Bolthole Index

Crawford County, Kansas

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Crawford County, Kansas

61Index Score / 100
#16 of 105 in Kansas

Unincorporated Crawford County, Kansas requires a county building permit for new construction, additions, manufactured-home foundations, decks, agricultural structures and garages12. Planning & Zoning issues building permits and a Certificate of Occupancy3. Environmental Health approves septic systems4. Zoning covers only part of the county, and cities may zone their own land25.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction throughout rural unincorporated Crawford County12
Zoning
Applies in a defined part of the county; confirm the parcel with Planning & Zoning2
Septic and wastewater
Crawford County Environmental Health regulates and approves unincorporated-area systems64
Agricultural buildings
Permit application still applies; qualifying agricultural construction is fee-exempt78
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning before relying on either use2
Owner-builder
No county exemption confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning92
Private well
County Environmental Health inspects and samples wells; permit status needs confirmation1011

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Crawford County Planning & Zoning

Building and land-development questions, zoning, floodplain questions, manufactured homes and applications for rural unincorporated Crawford County

(620)724-6168

111 East Forest, Suite M, Girard, Kansas

Online permits →

Septic permits

Crawford County Environmental Health

Wastewater disposal approval, environmental complaints, and private-water-well inspection and sampling in Crawford County

(620)724-7088

111 E. Forest Ave., Suite M, Girard, Kansas 66743

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

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Do you need a building permit in Crawford County, Kansas?

Yes. Rural unincorporated Crawford County requires a building permit for new construction, additions, single- or double-wide foundations, decks, agricultural structures and garages12. Submit the construction application to Crawford County Planning & Zoning and include a site plan7. Qualifying agricultural construction is not outside the process: the application still applies, although the county claim identifies agricultural construction buildings as fee-exempt7. Agricultural land and buildings used for qualifying agricultural purposes receive broader zoning protection, but floodplain rules and public-road setbacks can still apply, and a switch to nonagricultural use brings the zoning regulations back into play812. The county's fee schedule lists $125 for site-built construction, including new homes, additions and garages, and $0 for agricultural structures; the schedule is dated 2014, so confirm the current amount13. The Zoning Administrator issues or refuses a permit within 10 working days of receiving the application unless the applicant agrees to a longer period14. A Certificate of Occupancy from the Zoning Administrator is required before a new building is occupied or used3. We could not confirm which building-code edition or inspection schedule applies, so ask Planning & Zoning what the specific project must meet2.

Who handles Crawford County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Crawford County Planning & Zoning is the first stop for a rural building project. The office serves rural unincorporated areas and asks people to contact it about residential, commercial and industrial land development, new houses, agricultural structures, businesses, flood zones and manufactured homes2. Call (620)724-6168 or visit the Crawford County Courthouse at 111 East Forest, Suite M, Girard, Kansas2. Construction applications go to this office and must include a site plan7. For wastewater, use the separate Crawford County Environmental Health office in the same courthouse suite; call (620)724-708810. We could not confirm a general building-inspection schedule, an adopted code edition or an owner-builder exemption, so put those questions to Planning & Zoning before ordering plans or scheduling contractors92.

Does Crawford County, Kansas have zoning?

Crawford County administers zoning in part of the county, but the Planning & Zoning office expressly says the entire county is not zoned2. The published county regulations include Agricultural, Rural Residential, Suburban Residential and Single Family Residential districts, plus overlay and special districts15. Uses not expressly prohibited or permitted in an established district generally require a conditional-use permit within the zoning jurisdiction16. Lot size depends on the district. In the Agricultural district, every lot must be at least 40 acres, though a quarter/quarter-section lot counts even if it nets less, and lots from an approved Agricultural Lot Split are exempt17. In the Rural Residential district, every lot created must be at least 10 acres and every new dwelling must sit on a ten-acre lot unless it is a lot of record18. Setbacks and building height also vary by district rather than following a single Kansas-wide figure1920. Ask Planning & Zoning to identify the parcel's district and whether it lies inside the county zoning boundary before treating a proposed home, accessory structure or land use as allowed2. Even outside the zoned area, the office says building permits, wastewater requirements, floodplain development regulations and nuisance rules apply throughout rural unincorporated Crawford County2.

