Residential Accessory Structures

Getting Started

A building permit is required for most accessory buildings and structures, such as detached garages, carports and sheds. Building permit applications are available to download here, at Paola City Hall, 19 E. Peoria, or by calling 913-259-3611.

Per the City of Paola Land Development Ordinance No. 3124, residential properties may have accessory buildings provided they conform to the following standards. 

>> Residential Accessory Structures brochure

General Regulations

• Not more than two (2) detached accessory structures will be permitted for each principle residence. There may be one detached garage or carport and one detached accessory building used for storage.
• Accessory structures may not be built or placed on lots zoned as residential upon which no principle dwelling is located.
• Freestanding accessory structures shall not be located in the front of the principle structure or within the front or side yards.
• Freestanding structures may be located in the rear yard provided:
  • Anything greater than three acres – contact City Staff
  • A single-family lot between 10,000 square feet and one acre shall have a setback from the rear and side property lines of at least 10 feet.
  • A single-family lot less than 10,000 square feet shall have a setback from the rear and side property lines of at least five feet. For lot-line and village house types, the Planning Commission may waive the side yard setback.
  • A single-family lot of one acre or more shall have a setback from the rear and side property lines of at least 25 feet. The Zoning Administrator may approve unique setbacks to blend with existing nearby structures but shall not reduce the setbacks to less than 10 feet.
• For multi-family or attached housing, where freestanding structure must be accessible from private roads and fire lanes, their location shall be approved in the site plan review process to ensure essential access is safe and the structures do not create a nuisance to adjoining properties.

Detached Garages, Carports and Storage / Utility Sheds

Setbacks and Size

• Accessory structures may not be placed less than five (5) feet from any property line, provided the detached garages with vehicle access facing an alley shall maintain a minimum rear setback of fifteen (15) feet.
• Accessory structures exceeding 120 sq. ft. can be no closer than ten (10) feet to the principle residence.
• The aggregate size of all permitted detached accessory structures on lots one (1) acre or smaller can not exceed 360 sq. ft. of floor area for every 3000 sq. ft. of lot size, with a maximum size of a single structure not to exceed 900 sq. ft. There is no pro rata for fractions of 3000 square feet.
• The aggregate size of all permitted detached structures on lots greater than one (1) acre shall not exceed the ground floor area of the primary structure.

Building Standards
In addition to the setback requirements determined by your lot size and zoning, detached garages must meet the following building standards:

• Must be built according to 2018 International Building Code and comply with design standards established in the City of Paola Land Development Ordinance.
• Any detached accessory structure in a residential district built on a trenched footing must have perpendicular walls, sidewall heights not greater than ten (10) feet and a roof with a minimum pitch of three (3) feet vertical inches for each twelve (12) horizontal inches.
• Construction, projections, openings and penetrations of the exterior walls must be of one-hour fire resistive construction where located within ten (10) feet of a property line or between any other buildings located on the same lot. This is not applicable to fabricated storage buildings less than 120 sq. ft. and detached carports.
• Can not be constructed of scrap material and must comply with the following architectural requirements.
  • Siding material and colors will be consistent with similar buildings in the residential area, with an exception as noted below.
  • High-gloss exterior finishes, including silver or any other highly-reflective materials, are prohibited on storage buildings greater than 120 sq. ft.
  • The lower one-third of the front of any accessory structure larger than 120 sq. ft. as well as any side facing a street or alleyway will be faced with an architectural element complementary to the main dwelling as approved by the city zoning official.
  • For sides facing adjoining lots, the lower one-third must be masonry or other architectural element as used on the front elevation OR have screening of three (3) foot-high shrubs placed three (3) feet on center. The remaining metal panel or siding color(s) are to be similar in tone, architectural quality and profile, and be complementary to those used on the main dwelling.
  • Accessory structures greater than 120 sq. ft. in residential zones may incorporate vertical ribbed metal panel siding only if the main dwelling unit was constructed prior to 1997. In these instances, all other provisions of this section still apply.
• The structure is used only for residential, non-commercial storage of vehicles and household items.

Building Permit Requirements

A site plan or survey including:

• Building material information
• Construction drawings and details, as required
• Existing or proposed structures and distances to property lines
• Locations of easements or rights-of-way
• Property address
• Property dimensions

Inspections

• Footing / Foundation
• Framing
• Rough-in with Electrical / Plumbing (if applicable)
• Final Inspection upon completion of construction
• Other inspections may be required depending on the building plan

Call (913) 259-3611 to schedule an appointment. Please have permit number available.

Penalty
The permit fee will be doubled if any work commences without first obtaining a permit.

Permit Expiration
Permits are valid for six months from the date of issue and remain valid for up to one year as long as an inspection was made within 180 days of issue. A permit becomes null and void if work or construction authorized is not commenced within 180 days, or if construction or work is suspended for a period of 180 days at any time after work or construction is commenced. Permits shall be renewed annually. If a permit is null and void or expired, a new permit application and fee are required.

Fees

The permit fee is due when the permit is issued.

Private Stables

Stables are permitted on lots over three acres, in equestrian subdivisions, and on lots of record existing before adoption of the Paola Land Development Ordinance which legally had stables located on them. Stables must meet the following standards:

• Stables shall not exceed 3500 square feet. Larger stables may be permitted as a conditional use of the property.
• Stables shall have a setback of 100 feet from property lines. No corral or riding area shall be permitted within 25 feet of a property line, except that a trail may connect to an off-lot riding trail.
• The stable shall be for the owner’s private use only. Boarding of horses owned by others shall not be permitted (such use is a commercial use).

More

Read full standards, including fences, satellite dishes and outdoor storage of recreational vehicles here.

Please Note: The City of Paola does not review plans for compliance to additional regulations that may be required by the subdivision’s homeowners association or deeds and covenants.