Bolthole Index

Greeley County, Kansas

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

39Index Score / 100
#93 of 105 in Kansas

Unincorporated Greeley County, Kansas appears not to require a county building permit, but the county does not publish an explicit permit rule or building-code adoption statement1. County zoning is also unconfirmed2. Greeley County has its own sanitary code for onsite wastewater, although its septic-permit process could not be confirmed3. Start with the County Clerk's Office before building4.

At a glance

Building permit
Appears not required on unincorporated land; confirm with the County Clerk14
Zoning
Unconfirmed; no county zoning ordinance or map was located25
Septic
County sanitary code applies; permit process remains unconfirmed3
Water well permit
County permit required for household, lawn-and-garden and livestock/pasture wells, $1256
Owner-builder exemption
No county building-permit or inspection exemption was confirmed7
Agricultural buildings
Exempt from any zoning a city or county adopts, as long as they're used for farming only89
RV or tiny-home living
Unconfirmed; no official county rule found either way2

Who to call

Also useful

Greeley County Clerk's Office

County administration, elections, real estate records and tax administration; the general starting point when you don't know which office to call

(620) 376-4256

616 Second Street, P.O. Box 277, Tribune, KS 67879

Also useful

Greeley County Board of Supervisors

The county's governing board; holds land-use and zoning approval authority under Kansas law, meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month

(620) 376-4256

616 Second Street, P.O. Box 277, Tribune, KS 67879

Roads & driveways

Greeley County Road & Bridge Department

Construction, maintenance and preservation of county roads and bridges, and the county landfill

(620) 376-4253

150 4th Street, P.O. Box 458, Tribune, KS 67879

Health department

Greeley County Health Department

Public health services and community health resources for Greeley County

(620) 376-4200

222 W Kansas, Tribune, KS 67879

Property records

Greeley County Appraiser's Office

Property assessment, valuation and tax questions

(620) 376-4057

616 2nd St., P.O. Box 240, Tribune, KS 67879

Also useful

Tribune City Hall

City of Tribune municipal services and utilities; the city (not the county) is the authority if your parcel is inside Tribune's limits

(620) 376-4278

508 Broadway, Tribune, KS 67879

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Greeley County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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

Unincorporated Greeley County appears not to require a county building permit1. The county does not list a building or code-enforcement office, but the available official material also does not explicitly say that permits and inspections are unnecessary1. Ask the Greeley County Clerk's Office to confirm the current rule for the parcel and project before work begins4. If the land is inside Tribune or Horace rather than in unincorporated Greeley County, ask the applicable city about its own building requirements10.

Who do you call in Greeley County if there's no building department?

Greeley County does not list a building or planning department, so the Greeley County Clerk's Office is the practical first call before construction14. Ask the Clerk to confirm whether any county approval, inspection or certificate applies to the parcel and project. The Road & Bridge Department maintains county roads and bridges and is the county contact for questions about access from a county road11. The Greeley County Health Department provides local public-health services, but its page does not expressly identify it as the septic permitting office12.

Does Greeley County have zoning?

Greeley County's published pages do not establish whether zoning applies to unincorporated land, and no county zoning ordinance or map was located2. The Board of Supervisors handles approval of land-use and zoning policies, so ask the Board or County Clerk whether a parcel has a zoning district, setback, minimum lot size or building-height limit54. Kansas allows local zoning rules to set those standards when adopted131415. Kansas law exempts agricultural land and agricultural buildings from local zoning when they are used only for agriculture, but dwellings, garages and similar accessory buildings are not agricultural buildings, and road setbacks may still apply9. City rules may differ, so land inside Tribune or Horace needs a separate municipal check10.

How do septic and well permits work in Greeley County?

Greeley County has a sanitary code for onsite wastewater, adopted in December 2021, but we could not confirm its septic application, inspection or fee requirements16. Kansas lets local governments approve plans and issue construction and operating permits under county sanitary codes17. Ask the Greeley County Health Department who administers the code before designing a system; its public page does not identify the septic official12. Household, lawn-and-garden and livestock/pasture wells require a county permit with a published $125 fee6. The listed county category does not require a permit for geothermal wells, except oil-field water-supply wells require one with a $250 fee18. A private sewerage facility may proceed only where public sewer is unavailable and local requirements are met19. Tribune offers water and sewer utilities, so confirm availability and connection requirements before planning an onsite system20.