How do septic permits work in Crawford County?

Crawford County Environmental Health regulates and approves residential and business wastewater disposal in unincorporated Crawford County64. The county's permit page provides separate forms for septic tanks and lagoons, while the department can be reached at (620)724-7088 at 111 E. Forest Ave., Suite M, Girard, Kansas 6674310. Kansas minimum standards require household wastewater to go to a properly designed septic tank and soil-absorption field, wastewater pond, approved alternative system or permitted treatment plant; seepage pits, cesspools, dry wells and surface discharge are not allowed21. Public sewer availability and county requirements can determine whether a private system may proceed22. Soil is a major diligence item: the soil survey rates 0% of Crawford County land as free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so arrange a parcel-level site evaluation rather than assuming a standard lateral field will work23. The county's wastewater application sets out the sequence. Return the application to Environmental Health before any construction, with the $75 permit fee, and phone the department beforehand for a pre-site inspection24. A contractor must sketch and certify that the installation complies with county codes24. Notify Environmental Health when construction is finished for a final inspection, and a copy of the approved permit is mailed to the applicant25.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Crawford County?

Crawford County's available county material does not confirm whether long-term RV living, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy is allowed on private rural land. Ask Crawford County Planning & Zoning about the parcel, proposed duration, utilities and zoning district before buying for one of those uses2. A manufactured home has a clearer path but is still parcel-specific: Kansas law keeps manufactured homes subject to applicable county or city zoning, while preventing a jurisdiction from excluding them from its entire zoning jurisdiction26. Crawford County also requires proof of a manufactured home's age by title before issuing its construction permit7. Wastewater rules apply regardless of the structure's size: domestic wastewater must use an approved system, and prohibited disposal methods do not become legal because a dwelling is small or movable21. Crawford County has not confirmed a minimum dwelling floor area or an accessory-dwelling rule in the available county material; direct both questions to Planning & Zoning2.

Building a home in Crawford County: the steps, in order

  1. Call Crawford County Planning & Zoning at (620)724-6168 to confirm whether the parcel is in the county zoning area, identify its district and ask about setbacks, floodplain status and inspections2.
  2. Phone Crawford County Environmental Health at (620)724-7088 for the pre-site inspection before any excavation; the department regulates and approves unincorporated-area wastewater disposal1025.
  3. Return the wastewater application with the $75 fee before construction starts24.
  4. Submit the construction application and a site plan to Planning & Zoning, which decides within 10 working days unless you agree to longer714.
  5. If placing a manufactured home, provide title evidence of its age with the permit materials7.
  6. If access will connect to a Kansas state highway, obtain the required state highway driveway permit before work in the right-of-way27.
  7. Notify Environmental Health for the final septic inspection, then obtain the Certificate of Occupancy from the Zoning Administrator before moving in253.

What to check before you buy land in Crawford County, Kansas

Start with parcel jurisdiction: Crawford County's office says the whole county is not zoned, while building permits, wastewater requirements, floodplain regulations and nuisance rules cover all rural unincorporated areas2. Ask Planning & Zoning for the district, allowed use, setbacks, access requirements and flood status before closing2. Conventional septic suitability deserves early testing because 0% of county soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field in the soil survey23. Private-well construction may require local or other authorization, and Kansas requires well logs for construction, reconstruction and plugging; Crawford County Environmental Health also inspects and samples private wells1110. Most terrain is relatively gentle, with 95.4% of land at a slope of 15% or less, but that does not settle drainage, flood or septic suitability for a particular tract28. For budgeting, the effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%, the median annual bill is around $1,375, farmland averages about $3,097 per acre and the typical home value is about $141,93929303132.

Watch-outs

  • Do not read the existence of Crawford County zoning regulations as proof that every rural parcel is zoned; the county office says the entire county is not zoned, so confirm the boundary and district with Planning & Zoning2.
  • Crawford County still requires building permits for agricultural structures even when qualifying agricultural construction is fee-exempt, and floodplain or public-road setback rules may still apply78.
  • We could not confirm Crawford County's owner-builder exemption, adopted building-code edition or routine building-inspection schedule; ask Planning & Zoning before construction92.
  • Crawford County's published building fee schedule is dated 2014 and its septic application form shows a $75 fee, so confirm current amounts before budgeting1324.

