowed in side and rear yards.
Shawnee FAQ
How tall can I build a fence in unincorporated Johnson County?
Up to eight feet maximum. A fence over seven feet requires a residential or commercial building permit from Johnson County Building Codes (913-715-2233); fences seven feet or under do not need a building permit but must still meet zoning placement and material standards. Front-yard fences are prohibited except for a decorative entry fence. Call the Planning Department at 913-715-2200 to confirm the specific rules for your parcel and zoning district before you build.
Do Johnson County fence rules apply inside Overland Park or Olathe?
No. The Johnson County Zoning Regulations apply only to unincorporated areas. Fences inside incorporated cities are governed by each city's own code — for example, Olathe Unified Development Ordinance §18.50.050, Overland Park's fence code, and Lenexa, Shawnee, Mission, Leawood, Prairie Village ordinances. Contact the city's planning department for the rules that apply to your address.
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