Bolthole Index

Dickinson County, Kansas

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

48Index Score / 100
#57 of 105 in Kansas

Unincorporated Dickinson County, Kansas requires a county zoning permit, also called a building permit, for new construction, but the county has not adopted a building code and requires no inspections other than septic or wastewater inspections.12 Septic permits are a separate approval from Dickinson County Environmental Services, and the county zoning rules apply only outside city limits.32

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction4
Building code
No county building code adopted5
Building inspections
Not required except for septic or wastewater systems6
Zoning
Yes; confirm the parcel's district with the Zoning Office78
Septic
County permit and inspection process applies9
Private well
Permit required when intended for human consumption10
Owner-builder
No county exemption confirmed; ask the Zoning Office118
RV living
Allowed only in an RV park, or as a temporary dwelling on a lot with a Zoning Certificate for a dwelling12

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Dickinson County Planning & Zoning Office

Zoning/building permits, zoning districts, parcel zoning, addressing and floodplain-map questions

785-263-4464

109 East 1st Street, Abilene, KS 67410

Online permits →

Septic permits

Dickinson County Environmental Services

Private wastewater and non-public water-supply permits, licensing, inspections and water screening

785.263.4780

2363 Jeep Road

Roads & driveways

Dickinson County Highway, Road, and Bridge Department

County road plans, rights-of-way, bridges and road-maintenance questions

785-263-3093

408 SE 2nd Street, Abilene, KS 67410

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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

Yes. Dickinson County requires a zoning permit, also called a building permit, for covered construction, and wastewater permits apply where needed.4 The county's own FAQ says all new construction in the county must have a building permit.8

The permit should not be confused with building-code review. Dickinson County has not adopted a building code and says ordinary county building inspections are not required; septic and wastewater systems are the stated exception.56 That makes the Planning & Zoning Office the first call for the land-use permit and Environmental Services the separate contact for wastewater work.813 A county permit does not replace any separate approval that may apply to a project with unusual occupancy, state ownership or access onto a state highway.14

The 2026 fee schedule lists $150 for a residential structure zoning permit; permits are good for one year, and items started without an approved permit may be charged double the original fee.15 Proof of water is required for new home construction, either from the Rural Water office or from the well driller.1

Who issues building permits and septic permits in Dickinson County, Kansas?

The Dickinson County Planning & Zoning Office handles the county zoning/building permit and can identify a parcel's zoning district from county maps.8 Call 785-263-4464 or visit the County Courthouse at 109 East 1st Street, Abilene, KS 67410.8 The office also assigns the address when the building permit is obtained.8

For private wastewater or a non-public water supply, contact Dickinson County Environmental Services at 785.263.4780 or visit 2363 Jeep Road.13 Environmental Services handles private-wastewater and non-public-water-supply permitting and conducts compliance inspections.13 For county-road plans and right-of-way questions, contact the Highway, Road, and Bridge Department at 785-263-3093.16 County staff also advises townships about culverts and road problems, so road responsibility should be identified before planning a new entrance.16

Does Dickinson County, Kansas have zoning?

Dickinson County is zoned, and the zoning regulations apply only to land outside the corporate limits of any city2. The county lists base districts AG-80, AG-40, RR, SR, R-1, LL, SS, RB and V-1, plus airport, floodplain and dam-breach overlay districts, and the district maps are filed with the Zoning Administrator17. Minimum lot area depends on the district: 80 acres in AG-80, 40 acres in AG-40, 10 acres in RR, 3 acres in SR, 20,000 square feet in R-1 and 5 acres in SS18. Most of the other districts cap buildings at 35 feet and 2 1/2 stories, while AG-80 and AG-40 list no numeric height limit19. The front yard is 70 feet from the right-of-way centerline or 30 feet from the front lot line, whichever is greater, and no building may sit in an easement20. Ask the Planning & Zoning Office to identify the parcel's district before relying on a listing description8. Kansas provides a conditional agricultural-use zoning exemption, but dwellings, garages and similar accessory buildings are not treated as agricultural buildings, and public-road setbacks can still apply21.

How do septic permits work in Dickinson County, Kansas?