Sources

  1. Construction Application (2026 county census)
  2. Crawford County Planning & Zoning (crawfordcountykansas.org)
  3. Crawford County Zoning Regulations, Administration Articles, quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  5. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  6. Environmental Health (2026 county census)
  7. Construction Application, quoted and re-checked
  8. Article 2 Agricultural District Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  9. K.S.A. 50-6,129. Exemptions (2026 county census)
  10. Crawford County Environmental Health (crawfordcountykansas.org)
  11. Water Well County Permits (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. K.S.A. 12-758 — Agricultural land exempted from zoning regulations (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  14. Permits & Applications, quoted and re-checked
  15. Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  16. Zoning Regulations - Crawford County, KS, quoted and re-checked
  17. Zoning Regulations - Crawford County, Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  18. Zoning Regulations - Crawford County, Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  19. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Application for Wastewater System, quoted and re-checked
  25. Application for Wastewater System, quoted and re-checked
  26. K.S.A. 75-1218 — Exemption from construction codes; zoning (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Kansas Administrative Regulations, Volume 3 (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  32. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Crawford County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleCrawford CountyCherokee CountyNeosho CountyBourbon CountyLabette CountyAllen CountyLinn County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesNoNoNoYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. Health Dept.County Sanitarian-Env. OfficeCounty Env. Health Dept.County Sanitation & Env. ServicesCounty Env. Health Dept.County Zoning/Sanitarian OfficeCounty Planning & Zoning Dept.

County locator

Crawford County in Kansas

61
County map
Crawford County highlighted among the Kansas counties · colored by Index score

How Crawford County scores

Seclusion62100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency51100% ev.
Admin Boringness4590% ev.
Durability48100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$142kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$3,097Land / acre
44.9"Annual rain
14.4% of yrsSevere drought
23.7 / yr (+18.1)Mid-century 100°F days
18.5 daysMid-century dry spell
2.3" (+3.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.55×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,062Home insurance / yr
0.9% / yrInsurance growth
1.1%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
13,092People within 30 min
2,438,440People within 2 hr
31,948Radius comparison (15 mi)
65.7People / sq mi
0%Federal land
95.4%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
15.4%Wooded land
25.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Crawford County

Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.

Not yet researched: Arcadia · Arma · Baker Township · Cherokee · Crawford Township · Frontenac · Girard · Grant Township · Hepler · Lincoln Township · McCune · Mulberry · Osage Township · Sheridan Township · Sherman Township · Walnut · Walnut Township · Washington Township

Answers from the rulebook for Crawford County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Crawford County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction in rural unincorporated Crawford County.

    • The application is for all rural unincorporated areas.
    • A floodplain review must occur before issuance where applicable.
    • Commercial applications are forwarded to the State Fire Marshal for review.
    • Agricultural construction buildings are exempt from the listed application fee, but the source does not state they are exempt from permitting.

    site-built construction application fee: 125 USD (Application states fees are non-refundable.) · commercial construction application fee: 150 USD (Includes remodeling and additions.)

    “Building Permit Required. No building or structure shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, enlarged, or materially altered, nor shall any material alteration of an existing structure occur, unless a building permit has first been obtained from the Zoning Administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Buildings, structures, additions, relocations, remodeling, reconstruction, and changes of use governed by the county zoning regulations.
      “No building, structure, or addition thereto constructed, built, moved, remodeled or reconstructed after the effective date of these Regulations shall be occupied or used for any purpose; and no land vacant on the effective date of these Regulations shall be used for any other purpose; and no use of any land or structure shall be changed to any other use, unless a building permit shall first be applied for and a Certificate of Occupancy be obtained from the Zoning Administrator certifying that the proposed use or occupancy complies with all the provisions of these Regulations.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    New or existing buildings and changes in the character or use of land or a building governed by Crawford County zoning regulations.

