Any person who operates an automatic amusement device for the purpose of making a profit must obtain an Automatic Amusement Operator Permit from the Community Development Department. Any person, except an operator, who owns, controls, manages or has possession of any automatic amusement device must obtain an Automatic Amusement Operator Permit. An operator is any person in possession of the premises on which any automatic amusement device is placed or kept for operation.

Regulations

• Must obtain a valid Business License from the Community Development Department.
• Must obtain a valid Automatic Amusement Operator Permit from the Community Development Department.
• Machines may not result in gambling, obscene and loud language disturbing to the public or to other patrons of the premises, create a nuisance, excessive noise, litter, traffic or rowdyism by the patrons.
• Must notify the Community Development Department within ten (10) days if one or more automatic amusement devices are added to the premises.

A complete list of regulations can be found in Chapter 5.16 of the Shawnee Municipal Code.

Application
The completed application and agreement must be submitted by mail or in person to Community Development Department, 11110 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203.

Automatic Amusement Device Operator Application (pdf)

Fees
Operator Permit: $20.00 for each device
Distributor Permit: $200.00
Fees are due when the application is made. The fees are prorated but no refund is available.

A valid Billiard Hall license is required for any business to keep, operate or maintain any billiard or pocket billiard hall or poolroom or place where billiards or pocket billiards or pool may be played, or any bowling alley, without first having procured a license therefor from the City.

Regulations

• All children under the age of sixteen (16) years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
• Licenses will not be issued to any person who has been convicted, within the last five (5) years prior to the date of application, of violating any of the prohibitory liquor laws, gambling laws or laws involving moral turpitude of the State of City.
• Licenses will not be issued to any person who has been convicted of permitting any child under the age of sixteen to work, loaf, play or loiter in any billiard room or poolroom while not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Any business conducted by any person or entity that provides a consumer loan transaction regulated by K.S.A. 16a-2-404 or amendments thereto must obtain a valid Cash Advance Service Regulatory License.

Regulations

• Must obtain a valid Cash Advance Service Regulatory License from the Community Development Department.
• Must obtain a valid Business License from the Community Development Department.
• Cash Advance Service Regulatory Licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31 of each calendar year and must be renewed annually.
• Business Licenses are valid from October 1 through September 31 and must be renewed annually.
• No Cash Advance Service Regulatory License shall be issued for any Cash Advance Service Business that is located within 5,280 feet of any other Cash Advance Service Business within Shawnee City Limits or outside City Limits, or within 200 feet of any property used or zoned for residential purposes.
• In the event a licensed Cash Advance Service Business abandons or discontinues operation (prior to September 5, 2007) any future Cash Advance Service Business at the same location shall be required to comply with the distance locations established by Shawnee Municipal Code, Chapter 5.53.
• All licenses received shall be posted in a conspicuous place within the premises.
• Cash Advance Service Regulatory Licenses are not transferable; however, Business Licenses are transferable.

A complete list of regulations can be found in Chapter 5.53 of the Shawnee Municipal Code.

Application
The completed application must be submitted by mail or in person to Community Development Department, 11110 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203.

Cash Advance Service Regulatory License (pdf)

Fees
The fee for the Cash Advance Service Regulatory License is $300.00 and shall be paid at the time of application. This fee is non-refundable and no prorate is available. In addition, the fee for a Business License is $150.00 and shall be paid at the time of application. This fee is prorated, however, no refund is available.

Home daycares are allowed in residential areas in the City, but not allowed in apartment complexes. City ordinance limits the number of children per home daycare for a maximum of six (6) children. No more than three (3) of these children can be under the age of 18 months. Included in the limit are the owner’s own children under the age of 16. Please note that this is slightly more restrictive than State law. A Special Use Permit is required for owners who wish to care for more than six (6) children. Special Use Permits must be approved by both the Planning Commission and City Council. A Special Use Permit allows an owner to operate a Day Care Home and a Group Day Care Home.

• Day Care Home - A home daycare business may provide care for a maximum of 10 children under 16 years of age, not more than 6 of which are under kindergarten age. This includes the owner's children. 
• Group Day Care Home - A home daycare business may provide care for a maximum of 12 children under 16 years of age. The children of the provider are counted.