Dickinson County Environmental Services administers private wastewater permits and inspections under the county sanitary code while also applying relevant state regulations.9 The county's listed requirements include an approved contractor and a soil profile by the Dickinson County Sanitarian, so involve Environmental Services before fixing the house site or assuming a conventional lateral field will work.3 The Sand Springs Recharge Area requires Aerobic Treatment Units to reduce nitrogen output.3 The 2026 fee schedule lists $170 for a new or modified wastewater construction permit application, which includes a site visit and soil evaluation.15 The county also performs property-transfer and refinancing inspections, though not every private system must be inspected.22

Only about 5.1% of mapped county soils avoid a severe limitation rating for a conventional septic drain field.23 That soil statistic does not decide an individual site, but it makes the county's soil profile and site evaluation especially important.239 Kansas minimum standards require domestic wastewater to use an approved septic field, lagoon, alternative system or permitted treatment plant; seepage pits, cesspools, dry wells and surface discharge are not allowed.24 Private sewerage may proceed only where public sewer is unavailable and local requirements are met.25

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Dickinson County, Kansas?

In unincorporated Dickinson County, a recreational vehicle may be occupied in a recreational vehicle park, or as a temporary dwelling only on a lot where a valid Zoning Certificate has been issued for construction of a dwelling; occupancy for living, sleeping or housekeeping is otherwise prohibited12. That means full-time RV living on a bare lot is not allowed, so get the Zoning Certificate before moving an RV onto land12. We could not confirm a county rule on tiny-home occupancy; ask the Planning & Zoning Office about the exact parcel and proposed unit8. The one dwelling-size figure the county states applies to efficiency units built as part of a residential complex, which need at least 220 square feet of living area; we could not confirm a general minimum floor area for a single-family home26. A small dwelling is still subject to the published front-yard setback20. For a manufactured home, Kansas law keeps the home subject to applicable county or city zoning, while limiting blanket exclusion of manufactured homes from an entire zoning jurisdiction27. Any occupied unit still needs an approved wastewater solution where public sewer is unavailable24.

How do you build a home in Dickinson County, Kansas?

  1. Ask the Planning & Zoning Office to verify the parcel's zoning district, buildability, setbacks and floodplain-map status.8
  2. Confirm legal access and identify whether the county or a township maintains the road; ask the Highway, Road, and Bridge Department about county rights-of-way.16
  3. Establish the water plan. A well intended for human consumption requires a county permit and county review.10
  4. Contact Environmental Services for the soil profile, wastewater design, permit and inspection path before finalizing the house location.94
  5. Apply to Planning & Zoning for the zoning/building permit before construction.4
  6. Keep the distinction clear during construction: Dickinson County has no adopted building code and limits its stated inspection requirement to septic or wastewater systems.56

What should you check before buying land in Dickinson County?

Start with zoning, legal parcel status, setbacks and floodplain mapping through the Planning & Zoning Office.8 If a tract will be divided, Dickinson County regulates subdivisions; the process can require preliminary and final plats, while a short-form route may apply to subdivisions of four lots or fewer.28

Treat wastewater feasibility as a purchase condition because only about 5.1% of mapped soils avoid a severe limitation rating for conventional drain fields.23 Confirm whether public sewer is available and, if not, obtain Environmental Services' direction on the onsite system.2513 Verify drinking-water availability too, because wells for human consumption require a county permit.10 Finally, confirm who controls the road frontage and any entrance work; a driveway connecting to the state highway system needs a state permit, while local-road questions belong with the county or responsible township.1416

Watch-outs

  • A Dickinson County zoning/building permit is still required even though the county has not adopted a building code.45
  • Do not select a house and septic location independently: wastewater permits are subject to soil-profile requirements.4
  • Dickinson County's published front-yard rule measures from both the right-of-way centerline and the front lot line, and the greater setback controls.20
  • Full-time RV living on land outside an RV park is prohibited in unincorporated Dickinson County unless the RV is a temporary dwelling on a lot with a Zoning Certificate for a dwelling12. Tiny-home occupancy and an owner-builder exemption remain unconfirmed; ask the Planning & Zoning Office8.

