Building Codes

Man looking at framing on a construction site

Adopted codes

Complete information on our building codes is in our Unified Development Code and Ordinance 5890. This ordinance adopts provisions from the following nationally published building and construction codes:

  • 2018 International Building Code

  • 2018 International Plumbing Code

  • 2018 International Mechanical Code

  • 2018 International Fuel Gas Code

  • 2018 International Residential Code

  • 2018 International Fire Code

  • 2018 International Existing Building Code

  • 2017 National Electrical Code

  • 2012 International Energy Conservation Code

  • 2018 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code

 Building code adoption history

The building and construction codes can be purchased online at the International Code Council Store, or by calling ICC at 800.786.4452. The codes are also available for review in the office of the Lenexa City Clerk. 

Contact the Department of Community Development for any questions by email at [email protected] or by phone at 913-477-7725.

 


Americans with Disabilities Act Design Guidelines

Private homes used exclusively as a residences do not have to meet accessibility requirements.

Homes used as daycare centers or offices for meetings with clients are required to be accessible.

Multi-family dwellings are governed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines (FHAG).  Our building permit process includes application of FHAG.

All new commercial construction must fully comply with the ADA Title III Design Guidelines in order to provide accommodations and access to people who have disabilities.

In existing commercial structures, areas you are remodeling or altering and the path of travel to those areas, must comply with the ADA requirements and be accessible. They must include:

  • An accessible entrance

  • An accessible route to the altered area

  • At least one accessible restroom for each sex

  • Accessible drinking fountains

  • Accessible parking

  • Accessible elements, such as storage, alarms and communication features.


    Building Code Board of Appeals

    The Building Code Board of Appeals has the authority to approve the use of alternate materials, equipment and types of construction, if they are at least equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety to those prescribed by the code.

    Building Code Board of Appeals Bylaws

    How to make an appeal

    If you would like to appeal a decision made by the building official or the fire chief, you will need to follow this process:

    1. Complete the Building Code Board of Appeals Application Form.

    2. Submit the following to the Building Services Division of the Department of Community Development, 913.477.7500:

    • Your application

    • A $150 non-refundable application fee

    • Nine copies of documentation that demonstrates the proposed alternate materials or type of construction

    3. The Building Code Board of Appeals meets on an as-needed basis at 8:30 a.m. on the second Thursday of the month. We will send the meeting agenda and all supporting documents to the board members and you one week before the meeting date. At the meeting:

    • Anyone may appear in person, by agent or by attorney.

    • We will record all testimony, objections and rulings in the meeting minutes.

    • You are responsible for paying for any testing or research the board requests to substantiate your claim.

    Board members

    The board consists of five members who are appointed by the Mayor. The board is required to include a design professional licensed by the state and building and construction trade professionals with at least 10 years of experience.

    • Michael Jansen, Faith Technologies, Lenexa (term expires Feb. 28, 2027)

    He has been on the Building Codes Board of Appeals as the electrical systems expert since April 21, 2009. He has been a qualifying individual for Faith Technologies’ Johnson County Contractor’s License since March 4, 2005. He holds multiple other related technical and managerial certifications.

    • Chris Culp, PE, Henderson Engineers, Lenexa (term expires Feb. 28, 2025)

    He has served on the Building Codes Board of Appeals as the fire protection systems expert since April 21, 2009. Mr. Culp has over 16 years of experience and is registered as a Professional Engineer. His specialties are both fire protection engineering and mechanical engineering.

    • Ron King, Apex Construction, Overland Park (term expires Feb. 28, 2026)

    He has served on the Building Codes Board of Appeals as the general contractor expert since approximately 1991. Mr. King has over 30 years of experience and has been the President of Apex Construction since founding it in 1994. He has been a qualifying individual for Apex Construction`s Johnson County Contractor’s License since December 11, 2003.

    • Glenn Shain, P1 Construction, Inc. Lenexa (term expires Feb. 28, 2026)

    He is Vice President of P1 Construction, Inc. and has been with the company for 17 years. He has a comprehensive construction management and leadership expertise in multiple industries. He currently provides leadership to P1 Construction’s Mechanical Division, overseeing the work of all P1 trades in all market segments to include pipefitters, sheet metal workers, millwrights, and plumbers.

    • Craig Rogge, George Butler Associates, Lenexa (term expires Feb. 28, 2025)
    • He is a licensed architect in Kansas and brings over 34 years of experience of working on a variety of building projects including community centers, vehicle maintenance facilities, manufacturing plants, office buildings, warehouses, and parking garages.  He has worked for GBA for the past 22 years.

       

    Contact Information

    Matt Souders, Building Official

    Phone: 913.477.7706

    Email: [email protected]

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