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

No official Greeley County source states whether long-term RV living, tiny-home occupancy or manufactured-home placement is allowed, limited or prohibited on unincorporated land, and the county has no zoning or planning office to ask2. That's not the same as an official "no rules" answer: it means the county hasn't published one, so get the answer in writing from the County Clerk's Office before you set up a residence in an RV or tiny home4. Kansas's statewide septic rules do apply to whatever wastewater system you use, whether the dwelling is a house, an RV or a tiny home, so plan your onsite system the same way regardless21. Because the rule is unconfirmed rather than absent, do not assume RV living is unrestricted2.

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

  1. Confirm whether your parcel is unincorporated county land or inside Tribune or Horace city limits; city rules can differ from the county's10.
  2. Call the Greeley County Clerk's Office to confirm the building-permit and zoning requirements for your specific parcel before you break ground412.
  3. Ask the Greeley County Health Department who administers the county Sanitary Code and what septic approval is required before designing your wastewater system123.
  4. Apply for a county well permit if you're drilling a household, lawn-and-garden or livestock/pasture well; the published fee is $1256.
  5. Ask the Road & Bridge Department about access from a county road; a new or altered driveway within state-highway right-of-way requires a Kansas Department of Transportation access permit1122.
  6. If you plan to subdivide or replat the land first, ask the County Clerk whether local subdivision regulations apply before submitting a plat423.

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

Greeley County averages 18.5 inches of precipitation a year, with severe drought in 38.4% of recent years, so verify the parcel's water source before buying2425. Inside Tribune, ask the city whether municipal water and sewer are available and what connection requirements apply; the utility information does not establish service for rural county parcels20. Soils support a conventional septic drain field on only 30.3% of the county's land, so budget for site evaluation and a possible alternative design26. If an applicable local zoning regulation covers floodplain development, it must require an application to a local floodplain administrator when any part of a proposed project lies in the floodplain; we could not confirm such a Greeley County regulation or administrator27. Confirm whether access is from a county road or a state highway because state-highway right-of-way work requires a KDOT permit, while the county has not published a county-road driveway rule2211.

Watch-outs

  • Greeley County's Board of Supervisors approves land-use and zoning policies, but we could not confirm whether zoning currently applies to unincorporated land52.
  • If a parcel may be in a floodplain, ask the County Clerk whether a local floodplain regulation and administrator apply before planning development427.
  • Confirm current septic-permit procedures with the Greeley County Health Department before you design a system; Greeley County has a sanitary code, but the available sources do not identify its administrator or application process123.

Sources

  1. Unified Greeley County, KS - Official Website (2026 county census)
  2. Unified Greeley County, KS - Official Website (2026 county census)
  3. County Environmental / Sanitary Codes, quoted and re-checked
  4. Greeley County Clerk's Office (greeleycountyks.gov)
  5. Greeley County Board of Supervisors (greeleycountyks.gov)
  6. Water Well County Permits, quoted and re-checked
  7. K.S.A. 50-6,129. Exemptions (2026 county census)
  8. K.S.A. 12-758 — Agricultural land exempted from zoning regulations (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. 2026 Kansas Statutes, 19-2960, quoted and re-checked
  10. Tribune City Hall (greeleycountyks.gov)
  11. Greeley County Road & Bridge Department (greeleycountyks.gov)
  12. Greeley County Health Department (greeleycountyks.gov)
  13. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Local Environmental Protection Program, quoted and re-checked
  17. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Water Well County Permits, quoted and re-checked
  19. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. greeleycountyks.gov, quoted and re-checked
  21. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Kansas Department of Transportation Highway Access Permit, quoted and re-checked
  23. K.S.A. 12-752 — Plats; approval; permits; filing (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  26. 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
  27. Floodplain Management Regulations, quoted and re-checked

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, Greeley County has no countywide zoning.