Regulations

• Must be a one (1) or two (2) family dwelling. 
• Child care must be compliant with all exiting requirements. 
• The primary or secondary means of escape may not exit through any hazardous area such as a garage, storage, etc. 
• Every required exit door can be easily opened from the inside at all times when the facility is operating. 
• Every escape path including all stairways are clear of obstacles and all doors are in proper working condition. 
• Working smoke alarms are located in every exit pathway, in each sleeping room used for child care. 
• Daycare homes and group daycare homes that start after 01/13/2014 shall have either wired interconnected or wireless interconnected smoke alarms throughout the home. Daycare homes and group daycare homes in operation prior to 01/13/2013 can still use battery-operated single station smoke alarms but are highly recommended to upgrade to either wireless or hard-wired interconnected smoke alarms. 
• Smoke alarms must be tested monthly and records kept on file for review. 
• Smoke alarms shall be replaced after they have reached ten years of age. 
• A copy of the current FIRE/LIFE SAFETY AGREEMENT is posted next to the license. 
• Children can open every closet door from the inside at all times. 
• Written emergency procedures for fire evacuation are provided and practiced monthly. 
• Monthly fire drills must be documented. Drills shall be conducted and completed within four (4) minutes. The inspector may ask for a demonstration of proficiency. 
• Written procedures for tornadoes must be provided and practiced monthly from April through September. 
• Every bathroom door can be unlocked from the outside at all times. The key or unlocking device must be readily available to the provider. 
• All unused electrical outlets in the licensed areas must have child child-resistant covers. 
• All natural gas, kerosene, wood, propane heaters, etc., are properly vented to the outside of the home and a barrier that prevents children from getting too close or burned must be in place. 
  A carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed. 
• Owners may employ up to the equivalent of one full-time employee (up to 40 hrs. per week combined if more than one employee). Owners should check with their homes association (if applicable) first as some have stricter regulations than the City. 

Fire Department Requirements

• Every room used by children for sleeping, activity or dining purposes has a primary means of escape and any floor used by children for sleeping, activity or dining purposes has a secondary means of escape that is approved by the Shawnee Fire Marshal prior to occupancy. 
• Every bathroom door can be unlocked from the outside at all times and the unlocking key device is readily accessible to you. Every closet door can easily be opened from the inside by children at all times. 
• Every required exit door to the outside is easily opened from the inside at all times. 
• Daycare homes and group daycare homes that start after 01/13/2014 shall have either wired or wireless interconnected smoke alarms throughout the home. Daycare homes and group daycare homes in operation prior to 01/13/2014 may still use battery-operated single station smoke alarms but are highly recommended to upgrade to either wireless or hard-wired interconnected smoke alarms. 
• Smoke alarms are provided in each sleeping room and on each level of the facility and tested monthly with documentation kept for review. 
• Smoke alarms shall be replaced after they reach ten years of age. 
• All unused electrical outlets in the licensed area have child-resistant protective covers. 
• A carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed. 
• All natural gas, kerosene, wood or propane space heaters are vented to the outside of your home. All vented fuel-fired (natural gas, kerosene, wood, or propane) room heaters are protected by a barrier which prevents children from getting close to the heater. Any water heater is equipped with a properly installed pressure relief valve. 

Special Use Permit
A Special Use Permit requires a $50 application fee in addition to the Business License fee, a certificate of ownership from a certified title company for your property, the owner and legal descriptions for all property within 200 feet, and 18 copies of your site plan. The fee must accompany the application for approval of the Special Use Permit. 

The first step in seeking approval of a Special Use Permit is to request a pre-application conference with a member of Planning. Staff will provide the applicant with a sign identifying the request and the date of the public hearing. This sign must be posted on the applicant's property in a location where it can be read by the public. The sign must be posted at least 20 days before the Planning Commission hearing and must remain posted until after the City Council has taken action on the request. 

The applicant for the Special Use Permit and all property owners within 200 feet of the site will be notified of the time, date and place of the public hearing, 20 days prior to the hearing. For additional information about Special Use Permits, contact the Planning Department (913) 742-6011. 

State License
In order to obtain a license to operate a daycare in the City of Shawnee, owners must be licensed with the State of Kansas. The Kansas Child Care Licensing law requires anyone providing care for children other than those related by blood, marriage or adoption to be licensed with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. An application can be made through the Child Care Facilities Program at the Johnson County Health Department, (913) 477-8068 or 477-8339. In order to obtain a license, applicants must attend an informational meeting conducted by the Johnson County Health Department. Meetings are held monthly at 11875 S. Sunset, Olathe, Kansas. 

The Johnson County Health Department diligently pursues childcare providers who are not licensed by the State of Kansas. Violators are prosecuted in District Court. Residents who operate a home daycare without a City license are prosecuted in Municipal Court.

Application
The completed Home Business License Application (pdf) and a copy of a valid State license or Registration must be submitted by mail or in person to Community Development Department, 11110 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203.

Fees
The fee is $40.00 per year and is pro-rated throughout the year.

