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Building Inspection

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1. Do I need a building permit?

A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a residential or commercial structure. Permits are also required to construct, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems. Typical projects that require permits are replacing a furnace and/or A/C unit, replacing a water heater, replacing a deck, or building a fence. Cosmetic interior remodeling, such as replacement of cabinets, doors, carpeting and plumbing fixtures do not require a permit. Siding and window replacement does not require a permit but all roof replacements do.

2. Do I need a permit to build a detached building or garage?

Yes, a permit is required for any detached structure or accessory building which is larger than 200 square feet. Contact the Building Inspection Department or Planning Department prior to building any structure for information on allowable sizes and building setbacks.

3. Do I need a permit to finish my basement?

Yes; you may also reference the Basement Finishing and Remodeling Guidelines (PDF) handout for full information.

4. Do I need an inspection of my private wastewater system if I sell my house?

Yes, city code requires all private wastewater systems to be inspected within 30 days of any transfer of property. For more information on scheduling a private wastewater inspection visit our private wastewater page at http://www.desotoks.us/178/Private-Wastewater-Systems-Septic

5. Do I need a permit to replace my windows or siding?

No, contact the Building Inspection Department, at 913-586-5277 with any questions.

6. Do I need a permit to re-roof my house?

Yes, in addition, the Code requires a complete tear-off with only 1 layer of roofing material and ice and water shield is required at eaves. Roofing contractors must be licensed by Contractor Licensing.

7. Do I need a permit to place or replace a sign?

Yes, most situations require a permit. Contact the Building Inspection Department at 913-586-5277 for more information.

8. Do I need a permit to install or replace a fence?

Yes, check with the Building Inspection Department or City Planner for details before installing. Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs also have special requirements.

9. Does the City require business licenses?

No, The City currently does not require a business license; however, all contractors or subcontractors must be licensed by Contractor Licensing, prior to applying for permit.

10. Does the City require a business license if I do the construction work myself?

An owner may act as a general contractor and perform construction work only if they, own and occupy as their primary residence, the property listed on the permit as the site address. A notarized statement is required and they are subject to the same code inspections as a contractor would be.

11. Where do I apply for a permit?

All permit forms and many documents are available online, or at City Hall. Online applications are available for Residential ROW Permits, Residential Miscellaneous Permits (Roofing, Electric, Plumbing, Fence, and HVAC), and Private Wastewater Resale Inspection Permits. All other permits require PDF applications which can be submitted to:
De Soto City Hall
Building Inspection Department
32905 W 84th Street
De Soto, KS 66018

cmaughmer@desotoks.us

For more information, call 913-210-9186, or email the Building Department.

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Municipal Court

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1. Can I just pay my ticket?

If a fine amount is listed on the back of your ticket and you wish to plead guilty or no contest to the charge, you can pay it prior to your court date without attending court. If it says COURT on the back of your ticket, you must appear in court on the date and time listed on the front of your ticket. Court costs are assessed even if you do not attend court and you must pay the total amount due.

Forms of payments accepted: Cash, Check, Money Order, Debit/Credit Card, Online Payments

Please make check or money order payable to: De Soto Municipal Court

Mail in payments  

De Soto Municipal Court

32905 W. 84th Street / PO Box C, De Soto, Kansas 66018

*Please include your citation when mailing in your payment. You will need to sign it and select whether you are pleading guilty or no contest.

Walk in payments 

32905 W. 84th Street, De Soto, Kansas 66018

Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

When paying in person, if you are using a debit or credit card for payment, the person whose name appears on the card must be present and provide photo ID.

Online Payments using a debit or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).

Certain violations can be paid online. There is a $2.50 transaction fee charged for online payments. 

Click here for De Soto Municipal Court Payments

2. Do I have to pay court costs if I do not attend court?

Yes.

Unless your ticket is dismissed and the court costs are waived as part of the dismissal order, court costs are assessed on all citations (excluding seat belt) and must be paid regardless of court attendance.  Court costs cover administrative and state mandated fees.  Court costs are $60.