    • The Certificate of Occupancy must certify compliance with all Crawford County rules and regulations.
    • The Zoning Administrator issues the Certificate of Occupancy.
    “No new or existing building or structure shall be occupied or used, and no change in the character or use of land or of a building shall occur, until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the Zoning Administrator certifying that such building or use complies with all requirements of these Regulations and other applicable Crawford County rules and regulations.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in the rural unincorporated areas of Crawford County.

    • The Planning & Zoning office states that it provides services for rural unincorporated areas.
    • Municipal zoning may apply inside incorporated cities.
    “Mission Statement: To strive to ensure that the Crawford County Zoning Regulations are followed in providing proper land use and development of Crawford County properties. This office provides services for the rural unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    County-administered zoning in the unincorporated portion of Crawford County.

    • The county zoning regulations identify AG, RR, SR, and R-1 districts and separate conditional-use rules.
    “It is the intent of this Article to require a Conditional Use Permit for all proposed land uses, except those specifically prohibited herein or allowed as a permitted use in one of the established zoning districts.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and associated regulations in unincorporated Crawford County.

    • The county publishes zoning articles for agricultural, rural residential, suburban residential, single-family residential, airport overlay, floodplain, floodwater-retarding-dam, and other districts or overlays.
    • The county zoning page separately links a zoning map.
    “Zoning Article 02 - Agricultural District Regulations”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots and dwelling units in the unincorporated Crawford County RR Rural Residential District.

    • Every lot hereafter created must meet the stated minimum area and dimensions.
    • Every dwelling hereafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, or altered must be on a minimum ten-acre lot unless the lot is a lot of record and conforms to the zoning and subdivision regulations.
    • For unusual lot configurations, the Zoning Administrator determines whether dimensions meet the spirit and intent of the requirement.
    • Lot depth-to-width ratio may not exceed 4:1.

    minimum lot area: >= 435600 square feet (Equivalent to ten acres; lot-of-record exception applies to dwelling-unit requirement.) · minimum lot area: >= 10 acres (Lot-of-record exception applies to dwelling-unit requirement.) · minimum lot width: >= 330 feet · minimum lot depth: >= 330 feet (Lot depth-to-width ratio may not exceed 4:1.)

    “Every lot hereafter created shall provide a minimum lot area of 435,600 square feet or ten (10) acres. The minimum width of a lot shall be 330 feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Lots and nonagricultural development in the unincorporated Crawford County AG Agricultural District.
      “Every lot shall be a minimum of 40 acres. A lot described as a quarter/quarter (i.e. 1/4 of 1/4 of a section) shall be deemed to meet the lot size requirements even though said lot may net less than a full 40 acres.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Building height in county zoning districts in unincorporated Crawford County.

    • The zoning regulations state that structures may not exceed the height limit established for the applicable district.
    • District-specific numerical limits were not fully extracted in this pass.
    “Zoning Article 14 - District Height, Area, and Bulk Regulations”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Wastewater disposal, including septic-related regulation, in unincorporated Crawford County.

    • The source specifically states that the county regulates and approves wastewater disposal in unincorporated areas.
    “Regulates and approves the disposal of all waste-water, both business and residential, in the unincorporated areas of the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Wastewater disposal, including business and residential wastewater, in unincorporated Crawford County.
      “Regulates and approves the disposal of all waste-water, both business and residential, in the unincorporated areas of the county.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New construction and correction of existing septic tank/lateral wastewater systems in unincorporated Crawford County.

    • The application must be returned before construction.
    • The applicant must phone Environmental Health before construction for a pre-site inspection.
    • A contractor must sketch and certify the installation or correction complies with county codes.
    • The permit fee shown on the form is $75.00.
    • Plans are subject to Environmental Department approval.

    permit fee: 75 USD

    “THE APPLICANT MUST RETURN THE APPLICATION TO THE CRAWFORD COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO ANY CONSTRUCTION. [...] A COPY OF THE APPROVED PERMIT WILL BE MAILED TO THE APPLICANT.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    County-regulated wastewater systems before and after construction in unincorporated Crawford County.

