A building permit must be obtained for all decks being newly constructed, repaired or replaced.

If you are erecting a new fence or moving or replacing an existing fence, a building permit will be required. The exceptions are fences or walls used for agricultural purposes and retaining walls of four feet or less in height. The smooth, finished side of the fence must face outward with the support posts on the inside. Fences can be no more than six feet in height.

For your protection, we encourage you contact the utility location service at 800.DIGSAFE prior to digging the post holes.

How to apply
Unless the homeowner is doing the work, the contracting company will need to apply for the permit. Contractor licensing and insurance is required to be on file with the city before the permit can be issued.

To apply for a building permit for a deck, complete a permit application and return with the following required information:

• A plot plan must accompany the permit application and show an outline of the deck or fence drawn to scale on the plan. A plot plan is a legal drawing prepared by a registered engineer or land surveyor. It will show the property address and legal description, property dimensions, existing and proposed structures, distances to property lines and building lines, contour lines and location of outside utilities, easements and rights-of-way. This plan will be reviewed for deck size and placement in relation to setback requirements, building lines and utility easements. The city's Building Inspection Division may have a copy of the plot plan on file if the property was originally built within Lenexa city limits.
• Residential fence permits may be issued at the time of application if all submittal requirements have been satisfied. Commercial fence permit applications are reviewed by the Land Use Division of the Department of Community Development to verify that the proposed fence complies with the property's original development plans. If a fence is not indicated on the original plans, approval will be based on current code requirements. The review takes one to two working days. A final inspection is required to assure compliance with the terms of the permit.
• Construction drawings for decks are required and will be reviewed for code compliance. More information is available in the deck guidelines brochure.

Expiration
Permits expire after 180 days if no inspections are performed. An approved inspection extends the permit for another 180 days.