3. Can I amend my speeding ticket?

The Court Clerk is authorized to amend speeding tickets up to 19 mph over the posted speed limit for 2x the listed fine amount plus court costs.  Amendments for speeding tickets 20 mph and over are handled on a case by case basis and must be approved by the Prosecutor. 

An amendment will not be offered if the violation occurred in a school or construction zone, or was the result of an accident.  It will be at the Prosecutor's discretion to offer an amendment if you have had a ticket amended in the past 12 months. Please refer to your ticket for your court date and time if you would like to speak to the Prosecutor regarding an amendment.

    

4. Registration and insurance tickets

REGISTRATION: 

Expired tag

If the registration has not been expired longer than one year, and proof of current registration is provided on or before the court date listed on the ticket, the charge will be dismissed and fees waived.

If the registration is not renewed by the court date listed on the ticket, or if the registration has been expired longer than one year, a fine and court costs will be imposed (refer to fine schedule), or you can appear in court on your court date to speak to the Prosecutor regarding amendment or diversion options.  

  

INSURANCE:  

If you were cited for no proof of insurance and you can provide valid insurance on the vehicle you were driving at the time of the stop, and you did not receive the violation as the result of an accident, the charge will be dismissed and fees will be waived. Proof of valid insurance must be provided to the Court Clerk within ten days of receiving your ticket for dismissal. Insurance will be verified.

 If your insurance has lapsed, expired, or was cancelled, you must appear in court on the date and time listed on your ticket.    

You may provide proof of registration or insurance by faxing or emailing it to the Court.  It is your responsibility to verify it was received.

Fax: 913-583-3123  / Email: court@desotoks.us

5. Can I get my court date continued?

If it is your first request on a first appearance court date, you can call the Court Clerk at 913-586-5290 and a continuance will be granted.  If you have already had a continuance and need another one, you must appear in court to request additional time.

6. Can I get a Public Defender?

You have the right to be represented by an attorney in all cases in De Soto Municipal Court. If you are charged with an offense that could result in jail time and you cannot afford to hire an attorney, you can apply for the Public Defender.  You will need to complete a financial affidavit form for the Judge to review to determine if you qualify.  

7. Why did I get my ticket from a Johnson County Deputy?

The City of De Soto contracts with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office for policing services.  www.jocosheriff.org    

For ticket or court related questions, please contact the De Soto Court Clerk at 913-586-5290.  

For emergencies, please call 911.

8. What time is court?

 Unless you have been instructed by the court, your attorney, or the public defender to appear at a different time, court is at 6:00 p.m.

The front doors to City Hall will remain unlocked after 4:30 p.m.  If you arrive early, please check in with the Court Clerk.  The Court Clerk's office is right next to the courtroom at the end of the hall.

9. What if I disagree with my citation?

If you believe you are not guilty of the offense in which you were charged, you may enter a plea of not guilty and have the matter set over for trial.

10. Filing an Entry of Appearance

Attorney's may file their Entry of Appearance by:

Fax: 913-583-3123 or email: court@desotoks.us 

Please include your bar number on the EOA.

Attorney's we respectfully ask that you do not call on the day of the court appearance to request a continuance, or file a Motion to Continue on the day of the court appearance.  Please send someone in your place to request the continuance from the judge if you are unable to attend court.  Thank you for your cooperation.

11. Can I pay my ticket online?

Yes! Certain violations can be paid online. 

Please refer to "How can I pay my ticket?" for payment options.

12. My license is suspended. How do I take care of it?

If your license was suspended by the De Soto Municipal Court for failing to pay a fine, please contact the Court Clerk at 913-586-5290 to find out how much you owe. For Kansas driver's license holders, this amount will include a $122 reinstatement fee.  Once you pay in full, the court will notify Driver Solutions to withdraw the suspension hold; however, the reinstatement processes can take up to 7-10 business days. Once you are fully reinstated, you will receive a letter of reinstatement in the mail from your local licensing authority, so it is important to keep your mailing address updated with them.  If you drive before you are officially reinstated, and you get pulled over, this could result in a more serious charge of Driving While Suspended.      

To check on the status of your (Kansas) driver's license and/or update your mailing address, please visit: www.ksrevenue.org

or call the Kansas Department of Revenue - Driver Solutions at 785-296-3671.