RuleGreeley CountyWichita CountyWallace CountyHamilton CountyKearny CountyLogan CountyScott County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoYesYesNoNo
Septic permitsCounty Sanitary CodeWichita CountyWallace CountyHamilton CountyKearny CountyLogan CountyScott County

County locator

Greeley County in Kansas

39
County map
Greeley County highlighted among the Kansas counties · colored by Index score

How Greeley County scores

Seclusion89100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1492% ev.
Admin Boringness7990% ev.
Durability28100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost7496% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$158kTypical home
1.9%Property tax
$1,795Land / acre
18.5"Annual rain
38.4% of yrsSevere drought
28.5 / yr (+20.8)Mid-century 100°F days
30.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.33" (+8.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.31×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,270Home insurance / yr
-2.5% / yrInsurance growth
2.48%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
90People within 30 min
52,478People within 2 hr
1,110Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.5People / sq mi
0%Federal land
100%Land at 15% slope or less
30.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
150,799 acWorkable land screen
0%Wooded land
53.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Greeley 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.

Horace

Answers from the rulebook for Greeley County

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

Greeley County rules

  • Who permits septicCounty

    County sanitary-code authority for onsite wastewater systems in Greeley County.

    • KDHE identifies a Greeley County Sanitary Code adopted in December 2021.
    • The cited KDHE program describes county environmental-code adoption and enforcement for onsite wastewater systems; the specific Greeley County code PDF was not retrievable during this run.
    “Greeley County Sanitary Code Adopted December 2021 (PDF)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County — Onsite wastewater and septic regulation in Greeley County, including the county sanitary code.
      “Greeley County Sanitary Code Adopted December 2021 (PDF)”
    • County (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater systems in Greeley County, Kansas
      “Greeley County Sanitary Code Adopted December 2021 (PDF)”
  • Well permitRequired

    Household, lawn-and-garden, and livestock/pasture water wells in Greeley County.

    • KDHE's page states that 68 counties had responded to a January 2026 poll and that the page is updated annually.
    • The Greeley County row states household, lawn-and-garden, and livestock/pasture permits are required.
    • The row states geothermal wells are not permitted under the county category, except that oil-field water-supply wells require a permit.
    • The listed fee is $125, with $250 for oil-field water-supply wells.
    • The page separately cautions that a well may also need a Division of Water Resources permit, Class V authorization, public-water-supplies permit, or other approval.

    household well permit fee: 125 USD · oil-field water-supply well permit fee: 250 USD

    “Greeley | Yes | Yes | Yes | No *for Oil Field Water Supply Wells, Yes | $125 $250 for OFWS”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Water wells in Greeley County, including household, lawn and garden, and livestock/pasture wells.
      “Greeley | Yes | Yes | Yes | No *for Oil Field Water Supply Wells, Yes | $125 $250 for OFWS”
    • Required — Household, lawn-and-garden, and livestock/pasture water wells in Greeley County
      “Greeley | Yes | Yes | Yes | No *for Oil Field Water Supply Wells, Yes | $125 $250 for OFWS”
    • Limited — Geothermal water wells in Greeley County
      “Greeley | Yes | Yes | Yes | No *for Oil Field Water Supply Wells, Yes | $125 $250 for OFWS”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county planning or zoning office is listed for this least-populous, single-township rural county, consistent with no county-wide zoning in unincorporated areas.

    Unified Greeley County, KS - Official Website ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Kansas rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, additions, and covered renovations or occupancy changes on State of Kansas-owned property administered through the Department of Administration's Design, Construction & Compliance process.