Additional Resources

How to Open a Licensed Child Care Facility
Licensing A Home Day Care Brochure (pdf)
Home Business License Application (pdf)
Home Day Care Handbook (pdf)
Smoke CO Alarm Test and Evacuation Log (pdf)
Tornado Drill Log (pdf)

Trash/Recycling Hauler License

Home businesses are permitted in single family residences with a business license issued by the Community Development Department. Some home businesses are permitted in multi-family dwellings when the business utilizes a Shawnee post office box and obtains approval from the Planning Department. 

Home businesses may include the following:

• Professional office of an accountant, architect, author, contractor, engineer, computer consultant or other similar professional person.
• Custom dressmaking, millinery, tailoring, sewing of fabrics for custom apparel and custom home furnishings.
• Fabrication and/or assembly of handicraft articles, not involving heating, refining, chemical or similar processes.
• Laundering or pressing.
• Rooming and/or boarding of not more than one (1) person.
• Teaching or tutoring, including music, dancing, speech or arts, with instruction limited to five pupils at a time.
• Day care is limited to six (6) children including the owner's own children, under the age of 16. There are additional regulations that apply to home day care businesses.
• One chair beauty or barber shops may be allowed upon approval of a Special Use Permit. The applicant will be required to enter into an agreement with Johnson County Wastewater regarding compliance with applicable commercial service requirement.
• Photography Studio.

Regulations

• Retail sales to customers on the premises of a home business are strictly prohibited. In addition, the following types of home businesses are prohibited by City ordinance:
  • Commercial repairing of automobiles, equipment or similar items
  • Commercial stables or kennels
  • Veterinary surgeon
  • Animal grooming
  • Barber or beauty shops
  • Medical, dental osteopathic or chiropractic offices
• Home businesses must be conducted solely by persons living in the home.
• Home businesses may employee up to the equivalent of one (1) full-time employee (up to 40 hrs per week combined if more than one (1) employee).
• Employee hours are limited to 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• To preserve the integrity of residential neighborhoods, sales to customers at home businesses are prohibited.
• Home businesses should not occupy more than 25% of the total floor area of the home, not including the garage or unimproved basement. These limitations do not apply to foster family care.
• No internal or external alterations or construction features or mechanical equipment not customary in homes may be utilized.
• The entrance to the home businesses should be from within the home.
• Power sources are limited to electric motors with a total limitation of three (3) horsepower per dwelling unit.
• Vehicles used by the business owner and the employees are not allowed to be parked in the street during business hours. One (1) commercial vehicle, no more than one (1) ton, is allowed to be parked in the driveway.

Application
The completed application and agreement must be submitted by mail or in person to Community Development Department, 11110 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203.

Licensing A Home Business Brochure
Home Business License Application (pdf)

Fees
The fee for a Home Business License is based on the type of business. Contact the Licensing Specialist at (913) 742-6247 or at businesslicense@cityofshawnee.org for more information on the fees. Fees are prorated throughout the year but no refund is available.

Pawnbroker License
Any individual, firm, company, partnership, corporation or association who loans money on deposit or pledge of personal property or other valuable thing, other than intangible personal property, or who deals in the purchase of personal property on the condition of selling the same back again at a stipulated price must obtain a Pawnbroker License from the Community Development Department. Pawnbroker does not include any individual, firm, company, partnership, corporation or association operating under the supervision of the state banking commissioner, credit union administrator or the consumer credit commissioner of this State.

Precious Metal Dealer License
Any individual, firm, company, partnership, corporation or association who engages in the business of purchasing precious metal for the purpose of reselling such metal in any form must obtain a Precious Metal Dealer License from the Community Development Department. Precious metal means gold, silver or platinum group metals or any used articles or other used personal property containing such metals, but shall not include coins purchased for their numismatic value rather than their metal content or ingots or other industrial residue or by-products composed of such metals purchased from manufacturing firms.

Regulations

• Must obtain a Pawnbroker License from the Community Development Department.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
• Licenses will not be issued to any person who has been convicted of or has pleaded guilty to a felony under the laws of the State of Kansas, or any other state, or of the United States.
• Licenses will not issued to any person who has forfeited a bond to appear in court to answer charges for any such offense within the ten (10) years immediately prior to such person's application.
• License will not be issued to any person who has had a license revoked.
• License will not be issued to any person whose spouse would be ineligible to receive a license hereunder for any reason other than the age, citizenship and residence requirements.

A complete list of regulations can be found in Chapter 5.52 of the Shawnee Municipal Code.

