DO I NEED A PERMIT FOR A
GENERATOR?
Permits for Permanently
Installed Power
Generators
A permit is required for all permanently
installed generators. While a permit is not
required for a portable generator, only one
generator, either portable or permanently
installed, is allowed per residential lot.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The following items are required at the time of
application:

Information on Regulations Associated
with Power Generators and Submittal
Requirements to Obtain a Building Permit




A completed permit application.
The
application must note the size of the
generator in terms of KW’s and cubic feet.
A detailed site plan which indicates
property lines, drawn to scale. The site
plan shall note the location of the
proposed generator as well as the
required screening and landscaping.
The site plan also needs to show the
location of the transfer switch.
Information will also be required for the
size and material of the gas line used to
provide gas to the generator.
If a contractor is doing the work, the
contractor must have a valid City of
Leawood license and Johnson County
Contractor license.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Both portable and permanently installed
generators are permitted to be used only for
emergency use during periods of power
outages.
Permanently installed generators are
permitted to be turned on for testing and
maintenance once a week for a maximum
period of twenty (20) minutes. This testing
is permitted to take place between the hours
of 10 am and 7 pm, Monday through
Saturday. Permanently installed generators
must be fueled by either natural gas or
propane.
Permanently installed generators must be
installed in the rear yard such that the
generator is located in the yard space
defined by the outside corners of the house.
The generator cannot be located within any
setback requirement and must be no more
than five (5) feet from the primary structure,
unless
otherwise
required
by
the
manufacturer.
The noise from any generator cannot
exceed 60 decibels as measured at the
property line. If the noise is greater than 60
decibels, noise mitigation will be required.
SCREENING REQUIREMENTS
Screening must be provided for all
permanently
installed
generators.
Screening may be a fence or wall with
approved materials. Screening in the form
of a wall must be constructed of materials
compatible with the materials on the primary
structure. Screening in the form of a fence
or wall is limited to a maximum of four (4)
feet in height.
The Codes Administration Division strives to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Leawood through education, accurate plan reviews and inspections, reasonable code
interpretations, and timely responses to permit issuance, inspections, and inquiries.
Screening must be within three (3) to five (5)
feet of the generator, unless provided otherwise
in the generator manufacturer’s specifications.
screening and design subject to approval by
the Governing Body.
INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
Instead of a fence or wall, screening may be
provided with evergreen plantings that will
substantially shield the generator from the view
of neighboring properties.
The plan relating to location, screening and
landscaping is subject to the approval of the
Director of Community Development or the
Governing Body – see Size of Generators
below.
APPROVED SCREENING MATERIALS
Allowed fencing materials shall be limited to
cedar, redwood, ACQ treated wood, wrought
iron, aluminum designed to have the
appearance of wrought iron, chain link, PVC
coated chain link or vinyl to have the
appearance of wood.
PROHIBITED SCREENING MATERIALS
Electric and barbed wire fences are prohibited.
Construction fencing is also prohibited.
SIZE OF GENERATORS
The electrical work associated with the transfer
switch is subject to a rough-in inspection. Any
gas line extension requires an air test and a
visual inspection. In addition, a final inspection
is required upon the completion of the
generator installation, including all required
screening. A decibel reading will be taken at
the final inspection to verify the maximum level
of 60 decibels at the property line.
PORTABLE GENERATORS
FOR MORE INFORMATION
City of Leawood
Codes Administration Division
Community Development
4800 Town Center Dr
Leawood, Kansas 66211
(913) 663-9165/(FAX) (913) 339-6736
www.leawood.org
Portable generators must be removed from the
exterior of the residential dwelling within 48
hours of power being restored following the
power outage or emergency for which it was
being used. Portable generators may be
powered with natural gas, propane, or gasoline.
The noise from the portable generator cannot
exceed 60 decibels as measured at the property
line of the residential dwelling it serves. If the
noise is greater than 60 decibels, noise
mitigation will be required.
Permanently installed generators for residential
dwellings equal to or smaller than 20 KW or 48
cubic feet shall be required to be reviewed as
part of a final landscape plan relating to
location, screening and design subject to the
approval of the Director of Community
Development.
Permanently installed generators for residential
dwellings larger than 20 KW or 48 cubic feet
shall be required to be reviewed as part of a
final landscape plan relating to location,
The Codes Administration Division strives to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Leawood through education, accurate plan reviews and inspections, reasonable code
interpretations, and timely responses to permit issuance, inspections, and inquiries.