Accessory Structures in Shawnee County, KS (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Shawnee County, Kansas.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Shawnee County's RA-1 Rural Agriculture District zoning bars a second permanent dwelling on one lot. The only path to a second home is a temporary hardship exception: the county may allow a manufactured home as a second dwelling for up to 18 months, granted by the board of commissioners under a notarized affidavit, per Zoning Regulations Sec. 1.09(c)(4)a.ii, adopted 2006.
Shawnee County ADU & Second Dwelling Rules
Significant RestrictionsShawnee County Zoning Regulations Sec. 1.09(c)(4)a.ii
ii. The temporary placement of a manufactured home as a second dwelling on an existing lot or parcel, in instances of extreme hardship or necessity, not based on financial considerations, as determined by the board of commissioners, provided: (a) The applicant shall justify and attest to the hardship or reason for requesting said exception in a notarized affidavit; and (b) The applicant shall a...
Shed & Carport Rules
A shed or other detached accessory building in unincorporated Shawnee County needs a building permit once it exceeds 150 square feet and sits on a permanent foundation, under Zoning Regulations Sec. 29.03(a)(3). Sheds must also clear a three-foot side setback and five-foot rear setback, stay out of the front yard, and cap out at a 16-foot sidewall height.
Shawnee County Shed Size & Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsShawnee County Zoning Regulations Sec. 29.03(a)
(3) Building permit. A building permit shall be required for all accessory buildings or structures over 150 square feet in area which shall be attached to or constructed on a permanent foundation. ... (5) Setback from property lines... b. An accessory building shall not be located closer than three feet from a side lot line and five feet from a rear lot line. ... (7) Maximum rear yard coverage....
Garage Conversions
Converting a garage into living space in unincorporated Shawnee County requires a building permit from Land Use & Development and must meet habitable-space standards under the county-adopted City of Topeka Title 14 building code.
Shawnee County Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsShawnee County Building Code (adoption of City of Topeka Title 14)
Shawnee County adopts by reference Title 14, Building and Construction of the City of Topeka Code as the Shawnee County Building Code.
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