    • A pre-site inspection is required before construction.
    • The Environmental Department must be notified when construction is completed for a final inspection.
    • The application states that final approval is recorded by the Environmental Department.
    “THE APPLICANT IS REQUIRED TO PHONE THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO ANY CONSTRUCTION FOR A PRE-SITE INSPECTION. [...] THE APPLICANT MUST NOTIFY THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT WHEN THE CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETED FOR A FINAL INSPECTION.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Utility planning information required in the rural construction application.

    • The application asks applicants to identify water, electric, gas, and wastewater arrangements.
    • The application asks whether an existing septic system was reviewed by Environmental Health.
    • The source does not establish that connection to public water or sewer is universally required.
    “Utilities: Ks Gas:_____ Propane:_____ Natural:_____ Water: Rural_____ Well:______ City:_______ Electric: WESTAR:_________ Heartland:____________ Total Electric:__________ Wastewater: Septic:______ Lagoon:______ Sewer District:______ City:_____”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Land used for agricultural purposes as defined in the Crawford County AG district regulations.

    • Agricultural land is exempt from restrictions or limitations under the cited AG regulation.
    • New agricultural buildings remain subject to floodplain regulations and setback requirements on agricultural land fronting designated major roads and highways.
    • A change from agricultural to nonagricultural use is subject to the zoning regulations.
    “In this regard, all lands used for agricultural purposes, as defined in these regulations, are and shall be exempt from any and all restrictions or limitations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and re-subdivision of land in the unincorporated portion of Crawford County shown on the Official Zoning Maps.

    • The regulations apply to unincorporated lands shown on the Official Zoning Maps, not automatically to every incorporated municipality or every parcel in the county.
    • A person subdividing or re-subdividing a lot, tract, or parcel into two or more parts must prepare a subdivision plat in accordance with the regulations.
    • No zoning certificate may be issued for construction on land that has not been subdivided in compliance with the regulations and applicable state and county laws.
    • Exemptions include land legally subdivided or platted before the regulations' effective date; agricultural divisions into tracts of 10 acres or more without new streets, access easements, or other dedication; certain boundary changes; railroad or public-utility rights-of-way; a division creating no more than one additional lot subject to lot-split provisions; and certain industrial platted-lot divisions.
    • The regulations state they become effective after passage and publication in accordance with K.S.A. 12-3301 through 12-3305; no specific calendar effective date is stated in the cited passage.

    agricultural exemption threshold: >= 10 acres (division only for agricultural purposes and no new streets, easements of access, or other dedication) · maximum additional lots under lot-split exemption: <= 1 lot (subject to Article 3 lot-split provisions; new streets or easements must comply with design requirements)

    “These Regulations shall apply to that part of the unincorporated lands in Crawford County, Kansas, shown on the Official Zoning Maps of Crawford County, Kansas.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published county building and zoning application fees for unincorporated Crawford County.

    • The fee schedule is labeled as of July 1, 2014.
    • Agricultural structures and storm-shelter applications have listed $0 fees.
    • Site plans must accompany all applications.

    site-built construction: 125 USD (New homes, additions, modular homes, garages, and barns not used for farming.) · foundations/decks/basements/pools: 75 USD · commercial structures: 150 USD (Remodeling and additions included.) · subdivision/short plat/replatting: 250 USD

    “FEE SCHEDULE AS OF July 1, 2014 BUILDING APPLICATIONS: $125.00 Fee for ALL SITE BUILT CONSTRUCTION”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning, building, floodplain, subdivision, and wastewater permit fees where the county publishes a schedule or form fee.
      “THE PERMIT FEE MAY BE ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION PAYABLE TO THE ABOVE.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building, zoning, subdivision, wastewater, and related permit processes.