  

13. Where do I find my ticket number?

The ticket number is located on the front of the citation and is printed along the right hand side.  Please refer to the first number listed when calling with questions about your ticket.  There are two numbers listed to allow officer's to write up to two violations on one citation.  

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Revenue Neutral & TNF

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1. What is Revenue Neutral?

Revenue neutral is when a taxing jurisdiction budgets the exact same amount of property tax
revenue, in dollars, for the upcoming budget year as they did for the current
year. 
i.e. If a city uses
$1 million of property tax revenue in 2022, being revenue neutral means they
plan to only use $1 million in 2023 as well. 

If a taxing jurisdiction plans to use more property tax revenue in the next budget year compared to the current year, even $1 more, they would exceed revenue neutral and need to hold a public hearing.

2. What is the Revenue Neutral Rate?

The revenue neutral rate is the mill levy rate that would generate the exact the same amount of property tax revenue as the year before, using the current tax year's total assessed valuation.

3. Why would the City, or any jurisdiction, want to increase revenue?

A jurisdiction doesn't only increase revenue to provide new services; they often need to increase property tax revenue to provide the same level of service as the year before.

While this new revenue
neutral law (Senate Bill 13) is an important step for municipal budget transparency, it does not take inflation into account. As property values are rising, so are the cost of goods and services. 

To provide
residents with the same (or better) level of service, it costs more. Cities often "exceed revenue neutral" and use a modest increase in revenue to help pay for things like the increased cost
of chemicals for the city pool, asphalt for streets, mowing services, and other
community priorities. 

If the City were to
stay revenue neutral every year, they would have to provide this year's
services, with this year's prices, on last year's budget.

4. Will my property taxes increase as much as my appraised value increased?

No.
The average property in De Soto increased in value by 17% this year, but your
taxes would not increase by that same amount. The City lowers the mill levy to
help re-balance the "appraised value to collected property revenue"
scale. 

If the City does need to increase the property revenues for the upcoming
year, it would be by a modest amount compared to the increase in appraised
property values.

5. Why are we letting you know about the taxpayer notification form and RNR?

Property
owners are going to receive a fairly technical letter in the mail explaining
each jurisdiction's intent (or non intent) to exceed revenue neutral (use
more property revenues than the year before).

Since this new law is in place to promote transparency,
we want to help property owners understand the notification they receive.

6. What is the City doing to offset the increase in Appraised Property Values?

The mill levy rate is the only influence the City has on your tax bill; to help offset the increase in property values, the
City lowers the mill levy rate. This way, there is not a 1:1 increase in your tax bill when
the County increases the City's property values. 

7. What exactly will be on the taxpayer notification form?

Sample 2022 Notice of Estimated Ad Valorem Taxes

(A) The revenue neutral rate of each taxing subdivision relevant to the taxpayer’s property;

(B) the proposed property tax revenue needed to fund the proposed budget of the taxing subdivision, if the taxing subdivision notified the county clerk of its proposed intent to exceed its revenue neutral rate;

(C) the proposed tax rate based upon the proposed budget and the current year’s total assessed valuation of the taxing subdivision, if the taxing subdivision notified the county clerk of its proposed intent to exceed its revenue neutral rate;

(D) the tax rate and property tax of each taxing subdivision on the taxpayer’s property from the previous year’s tax statement;

(E) the appraised value and assessed value of the taxpayer’s property for the current year;

(F) the estimates of the tax for the current tax year on the taxpayer’s property based on the revenue neutral rate of each taxing subdivision and any proposed tax rates that exceed the revenue neutral rates;

(G) the difference between the estimates of tax based on the proposed tax rate and the revenue neutral rate on the taxpayer’s property described in subparagraph (F) for any taxing subdivision that has a proposed tax rate that exceeds its revenue neutral rate; and

(H) the date, time and location of the public hearing of the taxing subdivision, if the taxing subdivision notified the county clerk of its proposed intent to exceed its revenue neutral rate.