    • The code footprint is required for all new construction, additions, and building renovation/remodeling affecting active or passive life-safety systems or changing occupancy on State property.
    • A permit to build is issued as Form 125 Project Acceptance after applicable code footprints and temporary egress plans are accepted by DCC/OSFM and construction documents are accepted by DCC.
    • The source states that projects not on state property should be directed to the local code enforcement office or Kansas Fire Marshal's office.

    permit form: Form 125 - Project Acceptance

    “A permit to build will be granted when the code footprint, if applicable, and temporary egress plans, if applicable have been accepted by DCC / OSFM and construction documents have been accepted by DCC. The permit to build is issued on the Form 125 - Project Acceptance.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Kansas cities and counties that adopt zoning regulations under K.S.A. 12-753

    • The statute authorizes, but does not require, each city or county to adopt zoning regulations.
    • A governing body may divide territory into districts of different number, shape, area, and classes according to land and building use and intensity.
    • Adopted regulations may regulate building height, stories, size, lot coverage, yards, open space, population density, land uses, natural-resource conservation, floodplain land, and setbacks from streets or highways.
    • District boundaries must be defined in the regulations or by an incorporated official map.
    • County zoning maps must be marked as the official copy incorporated by board-of-county-commissioners resolution and filed with the county clerk or another designated public office.
    • City zoning maps must be marked as the official copy incorporated by governing-body ordinance and filed with the city clerk or another designated public office.
    • The regulations and accompanying maps are public records.
    • The section became effective on and after January 1, 1992.

    effective date: 1992-01-01

    “The governing body may divide the territory subject to its jurisdiction into districts of such number, shape, area and of such different classes”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Kansas statutory framework governing zoning districts adopted by cities and counties; this does not publish the actual district maps or classifications for each local jurisdiction.
      “The governing body may divide the territory subject to its jurisdiction into districts of such number, shape, area and of such different classes”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Kansas county zoning regulations for unincorporated urban areas and municipal zoning regulations adopted under Kansas planning and zoning statutes.

    • Actual minimum dimensions or area are set by the applicable local zoning classification, if adopted.
    • County urban-area regulations must be uniform within each zoning classification, but may differ between classifications.
    • No statewide numeric minimum lot area was identified.

    minimum lot dimensions or area: local zoning classification

    “the density of population, including minimum width, depth and area of lots”
  • 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”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building height and number-of-stories restrictions established by applicable Kansas municipal or county zoning regulations.

    • Actual height or story limits are set by the applicable local zoning classification, if adopted.
    • No statewide numeric building-height limit was identified.

    maximum building height or stories: local zoning classification

    “restrict and regulate the height, number of stories and size of buildings”
  • 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.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Private onsite wastewater systems throughout Kansas, where permit requirements depend on applicable county or other local sanitary/environmental codes.

    • Local governments may adopt codes and issue construction and operating permits.
    • County sanitary or environmental codes specify local design and permitting requirements.
    • If there is no local code, landowners must comply with K.A.R. 28-5-6 to 9 and KDHE Bulletin 4-2.
    • All septic tanks installed in Kansas must comply with KDHE Bulletin 4-2.
    • The cited state materials do not establish a single construction- and operating-permit requirement applicable statewide.

    applicable state regulations without local code: K.A.R. 28-5-6 to 9 · state minimum standard: KDHE Bulletin 4-2

    “County sanitary (environmental) codes specify local design and permitting requirements. [...] If there is no local code, landowners are required to comply with Kansas Administrative Regulations (K.A.R.) 28-5-6 to 9 and minimum standards in this bulletin.”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Kansas zoning regulations applicable to agricultural land and agricultural buildings, including within Greeley County to the extent county zoning regulations are adopted under K.S.A. 19-2960.
      “No zoning regulations shall apply to the use of land for agricultural purposes nor for the erection or maintenance of agricultural buildings as long as such agricultural buildings are used for agricultural purposes and no other. Dwellings, garages and other similar accessory buildings shall not be considered as agricultural buildings. All buildings, including agricultural buildings, may be regulated as to setback requirements from public roads so as to protect the future use and improvement of such roads.”
  • Subdividing landLimited

    Subdivision, resubdivision, or replatting in Kansas areas governed by locally adopted subdivision regulations.

    • A plat must be submitted to the planning commission or joint committee where applicable.
    • A plat must conform to applicable subdivision regulations and receive the required approval.
    • No building or zoning permit may be issued for a lot subdivided, resubdivided, or replatted after adoption of subdivision regulations unless approved under the statutory procedure.
    • Local subdivision regulations may establish reasonable plat-approval fees.
    • The statute does not establish a single statewide subdivision standard for every parcel.

    plat approval deadline: <= 60 days (If the planning commission or joint committee does not determine conformity within 60 days after the first meeting following submission, the plat is deemed approved under subsection (b).)