    • The county publishes permit applications and supporting documents.
    • Building applications require a scaled site plan showing legal description, building and yard locations, access, roads, grades/elevations, sewage disposal, drainage, floodplain applicability, and site improvements.
    • The Zoning Administrator generally acts within 10 working days or a further agreed period.

    building permit decision period: 10 working days (or a further period agreed to by the applicant)

    “THE APPLICANT MUST RETURN THE APPLICATION TO THE CRAWFORD COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO ANY CONSTRUCTION. [...] THE APPLICANT MUST NOTIFY THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT WHEN THE CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETED FOR A FINAL INSPECTION. [...] A COPY OF THE APPROVED PERMIT WILL BE MAILED TO THE APPLICANT.”

Kansas rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable

    An actual owner of commercial, residential, or farm property performing roofing services personally, or using employees to perform them, on the owner's own dwelling or another structure located on the residential or farm property owned by that person.

    • The work must be roofing services, including construction, installation, renovation, repair, maintenance, alteration, waterproofing, or removal of materials or structures.
    • The owner must perform the work personally or use employees; the exemption applies without the assistance of any registered roofing contractor.
    • The statute separately exempts roofing services whose aggregate price on each undertaking or project during any fiscal year is less than $2,000, but that exemption does not apply to a person who advertises or uses a sign, card, or other device indicating that the person is a roofing contractor or qualified to engage in that business.
    • An administrative or governing body with authority to enter into public contracts must require individual roofing-contractor registration for persons submitting or entering into a public bid or contract.
    • This is a roofing-registration exemption only; it does not establish a general exemption from local contractor licensing, building permits, or inspections.
    “The roofing contractor registration act shall not apply to:(1) An actual owner of commercial, residential or farm property who physically performs, or has employees who perform, roofing services including, construction, installation, renovation, repair, maintenance, alteration, waterproofing or removal of materials or structures on such owner's own dwelling or another structure located on the residential or farm property owned by such person without the assistance of any registered roofing contractor;”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Statewide Kansas building-energy-code and state fire-prevention-code framework, including new commercial and industrial structures and specified classes of new construction, additions, and occupancy changes.

    • Kansas is a home rule state and local jurisdictions retain responsibility and authority for adoption and enforcement of building energy codes.
    • The statewide IECC 2006 standard applies to new commercial and industrial structures.
    • The state corporation commission has no authority to adopt or enforce energy-efficiency standards for residential, commercial, or industrial structures.
    • Cities and counties may adopt or enforce energy-efficiency standards within their jurisdictions.
    • Kansas State Fire Marshal review for the Kansas Fire Prevention Code applies to the building and occupancy categories listed on the official plans-review page, including large assembly, specified educational and institutional occupancies, and specified residential occupancies.
    • For new homes, the state requires homebuilders and realtors to disclose certain energy-efficiency information using the Kansas Energy Efficiency Disclosure form.

    state energy-efficiency code: 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2006) (Applicable state standard for new commercial and industrial structures) · state fire-prevention building code: 2006 International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) (Projects reviewed for compliance with the Kansas Fire Prevention Code; applicability depends on the project and occupancy categories stated by the State Fire Marshal)

    “Because Kansas is a home rule state, the responsibility for adoption and enforcement of building energy codes lies with local jurisdictions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Kansas statewide building-code adoption authority as specifically addressed by the state energy-efficiency statute.
      “The International Energy Conservation Code 2006 (IECC 2006) is hereby adopted as the applicable energy efficiency standard for new commercial and industrial structures in this state.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Buildings and property owned by the State of Kansas undergoing construction or covered repairs, improvements, or occupancy changes.

    • DCC conducts the building construction inspections for buildings and property owned by the State of Kansas.
    • Healthcare and childcare occupancies and Board of Regents capital-improvement projects require joint or additional OSFM inspection as described in the manual.
    • Required code inspections are tied to issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
    “The Department of Administration - Office of Facilities Management - Design, Construction & Compliance conducts building construction inspections on buildings and property owned by the State of Kansas.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building construction inspections for buildings and property owned by the State of Kansas.
      “The Department of Administration - Office of Facilities Management - Design, Construction & Compliance conducts building construction inspections on buildings and property owned by the State of Kansas.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building setbacks and yard or open-space requirements established by applicable Kansas municipal or county zoning regulations.