8. Where can I find more information regarding budget and property valuation?

1. The City of De Soto provides all City-related budget information and timeline in the Finance & Budget Basics webpages
2. For more information on County-related budgets, visit jocogov.org/department/budget-and-financial-planning/current-budget
3. Additional information regarding the recent change in Kansas law can be found at jocogov.org/department/appraiser/publications/truth-taxation-explanation
4. De Soto residents can find their appraised value and assessed value at jocogov.org/department/appraiser/property-data
5. Johnson County's Estimated Tax Notice page, https://www.jocogov.org/department/treasury-taxation-and-vehicles/estimated-tax-notice

9. What are ad valorem property taxes?

Ad valorem property taxes are taxes based on the assessed value of a property.  The most common ad valorem property tax examples include:

• Real estate: land and the home and/or other buildings on the land
• Personal property: trailers, motor homes, golf carts, motorbikes, business machinery and more
• State Assessed Utilities: pipelines, natural gas, electrical lines and railroad

Property tax statements will be issued after mill rates are finalized and taxes are calculated, on or before November 1.

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Sales Tax Election

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1. Is this a new tax?

No; this is a renewal of an existing 3/4 of a cent sales tax which was approved by voters in 2002 and renewed in 2012 for another 10 years. Like all special sales taxes, it can only be approved for 10 years before needing to be renewed by voters. The tax will sunset (expire) again in July of 2022, so voters are being asked to renew the current sales tax to fund infrastructure projects for another 10 years.  

2. What type of projects does this tax support?

This is a special sales tax that can only be used for the purpose of maintaining or creating De Soto's infrastructure, which is anything from road, sewer, and water line replacements to sidewalk, bridge, street lighting, and traffic improvements.

Examples of previously funded projects:

• Yearly Road Maintenance Program 
• Annual Sidewalk Replacement Program
• Water Treatment Plant Expansion 
• 91st St. Extension to Sunflower Rd.
• New Sidewalks along Lexington & 83rd St
  
  

3. What type of projects will be funded by this sales tax in the future, if approved?

The proposed sales tax must be spent on large infrastructure capital projects, which are included in the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

Upcoming Projects - Sales Tax Funded:

• 83rd and Kill Creek Bridge Replacement
• Lakeview Heights Subdivision water main replacement
• 82nd Street sewer force main replacement
• Miller Park Drainage Project
• Ottawa Street Reconstruction Project

4. What is the ballot language?

Shall the following be adopted?

Shall a retailers' sales tax in the amount of three quarters of one percent (.75%) be levied in the City of De Soto, Kansas (the "City"), for the purpose of financing capital improvement projects, including but not limited to, improving the City's streets and sidewalks, as well as the City's water, sewer, and drainage systems, and all things necessary and related to such improvements, with the collection of such sales tax to commence on October 1, 2022 (which will be after expiration of the previous three quarters of one percent (.75%) city-wide retailers' sales tax), and shall terminate ten years from the date of imposition, all pursuant to K.S.A. 12-187 et seq., and K.S.A. 12-195?

5. What does your vote mean?

'YES' Vote	'NO' Vote
Voting 'Yes' means your overall sales tax rate would stay the same at 9.75%, and the 3/4 of a cent special sales tax would continue until 2032. The City of De Soto would be allowed to use the approximately $600,000 generated each year to fund the City's infrastructure projects.	Voting 'No' means the sales tax would expire in July 2022; the City would have to consider alternative ways to fund the capital project improvements as the projects funded by the sales tax are integral to the City’s basic infrastructure and must be done, regardless of funding source.   City services are generally funded by either property taxes, sales taxes or user fees.

6. How long would this sales tax be in effect?

If approved, the Capital Projects sales tax would expire in 2032. This special purpose sales tax is an important part of the City’s long-term capital improvement program and plans. Sales taxes of this type (dedicated to a specific purpose) may be authorized for 10-year periods of time in accordance with State statutes. 

7. How much money is generated from this tax?

The sales tax generates approximately $600,000 annually.  

8. When does the current sales tax expire?

The current 3/4 of a cent sales tax, which was approved by voters in 2012, will expire in July of 2022.  

