4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Johnson County, Kansas.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Fences in unincorporated Johnson County are reviewed for zoning setback and sight-distance compliance; pool barrier fences must meet the adopted building code. Confirm whether a permit is required with County Planning, Development & Codes.
Shared boundary fences in Kansas are governed by the lawful/partition-fence statutes in KSA Chapter 29, which allow adjoining owners to share the cost of a division fence — particularly relevant for rural and agricultural parcels. These are civil rules, not a county ordinance.
County zoning in unincorporated Johnson County permits standard fence materials and, given the rural character, generally allows agricultural and livestock fencing (including barbed wire) where land use supports it — more permissive than city codes.
3 cities in Johnson County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Johnson County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Johnson County Ordinance Hub →