    • Actual setback distances are determined by the applicable local zoning classification or applicable highway/street setback resolution.
    • Agricultural buildings may still be regulated for setbacks from public roads under K.S.A. 19-2960.
    • No statewide numeric setback distance was identified.

    yard, court, open-space, or street/highway setback: local regulation

    “the size of yards, courts and other open spaces”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Percentage of a lot that may be occupied under applicable Kansas municipal or county zoning regulations.

    • Actual lot-coverage percentage is set by the applicable local zoning classification, if adopted.
    • No statewide numeric lot-coverage percentage was identified.

    maximum percentage of lot occupied: local zoning classification percent

    “the percentage of lots that may be occupied”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement and residential occupancy of manufactured homes in Kansas jurisdictions with applicable county or city zoning regulations.

    • Manufactured homes remain subject to applicable county and city zoning regulations.
    • A governing body may not exclude manufactured homes from its entire zoning jurisdiction.
    • A governing body may not exclude residential-design manufactured homes from single-family residential districts solely because they are manufactured homes.
    • Architectural or aesthetic standards compatible with site-built housing may still apply.
    • Valid restrictive covenants running with the land are not preempted.
    • The source states the zoning provision became effective January 1, 1992.
    “All mobile homes shall be subject to zoning regulations of counties and cities applicable to areas in which such homes are located.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Domestic wastewater disposal without a public sewer connection, using an approved septic system, lagoon, or alternative onsite system.

    • Domestic wastewater must be discharged to an approved sewage collection system, approved lagoon, septic system, alternative system, or permitted sewage treatment plant.
    • Private sewerage facilities are conditioned on public sewers not being available and on compliance with local requirements.
    • Seepage pits, cesspools, and dry wells (rat holes) are not permitted.
    • No private onsite wastewater system may have a surface discharge.
    • Alternative systems may require a local variance; where there is no local code, KDHE may grant a variance.
    “Wastewater from a home shall be discharged to a properly designed and maintained septic tank–soil absorption field or wastewater pond, an approved alternative treatment and disposal system, or a permitted sewage treatment plant. Seepage pits, cesspools, and dry wells (rat holes) are not permitted. [...] No private onsite wastewater system shall have a surface discharge.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water-well construction, reconstruction, and plugging in Kansas, including county and city permitting requirements where applicable.

    • Many counties require water-well permits, and some cities do as well; the KDHE page reports that 68 counties had responded to its January 2026 poll.
    • A well may also need a Division of Water Resources permit, Class V Authorization, Public Water Supplies permit, or another authorization depending on the well.
    • Kansas requires well logs for all water-well construction, reconstruction, and plugging statewide.
    “Many counties in Kansas require a permit for water wells. Even some cities have permitting requirements. Please look below to see if you need a permit for your well. 68 counties have responded so far, counties not shown below did not respond to our poll. The poll was sent in January of 2026, and will be updated annually.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction or alteration of a driveway connecting to the Kansas state highway system.

    • The requirement applies to driveways onto the state highway system.
    • No work may be performed on state highway right-of-way until an approved highway permit agreement is received.
    • Driveways connecting only to local roads are outside the cited rule's stated scope.
    “Individuals desiring to construct or alter a driveway onto the state highway system shall be required to obtain a permit.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Statewide Kansas framework governing locally adopted floodplain zones, districts, and floodplain development regulations

    • A local governing body may establish floodplain zones and districts; the statute does not itself impose one uniform permit requirement on every development statewide.
    • Any floodplain regulations must comply with the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and rules adopted under it.
    • Before adoption, a local ordinance, resolution, regulation, or plan creating or changing a floodplain zone or district, or regulating structures, encroachments, or land uses in the area, must be submitted to the chief engineer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Water Resources.
    • The chief engineer may require complete maps, plans, profiles, specifications, and textual matter; approval or disapproval is due within 90 days after receipt of all required data, and failure to act within that period results in deemed approval.
    • Under K.A.R. 5-44-4, local floodplain zoning regulations must identify flood hazard areas by a specific map, meet or exceed federal minimum requirements, meet or exceed applicable chief-engineer requirements, and designate a local floodplain administrator responsible for reviewing and issuing floodplain development permits.
    • K.A.R. 5-44-1 states that its definitions apply in administering K.S.A. 12-766; its listed effective dates are January 1, 1992 and February 17, 1992.

    chief engineer review period: 90 days (After receipt of all data required by the chief engineer; failure to approve or disapprove within the period results in deemed approval.) · flood threshold referenced by K.S.A. 12-766: 1% annual chance (The governing body may restrict application to lands adjacent to watercourses subject to floods of a lesser magnitude than that having a one-percent chance occurrence in any one year.)