    “All such plats shall be submitted to the planning commission or to the joint committee for subdivision regulation.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access facilities and driveway work within Kansas State Highway System right-of-way, including such highways located in Greeley County.

    • The rule applies to work on highway right-of-way within the State Highway System of Kansas.
    • The permit covers access for a specific property usage and access type.
    • The specific point of access may be modified or withdrawn as long as reasonable access is afforded.
    • Access Types 1 through 4 are low volume, 0-49 vehicles per day maximum; Type 1 is non-commercial and includes farm, agriculture, field, timber, cultivated, pasture, duplex, single family residential/home, and apartment buildings containing five or fewer dwelling units.
    • Access Type 5 is medium volume, 50-499 vehicles per day and/or less than 50 vehicles per peak hour, and includes commercial, industrial, institutional, recreational, and local road connections, including joint-use/shared access.
    • Access Type 6 is high volume, 500 vehicles per day and over and/or 50 vehicles per peak hour or more, and includes commercial, industrial, institutional, recreational, and local road connections, including joint-use/shared access.
    • The owner or designated agent must apply for a new permit when the Access Type or Property Usage changes and must incur costs associated with revising the access when changes occur and improvements are determined necessary.
    • In cities, the permittee must obtain additional permits as required by the city.
    • All facility installations must comply with the current edition of the KDOT Access Management Policy and city standards when city standards exceed KDOT standards.
    • Drainage-structure requirements are subject to review and approval by the District Engineer and city when applicable.
    • The permittee must notify the District Engineer or authorized representative before work begins and when work is completed.
    • An approved signed copy of the permit must be on the premises before and during work.
    • The permittee furnishes materials, performs the work, and pays all costs for the permitted work.
    • The permit is not valid until signed by all required parties and returned to KDOT for the Permit Approval Date.

    low-volume traffic threshold: 0-49 vehicles per day maximum (Access Types 1 through 4) · medium-volume traffic threshold: 50-499 vehicles per day and/or less than 50 vehicles per peak hour (Access Type 5) · high-volume traffic threshold: >= 500 vehicles per day and over and/or 50 vehicles per peak hour or more (Access Type 6)

    “WHEREAS, the Secretary has jurisdiction over highway right-of-way within the State Highway System of Kansas, and [...] An approved signed copy of the Permit shall be on the premises before and during any work is performed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or alteration of a driveway connecting to the Kansas state highway system.
      “Individuals desiring to construct or alter a driveway onto the state highway system shall be required to obtain a permit.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Floodplain development only where an applicable governing-body zoning regulation regulates development of the floodplain; the rule is not a standalone finding that every floodplain in Kansas, or all Greeley County floodplain land, is subject to a local floodplain permit.

    • K.A.R. 5-44-4 is a minimum-standard rule for a governing body's floodplain zoning regulation; it presupposes an applicable local zoning regulation.
    • The governing body must designate a local floodplain administrator, whose responsibilities include review and issuance of floodplain development permits, inspections, and compliance records.
    • If any part of proposed development is located within the floodplain, the local regulation must require an application to the local floodplain administrator.
    • The application must contain sufficient detail to determine the nature of the proposed development and whether governing-body, state, or federal approvals are needed, especially approvals potentially required by K.S.A. 24-126 or K.S.A. 82a-301 et seq., and written documentation of adequate protection from base-flood damage.
    • Residential and non-residential development in Zone AO and other floodplain areas is subject to the elevation or floodproofing standards stated in K.A.R. 5-44-4.
    • No Greeley County floodplain zoning regulation or local floodplain administrator was located in the county sources opened for this research.

    substantially improved: >= 50 percent of pre-improvement market value (definition in K.A.R. 5-44-1) · residential lowest-floor elevation outside Zone AO: >= 1 foot above base flood elevation (applies to new or substantially improved residential structures; elevation must be certified by a licensed land surveyor) · non-residential elevation or dry-floodproofing outside Zone AO: >= 1 foot above base flood elevation (licensed land surveyor certification is required for elevation; licensed architect or professional engineer certification is required for dry floodproofing) · Zone AO residential or non-residential elevation: FIRM depth number or 2 feet if no depth number above highest adjacent natural grade (residential structures must be elevated; non-residential structures must be dry floodproofed or elevated)