Sources

  1. Zoning Permits, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Sanitation, quoted and re-checked
  4. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  5. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  6. dkcoks.gov, quoted and re-checked
  7. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  8. Dickinson County Planning & Zoning Office (dkcoks.gov)
  9. Sanitation, quoted and re-checked
  10. dkcoks.gov, quoted and re-checked
  11. K.S.A. 50-6,129. Exemptions (2026 county census)
  12. Dickinson County Zoning Regulations, Article 21: Supplementary Use Regulations; Conditional Uses; Accessory Uses; Prohibited Uses, quoted and re-checked
  13. Dickinson County Environmental Services (dkcoks.gov)
  14. Kansas Administrative Regulations, Volume 3 (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Dickinson County Fee Schedule 2026, quoted and re-checked
  16. Dickinson County Highway, Road, and Bridge Department (dkcoks.gov)
  17. Dickinson County Zoning Regulations, Article 1, quoted and re-checked
  18. Article 19 District Height, Area and Bulk Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  19. Article 19 District Height, Area and Bulk Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Article 19 District Height, Area and Bulk Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  21. K.S.A. 12-758 — Agricultural land exempted from zoning regulations (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Sanitation, 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. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Dickinson County Zoning Regulations, Article 1 — Title, Purpose, Definitions, District and General Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  27. K.S.A. 75-1218 — Exemption from construction codes; zoning (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Article 2 Procedure for Approval of Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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 all 5 of the neighbors with published rules, Dickinson County has countywide zoning.

RuleDickinson CountyGeary CountySaline CountyMorris CountyOttawa CountyRiley CountyClay County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesNot publishedYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. ServicesCounty SanitarianCounty Env. HealthCounty Sanitary CodeOttawa CountyCounty Env. Health Div.County Sanitary Code

County locator

Dickinson County in Kansas

48
County map
Dickinson County highlighted among the Kansas counties · colored by Index score

How Dickinson County scores

Seclusion60100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2599% ev.
Admin Boringness5890% ev.
Durability42100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost72100% 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 →

$173kTypical home
1.4%Property tax
$2,714Land / acre
32.9"Annual rain
13.1% of yrsSevere drought
27.5 / yr (+17.6)Mid-century 100°F days
22 daysMid-century dry spell
1.99" (+5.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.47×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,246Home insurance / yr
4.4% / yrInsurance growth
1.85%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
12,174People within 30 min
1,433,704People within 2 hr
16,512Radius comparison (15 mi)
21.8People / sq mi
0.4%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
5.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
27,357 acWorkable land screen
7.1%Wooded land
28.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Dickinson 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.

Abilene · Banner Township · Buckeye Township · Carlton · Center Township · Chapman · Cheever Township · Enterprise · Flora Township · Fragrant Hill Township · Garfield Township · Grant Township · Hayes Township · Holland Township · Hope · Hope Township · Jefferson Township · Liberty Township · Lincoln Township · Logan Township · Lyon Township · Manchester · Newbern Township · Noble Township · Ridge Township · Rinehart Township · Sherman Township · Solomon · Union Township · Wheatland Township · Willowdale Township · Woodbine

Answers from the rulebook for Dickinson County

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

Dickinson County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction requiring a Dickinson County zoning/building permit.

    • Wastewater permits are also required where applicable.
    • Wastewater permits are subject to soil profile requirements.
    “We require zoning (building) permits and wastewater permits which are subject to soil profile requirements.”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted

    County building-code adoption.

    • The county still requires zoning/building permits and wastewater permits.
    “At this time, Dickinson County does not have a building code, and does not require any inspections with the exception of septic or wastewater systems.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    County building inspections.

    • The county states that inspections are not required except for septic or wastewater systems.
    “At this time, Dickinson County does not have a building code, and does not require any inspections with the exception of septic or wastewater systems.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Dickinson County zoning jurisdiction.

    • Zoning was adopted in 1975 and updated in 1988, 1996, 2002, 2007, and July 2009.
    “Dickinson County is zoned. Zoning was adopted in 1975 and was updated in 1988, 1996, 2002, 2007 and in July 2009.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulation and zoning permits throughout Dickinson County.