    “The governing body may establish flood plain zones and districts and restrict the use of land therein”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development in special flood hazard areas under Kansas local floodplain-management ordinances based on the Kansas Department of Agriculture model ordinance.
      “In all areas covered by this ordinance, no development shall be permitted except through the issuance of a floodplain development permit”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals and vacation units or properties regulated by a Kansas municipality during the temporary statutory period from May 15, 2026 through July 25, 2026.

    • The temporary rule applied from May 15, 2026 through July 25, 2026.
    • No municipality could limit the number of permits or other municipal authorizations or limit rental duration during that period.
    • Completed authorization applications had to receive a response within 15 calendar days.
    • If the municipality failed to process and respond within 15 calendar days, the application was deemed approved and no additional municipal regulation or code requirement could be imposed as a condition of approval.
    • The definition excluded a permanent guest or a person occupying under a contract intended for long-term or permanent occupancy for more than 28 consecutive days within the period.

    application response deadline: 15 calendar days (completed municipal authorization applications during the statutory period)

    “During such period, all completed applications to a municipality [...] shall be processed by the municipality [...] within 15 calendar days.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Kansas counties adopting zoning regulations for all or any portion of unincorporated county territory.

    • The authority is exercised by the board of county commissioners through resolution and under the applicable planning-and-zoning act.
    • Permissible subjects include building height, number of stories, building size, lot coverage, yards and open spaces, population density including minimum lot dimensions, building and land uses, and floodplain land use.
    • County zoning jurisdiction may cover all or any portion of the unincorporated area; incorporated municipalities have separate statutory zoning jurisdiction.
    “The board of county commissioners, by resolution, may provide for the adoption or amendment of zoning regulations for the unincorporated portion of the county in the manner, and for the purposes, provided by this act.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    Kansas counties' authority to require building permits and regulate construction in unincorporated areas through subdivision regulations

    • The county must first adopt a comprehensive plan before adopting subdivision regulations under K.S.A. 19-2961.
    • The permit procedures apply to lots divided, subdivided, resubdivided, or replatted within an area governed by the county's subdivision regulations.
    • No building authorization may be granted for a structure on a lot subdivided, resubdivided, or replatted after adoption of the regulations unless the statutory approval process is followed.
    • Regulations must provide a building-permit procedure for lots divided into not more than two tracts without replatting, unless otherwise provided.
    • Permit procedures must account for zoning regulations, adequate street rights-of-way, easements, and improvement of public facilities, and specify a decision time limit.
    • The statute permits the final permit decision to be made by the county commission, subject to other law.

    maximum tracts for permit without replatting: <= 2 tracts (unless otherwise provided by the county regulations)

    “Any regulations adopted by the board of county commissioners with reference to subdividing lots shall provide for the issuance of building permits”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Kansas counties adopting and enforcing building codes in unincorporated portions of the county.
      “Any part of a code adopted pursuant to the provisions of this section may be made applicable, by resolution, either to all unincorporated portions of the county or to any area of the county outside of but within three (3) miles of the nearest point of the corporate limits of any city.”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In Kansas, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Crawford County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Minimum dwelling size
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Crawford County, Kansas

Is Crawford County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Crawford County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 13,092 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Crawford County, Kansas?

Crawford County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Crawford County Environmental Health Department. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Crawford County, Kansas?

Land in Crawford County runs about $3,097 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Crawford County?

Crawford County gets about 44.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 14.4% of years.

How remote is Crawford County?

A representative private-land location has about 13,092 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,438,440 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Crawford compares in Kansas

Compare side-by-side →See all 105 Kansas counties ranked →