Application
The completed Pawnbroker License Application (pdf) and/or Precious Metal Dealer License Application (pdf) must be submitted by mail or in person to Community Development Department, 11110 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203.  Each applicant also shall submit with the application a statement that the applicant is the holder of a valid registration certificate issued by the director of revenue pursuant to K.S.A. 79-3608 for each place of business for which application for a license is made as well as a detailed inventory and description of all goods, wares, merchandise, precious metals or other property held in pledge or for sale at the time of the application at each place of business state 

Fees
The fees for Pawnbroker and/or Precious Metal Dealer License is $25.00 and shall be paid at the time of application. This fee is non-refundable and no prorate is available.

The Community Development Department maintains a list of tow service providers for the Police Department. The Police Department uses the list in the event a vehicle needs to be towed due to an accident.

Regulations

• Must obtain a Business License from the Community Development Department.
• Must obtain a Tow Service Provider Agreement from the Community Development Department.
• Current valid insurance as outlined by the Tow Service Provider Agreement must be on file with the Community Development Department at all times.
• Must maintain a fenced, secure storage area.
• Maintain minimum office hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and have personnel available to respond from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.
• Maintain the capability of providing multiple tow trucks per incident.
• Clean all debris from accidents or vehicle breakdowns; and shall remove from the site and properly dispose of all pollutants, fuel and fluid spills, and oil dry or similar product used to remove those items.
• Maintain the ability to respond on a twenty-four hours per day basis, and shall exercise its best efforts to provide an average response time of twenty-five minutes or less.
• Provide all services in a professional and courteous manner.

A complete list of regulations can be found in Chapter 3.70 of the Shawnee Municipal Code.

Applications
The completed application and agreement must be submitted by mail or in person to Community Development Department, 11110 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203.

Business License (pdf)
Tow Service Provider Application (pdf)
2025 Tow Service Provider Agreement (pdf)

Fees
The fee is $150.00 for a new agreement and $50.00 for a renewal application. These fees are not prorated and no refund is available. In addition, each tow service provider must also maintain a valid business license. The Business license fee is $50.00. This fee is prorated, however, no refund is available.

On December 23, 2019, the Governing Body passed Ordinance No. 3312, regulating the location of vape shops (Electronic Cigarette Retail Establishments) in Shawnee. 

Electronic Cigarette Retail Establishments are retail establishments that derives at least 65% of such establishment’s revenue from electronic cigarettes and electronic cigarette products, or a retail establishment that holds itself out or advertises itself primarily as an electronic cigarette retail establishments.

The following regulations apply for to all new Electronic Cigarette Retail Establishments:

• A City Business License is required for all establishments within Shawnee corporate limits.
• Licenses are valid from January 1 to December 31 of each calendar year, and must be renewed annually.
• Establishments must be at least 5,280 feet from any other Electronic Cigarette Retail Establishment within Shawnee City limits or outside of city limits.
• Establishments must be at least 200 feet from any property used or zoned for school, college, church, commercial daycare use, or any property used or zoned for residential use.
• Separation distances are measured from or to the outer wall of the e-cigarette retail establishment to the property line of the property containing the school, college, church, commercial day care use, or residential property.
  • If a school, college, church, or commercial daycare is established within 200 feet of any e-cigarette retail establishment after the premises have been licensed, the premises remain an eligible location for licensing.
• In the event any e-cigarette retail establishment abandons or discontinues operations prior to the December 31, 2019, any future establishments operated at the same location must meet the distance requirements of the ordinance. A change of ownership does not apply.
• Electronic Cigarette Retail Establishments must retain the records of purchases and sales for a period of one year. These records are subject to inspection by the City and must be provided within a reasonable time upon request.

Fees
There is an annual license fee as established in the latest version of the City of Shawnee Comprehensive User Fee Schedule (Policy Statement 56). 

Food trucks continue to be a popular and growing trend in our local community and around the country. Because of this, cities have begun to develop regulations regarding their operations.

The City Council Committee recently reviewed the existing policies for mobile restaurants in Shawnee, specifically in regards to how they operate in public and private spaces, as well as at local events. After getting feedback from local mobile restaurant vendors and reviewing how other local cities are handling this issue, new regulations were created to help clarify how and where mobile restaurants can operate within the City.