    • Zoning was adopted in 1975 and updated in 1988, 1996, 2002, 2007, and July 2009.
    • Zoning permits and wastewater permits are required; wastewater permits are subject to soil profile requirements.
    “Dickinson County is zoned. Zoning was adopted in 1975 and was updated in 1988, 1996, 2002, 2007 and in July 2009.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Dickinson County zoning regulations on lands outside the corporate limits of any city.
      “1-103 Jurisdiction: These Regulations shall apply to all lands within Dickinson County, Kansas, lying outside the corporate limits of any city.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Published Dickinson County zoning district regulations for the unincorporated portion of the county.

    • The regulations include overlay districts: Airport Overlay, Floodplain, and Floodwater Retarding Dam Breach Impact.
    • District boundary maps are incorporated into the regulations and filed with the Zoning Administrator.

    listed base districts: AG-80, AG-40, RR, SR, R-1, LL, SS, RB, V-1 · listed overlay districts: AO, FP, FRD

    “"Ag-80" Agricultural District Regulations "Ag-40" Agricultural District Regulations "Rr" Rural Residential District Regulations”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Efficiency units constructed as part of a residential complex in the unincorporated portion of Dickinson County.

    • Dickinson County zoning regulations apply only outside the corporate limits of incorporated cities.
    • The unit must have at least 220 square feet of living area.
    • The unit must provide an additional 100 square feet of living area for each occupant in excess of two.
    • The unit must have a separate closet and a separate bathroom containing a water closet, lavatory, and bathtub or shower.
    • The kitchen must include a sink, cooking appliance, and refrigeration facilities, each with at least 30 inches of clear working space in front.

    minimum living area: >= 220 square feet · additional living area per occupant over two: per 100 square feet (Each occupant of the unit in excess of two) · clear working space in front of each kitchen fixture: >= 30 inches (Applies to the kitchen sink, cooking appliance, and refrigeration facilities)

    “lying outside the corporate limits of any city. [...] EFFICIENCY UNIT: A dwelling unit [...] having a living area of at least 220 square feet;”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum lot areas and dimensions under Dickinson County zoning districts.

    • AG-80: 80 acres; AG-40: 40 acres; RR: 435,600 square feet (10 acres); SR: 130,680 square feet (3 acres); R-1: 20,000 square feet; LL: 5,000 square feet; SS: 217,800 square feet (5 acres); RB: 1,600 square feet; V-1 has no listed minimum lot area in the table.
    • Front-yard, side-yard, rear-yard, lot-dimension, and easement notes in the cited Article 19 table apply.
    • Lot depth-to-width ratio may not exceed 4:1 in rows marked (C) and 3:1 in rows marked (D).

    AG-80 minimum lot area: 80 acres · AG-40 minimum lot area: 40 acres · RR minimum lot area: 435600 square feet (10 acres) · SR minimum lot area: 130680 square feet (3 acres) · R-1 minimum lot area: 20000 square feet · LL minimum lot area: 5000 square feet · SS minimum lot area: 217800 square feet (5 acres) · RB minimum lot area: 1600 square feet

    ““R-1” Single Family Residential (E) 35 2 ½ 30 15 20 100 150 20,000”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Building yard setbacks in Dickinson County zoning districts.

    • Front-yard setback is 70 feet from the centerline of the right-of-way or 30 feet from the front lot line, whichever is greater.
    • A side yard is required on each side of the lot; the table dimension is for one side only.
    • No building may be constructed in any easement.
    “(A) Front yard setback is 70 feet from the centerline of the right-of-way or 30 feet from the front lot line, whichever is greater.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum building heights under Dickinson County zoning districts.

    • AG-80 and AG-40 list no numeric maximum height in the table.
    • RR, SR, R-1, LL, SS, RB, and V-1 list 35 feet and 2 ½ stories.
    • The table states that no building is permitted to be constructed in any easement.

    maximum building height: 35 feet (RR, SR, R-1, LL, SS, RB, and V-1; 2 ½ stories) · maximum building stories: 2.5 stories (RR, SR, R-1, LL, SS, RB, and V-1)

    ““V-1” Village District (E) 35 2 ½ 30 10 20 - - -”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Living, sleeping, or housekeeping use of a permanently or temporarily parked or stored recreational vehicle in unincorporated Dickinson County.