9. What is De Soto's current total sales tax rate?

The City of De Soto‘s current sales tax rate is 9.750%, allocated as follows:

State of Kansas - 6.500%	Johnson County - 1.475%	City of De Soto - 1.750% (General - 1.000% + Capital Projects - .75%)
TOTAL: 9.750%

10. How much more will this sales tax cost a De Soto resident?

Nothing; renewing this sales tax will not increase the sales tax rate in De Soto. Since voters approved the sales tax in 2002, De Soto shoppers have paid a 3/4 of a cent sales tax to fund capital improvements. Renewing this sales tax simply protects the revenue and funding source used for key infrastructure projects in our community.  

11. How much does this sales tax impact the average shopper?

For every $100 purchase, a shopper pays an extra $0.75 which goes solely towards investing in De Soto's infrastructure.  

Another way to look at this is its impact on an average purchase:

12. Why do we use sales tax to fund these types of projects?

By using sales tax, the costs are shared by residents and visitors alike who shop, eat, do business, and travel around De Soto! 

Using sales tax (versus a De Soto property tax or water rate increase) relieves the residents and businesses from paying 100% of the costs of maintaining or improving infrastructure.

13. Where can I get more information?

A town hall meeting has been scheduled for May 23rd at 6 p.m. at the De Soto City Hall. 

You may also call or email City Clerk Brandon Mills at 913.586-5250 or Bmills@desotoks.us for more information on the sales tax renewal.

14. How do I vote?

First, you must be registered to vote! See the Election & Voting Page for more information on voter registration and detailed election/voting information.

Beginning June 1st, registered voters will receive a white & red envelope in the mail from the Johnson County Election Office. After filling out your ballot, sign your name, include your address on the white & blue return envelope, and put it in your mailbox!  

15. When is the deadline to register to vote?

The deadline to register to vote in this election is Tuesday, May 31st, 2022.

However, voters who register after Monday, May 23rd, 2022 need to request a ballot by calling the JOCO Election Office; they will not be mailed one automatically.

16. When are ballots due?

Ballots are due 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, June 21st, 2022.

17. Why are we voting on this now?

1. The sales tax is expiring in July of 2022
2. The revenue stream from this sales tax makes up a large portion of the City's Capital Project budget. Since the 2023 budget process begins in Spring of 2022, knowing the outcome of the election is crucial to assisting City staff with developing a budget based on accurate revenue projections.

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Street Department

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1. How long does it take to clear the streets?

On average, it takes three crew members about 4-6 hours to salt and 10-12 hours of round-the-clock coverage to plow one cycle of De Soto’s 112 lane miles; this is dependent on the intensity of the event, the temperatures, the number of cars parked in Emergency Snow Routes, and traffic. It can take several cycles to satisfactorily complete the entire operation.

2. What can I do to help make the snow removal process go quicker?

The most beneficial thing you can do before a winter storm is move cars and other obstructions into your driveway. When driving near a plow, give them plenty of space to make turns around corners and intersections.

3. How can I report an icy street?

With the exception of emergency requests from sheriff dispatchers, individual requests for snow removal are only taken after all major operations have been completed. 

You can report the location of an icy/snowy street by submitting an online Citizen Service Request or call 913-908-6099

4. What do I do if a snow plow truck causes damage to my property?

Snow plows can sometimes scrape yards or push heavy snow into mailboxes. Damages can be reported by submitting an online Citizen Request. 

Yard damage is logged and repaired in the Spring; if there’s mailbox damage, a temporary mailbox is installed within 48-72 hours after the storm and permanent repairs are made when comparable mailbox components are secured.

5. What do I do if I have a medical emergency?

For a medical emergency, please call 911; a sheriff will assist and determine the need for a snow plow.

6. How do I minimize the amount of freshly shoveled snow from being plowed right back into my driveway?

Snow windrows are piles of snow that accumulate at the end of driveways during plowing and are unavoidable. There is, however, a way to minimize the dreaded "second shovel": shovel in the direction of the traffic. In other words, while facing your driveway, clear out the right corner as much as possible and place the snow "downstream" to the left of the driveway (rather than upstream or in the street). This provides a place for the pushed snow to go other than in front of your driveway.