    “Any zoning regulation which regulates development of floodplains shall include the following minimum standards and criteria”
    2 more reviewed findings 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”
    • Limited — Statewide Kansas framework governing locally adopted floodplain zones, districts, and floodplain development regulations
      “The governing body may establish flood plain zones and districts and restrict the use of land therein”
  • 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.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Permits, licenses, and other activities under county sanitary codes statewide in Kansas.

    • County commissioners may adopt reasonable fees through sanitary codes.
    • The statute does not establish a single statewide fee amount.

    fee amount: county sanitary code dependent

    “Each sanitary code may provide for permits, licenses and fees.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — KDHE air-quality construction approval applications statewide in Kansas.
      “there is a $750 fee for each construction approval application.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    KDHE air-quality construction permits or approvals for projects whose potential-to-emit increase exceeds applicable regulatory thresholds.

    • A construction permit or approval must be issued before beginning actual construction or modification when the project exceeds the applicable potential-to-emit thresholds.
    • Land may be cleared, contracts made, and equipment purchased and stored before issuance.
    • Foundation work is considered beginning actual construction and must wait until issuance.
    • Equipment whose emissions contribute to the permitting requirement may not be permanently affixed or installed before issuance.
    • Pre-issuance activity is conducted at the owner or operator's financial risk.
    “foundation work is considered to be "beginning actual construction" and must wait until after issuance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Domestic septic tank and lateral-field systems and related onsite wastewater controls in Kansas.
      “Unless otherwise provided by the board of county commissioners, the local health department shall have the authority and responsibility for administering all sanitary codes.”
  • 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.”

Inside cities and towns in Greeley County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer

    City of Tribune water and sewer utility service.

    • The official county website states that current water, sanitation, sewer, and connection-fee information is available in the current rate notice.
    • This claim is limited to the City of Tribune and does not establish a countywide connection mandate.
    “Use the KanPay portal to pay City of Tribune water, sewer, sanitation and utility bills online.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Water and sewer — City utility service in Tribune, Kansas, within the Unified Greeley County government.
      “Use the KanPay portal to pay City of Tribune water, sewer, sanitation and utility bills online. [...] Current water, sanitation, sewer and connection fee information is available in the current rate notice.”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In Kansas, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Greeley 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

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning status across the Unified Government of Greeley County, the City of Horace, and any other local jurisdictions within the county.
  • Septic inspection — Inspection requirements for onsite wastewater systems in Greeley County.

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.

Water rights & wells in Greeley County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Kansas’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellExempt — no permit or water right

Domestic use is statutorily exempt from the Kansas Water Appropriation Act, so a homeowner needs no state water right to drill a household well even inside a closed groundwater management district; only local/KDHE well-construction permitting applies.

Limit: Domestic use (household + livestock + ≤2 acres lawn/garden) requires no state appropriation permit

Kansas Dept of Agriculture, DWR — Water Law Basics ↗
  • Western Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 1 (GMD1)majority of county

    Closed to new appropriations; LEMAs in place/pursued. Domestic use exempt.

    Western Kansas GMD1 / KDA-DWR ↗

Prior-appropriation state (first in time, first in right). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Kansas state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Greeley County, Kansas

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

Greeley County scores 39/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 90 people within a 30-minute drive and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.5″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Greeley County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Greeley County Sanitary Code (county sanitarian, under KDHE oversight). 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 Greeley County, Kansas?

Land in Greeley County runs about $1,795 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Greeley County?

Greeley County gets about 18.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 38.4% of years. On water rights, Greeley County lies in the Western Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 1 (GMD1) — Closed to new appropriations; LEMAs in place/pursued. Domestic use exempt..

How remote is Greeley County?

A representative private-land location has about 90 people within a 30-minute drive and 52,478 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 Greeley compares in Kansas

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