    • A recreational vehicle may be occupied in a recreational vehicle park.
    • A recreational vehicle may be occupied as a permitted temporary dwelling only on a lot where a valid Zoning Certificate has been issued for construction of a dwelling.
    • The quoted provision otherwise prohibits occupancy for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes.
    • The source does not state an effective date in the cited passage.
    “At no time shall a [...] recreational vehicle [...] be occupied [...] except in a recreational vehicle park, or as a permitted temporary dwelling”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private wastewater and septic regulation in Dickinson County.

    • Dickinson County administers permits and inspections under its Sanitary Code.
    • The county page also states that applicable state regulations apply.
    “The Dickinson County Environmental Services Department works to ensure that private wastewater systems and non-public water supplies are installed, maintained, and operated in accordance with county and state regulations.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation, repair, replacement, and modification of private wastewater systems in Dickinson County.

    • Permits are administered through the Dickinson County Department of Environmental Services under the Dickinson County Sanitary Code.
    • Systems must meet the Dickinson County Sanitary Code and applicable state regulations.
    • The listed requirements include an approved contractor, a soil profile by the Dickinson County Sanitarian, and additional location and design requirements.
    • The Sand Springs Recharge Area requires Aerobic Treatment Units to reduce nitrogen output.
    “Dickinson County Sanitary Code requires all installations, replacements, and repairs/modifications of private wastewater systems to be permitted through the Dept. of Environmental Services.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Private wastewater systems and related septic, lagoon, property-transfer, and refinancing activities in Dickinson County.

    • The county page states that inspections are performed and lists septic tank/lateral field, lagoon, property transfer, and refinancing inspections.
    • The county also states that many projects involving septic systems require permits and inspections before work begins; it does not establish that every private wastewater system requires an inspection.
    “Many projects involving septic systems or private wells require permits and inspections before work begins.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Water wells intended for human consumption.

    • The county reviews applications for compliance with county and state requirements.
    “Permits are required for water wells intended for human consumption, and our office reviews applications to ensure compliance with county and state requirements.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Creation of subdivisions under Dickinson County subdivision regulations.

    • The process includes a pre-platting conference, preliminary plat review, and final plat submission.
    • No final plat may be filed or recorded until acted upon by the Planning Commission and approved by the Governing Body.
    • A short-form plat procedure exists for subdivisions containing four lots or less, subject to stated public-hearing and filing requirements.

    short-form plat maximum lots: <= 4 lots

    “This Article establishes uniform procedures and platting requirements for the creation of subdivisions.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    2026 county zoning, floodplain, and sanitary-service permit fees administered by Dickinson County.

    • The schedule states that permits are good for one year; a six-month extension may be obtained from the Zoning Administrator at no additional cost.
    • Items started without an approved permit may be charged a penalty equal to double the original permit fee.
    • Floodplain permit fees do not apply for stream bank stabilization projects.
    • The schedule states that its fees take precedence over previously set fee schedules or resolutions dealing with the same fee amounts.
    • The zoning regulations apply outside city corporate limits.

    residential structure zoning permit: 150 USD · accessory structure zoning permit: per 50 per 1000 square feet USD (Includes both residential and agricultural structures.) · addition zoning permit: 50 per 1000 square feet; minimum 50 USD · commercial grain bin permit: 50 USD · new or modified wastewater construction permit application: 170 USD (Includes site visit and soil evaluation.) · new or modified septic tank or lateral field permit: 85 USD · existing wastewater system inspection property transfer: 170 USD · wastewater system inspection refinance: 115 USD · new water well permit: 65 USD (Schedule also lists conditions for hitting water within 100 feet of the permitted area and notifying to reissue the permit area.)

    “DICKINSON COUNTY FEE SCHEDULE 2026 [...] Residential structure fee * $150”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Installation, replacement, and repair or modification of private wastewater systems in Dickinson County.