The regulations adopted on October 6, 2015, are designed to provide guidance for mobile restaurant operators desiring to provide temporary food service from trucks or trailers within City limits. Some of the items that the ordinance requires are:

• All mobile restaurants operating within Shawnee City limits must obtain a business license. Proof of a valid State of Kansas Food Establishment License must be provided in order to receive a license.
• Food trucks must show proof of fire inspection from the city they are registered in. If food truck is registered in Shawnee contact Kelly Brennan at (913) 631-1080 for an inspection.
• The business license is $100, annually and is pro-rated.
• Mobile restaurants are allowed to operate at City-authorized events, on private property, and within the street public right-of-way. No special permits are required.
• They must be at least 50 feet from permanent restaurants when operating.
• Mobile Restaurants must have the property owner's consent to operate on private property.
• Mobile Restaurants can operate on public right-of-way when utilizing on-street parking spaces. Items should only be sold curbside, and vehicles and trailers should not interfere with traffic flow.
• Mobile restaurants cannot vend in the street public right-of-way on parade routes on the day of the parade.
• They are only permitted in residential areas at an approved block party or other private events.
• They cannot operate on vacant property or unpaved surfaces.
• See Municipal Code Section 5.26, Mobile Restaurants, for additional regulations.

For more information or questions about operating a mobile restaurant in Shawnee contact the Community Development Department at (913) 742-6011.

The possession, manufacture, storage, sale handling and use of fireworks are prohibited without a valid fireworks display permit. The City has adopted the 2018 International Fire Code regulating fireworks.

Regulations

• Must obtain a Business License from the Community Development Department.
• Must furnish a certificate of insurance in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 for the payment of all damages to persons or property by the permitted display. For the exact insurance certificate amount contact Fire Marshal Corey Sands by E-Mail or phone (913) 742-6102.
• Persons in charge of fireworks displays shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs which impair sensory motor skills, shall be at least 21 years of age, and shall demonstrate knowledge of all safety precautions related to the storage, handling or use of explosives, explosive materials or fireworks; and possess a valid Blasters Certificate issued by the State of Kansas Fire Marshal office.

A complete list of regulations can be found in Chapter 15.32 of the Shawnee Municipal Code and the latest edition of the International Fire Code as adopted by the City.

Applications
The completed application, a copy of proof of insurance and fee must be submitted by mail or in person to Community Development Department, 11110 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203.

Fireworks Display Application (pdf)

Fees
The permit fee is $15.00. Fees are refundable if the application is withdrawn or denied prior to the Fire Chief's investigation. However, no refund is available for any reason after the Fire Chief has made the required investigation.

At this time, the City is only accepting applications for Grandfathered parades (i.e. St. Patrick's Day, Shawnee Days, etc.). The City is not accepting applications for new parades, marches, runs or other activities that would fall under a Parade permit. Contact the Community Development Department at (913) 742-6247 for more information.

Any person conducting a parade, march, ceremony, show, exhibition, pageant or procession of any kind, or any similar display, in or upon any street, park or other public place in the City of Shawnee is required to have a parade permit.

Regulations

• Must obtain a Parade permit from the Chief of Police by submitting a permit application to the Community Development Department not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the date of the parade.
• The Parade must not substantially interrupt the safe and orderly movement of other traffic contiguous to its route.
• The Parade must not require the diversion of so great a number of Police officers of the City to properly Police the line of movement and the areas contiguous thereto as to prevent normal Police protection to the City.
• The concentration of persons, animals and vehicles at assembly points of the Parade will not unduly interfere with proper fire and police protection of, or ambulance service to, areas contiguous to such assembly areas.
• The Parade will not interfere with the movement of firefighting equipment en route to a fire.
• The Parade is not reasonably likely to cause injury to persons or property, to provoke disorderly conduct or create a disturbance.
• The Parade is scheduled to move from its point of origin to its point of termination expeditiously and without unreasonable delays en route.
• The Parade is not to be held for the sole purpose of advertising any product, goods, or event, and is not designed to be held purely for private profit.

A complete list of regulations can be found in Chapter 5.48 of the Shawnee Municipal Code.

Applications
The completed application and fee must be submitted by mail or in person to Community Development Department, 11110 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203.

Parade Permit Application (pdf)

Fees 
The fee is $10.00 and is due at the time application is made. This fee is non-refundable and no prorated fee is available.

Effective March 26, 2024:
All residential properties (e.g., single family, duplexes, townhomes, and apartments) renting the entire premises for less than 30 days are classified as a short term rental (excluding Bed and Breakfasts). All short term rentals require a Business License.

Single family homes rented 30 days or more do NOT require a Business License.

Applications
The completed application and fee must be submitted in the online CitizenServe permit portal. If you need assistance applying, contact the Community Development Department at (913) 742-6011.

Short Term Rental Application (pdf)
Short Term Rental Ordinance (pdf)
Required Regulations to be Displayed in Residence (pdf)

Fees
Annual Fee: $500 per property
Licenses are not transferable