    • Applications may be completed online at DkCoKs.GovBuilt.com.
    • Systems must be installed by an approved contractor.
    • A soil profile is required from the Dickinson County Sanitarian.
    • Lateral lines may not exceed 100 feet.
    • The Sand Springs Recharge Area requires Aerobic Treatment Units to reduce nitrogen output.
    • Lagoons must be at least 100 feet from the house and property line.
    • Septic tanks/laterals must be at least 100 feet from water wells, 50 feet from a surface watercourse, and 10 feet from the house and property line.

    maximum lateral-line length: <= 100 feet · minimum lagoon distance from house and property line: >= 100 feet · minimum septic tank/lateral distance from water wells: >= 100 feet · minimum septic tank/lateral distance from surface watercourse: >= 50 feet · minimum septic tank/lateral distance from house and property line: >= 10 feet

    “Dickinson County Sanitary Code requires all installations, replacements, and repairs/modifications of private wastewater systems to be permitted through the Dept. of Environmental Services.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning/building permit process for new construction outside incorporated city limits.
      “Zoning Permit is another name for Building Permit. (Click the link to fill out the form).”
    • Partial — County zoning/building permits and private wastewater permits for construction and related work.
      “Zoning Permit is another name for Building Permit . (Click the link to fill out the form).”

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;”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Any portion of a State of Kansas-owned building that has been in construction or has a change in occupancy, under the Department of Administration DCC process.

    • Form 150 is issued before occupancy of any portion of a building that has been in construction or has a change in occupancy.
    • Healthcare and childcare occupancies and Board of Regents capital-improvement projects require OSFM participation in construction inspections before authorization or acceptance of occupancy.
    • The manual states that failure to submit the occupancy request and schedule required inspections results in denial of occupancy.

    certificate form: Form 150 - Certificate of Occupancy

    “Form 150 - Certificate of Occupancy will be issued by DCC prior to occupancy of any portion of a building that has been in construction or has a change in occupancy. For Healthcare and Childcare Occupancies and Capital Improvement Projects for the Board of Regents, OSFM will perform construction inspections prior to authorization/acceptance of occupancy.”
  • 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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Private onsite sewerage facilities serving domestic wastewater in Kansas.

    • A private sewerage facility may proceed only when public sewers are not available and all applicable local requirements are met.
    • The source does not establish a statewide requirement to connect to public water service.
    “Proceed with any private sewerage facility only when public sewers are not available and all applicable local requirements are met.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Use of land for agricultural purposes and erection or maintenance of agricultural buildings under city or county zoning regulations adopted under Kansas planning and zoning statutes.

    • The exemption applies only while the land and buildings are used for agricultural purposes and not otherwise.
    • The exemption does not apply to flood-plain regulations in designated flood plains.
    • Under K.S.A. 19-2960, dwellings, garages, and other similar accessory buildings are not agricultural buildings.
    • Under K.S.A. 19-2960, all buildings, including agricultural buildings, may be regulated for setbacks from public roads.
    • K.S.A. 12-758 applies to regulations adopted by a city pursuant to K.S.A. 12-715b or by a county pursuant to the planning and zoning act.

    agricultural-use condition: land and buildings must be used for agricultural purposes and not otherwise (Flood-plain regulations remain applicable.) · public-road setback exception: permitted (Agricultural buildings may be regulated as to setbacks from public roads under K.S.A. 19-2960.)

    “regulations adopted by a city pursuant to K.S.A. 12-715b, and amendments thereto, or a county pursuant to this act shall not apply”
  • 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 Dickinson 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.

  • 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 Dickinson County, Kansas

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

Dickinson County scores 48/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 12,174 people within a 30-minute drive. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (32.9″/yr rainfall).

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

Dickinson County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Dickinson County Environmental Services / County Sanitarian (Dickinson County Sanitary Code). 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Dickinson County is limited to specific cases: Living, sleeping, or housekeeping use of a permanently or temporarily parked or stored recreational vehicle in unincorporated Dickinson County. A recreational vehicle may be occupied in a recreational vehicle park. A recreational vehicle may be occupied as a permitted temporary dwelling only on a lot where a valid Zoning Certificate has been issued for construction of a dwelling. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Dickinson County, Kansas?

Land in Dickinson County runs about $2,714 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Dickinson County?

Dickinson County gets about 32.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 13.1% of years.

How remote is Dickinson County?

A representative private-land location has about 12,174 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,433,704 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 Dickinson compares in Kansas

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