Bolthole Index

Marion County, Kansas

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

45Index Score / 100
#70 of 105 in Kansas

Unincorporated Marion County, Kansas requires a building permit before construction begins, including for houses, garages and pole barns1. County zoning applies to land outside the corporate limits of incorporated cities, where each city's own rules govern instead2. Septic and well permits come from the county Environmental Health office, which works through Marion County Planning & Zoning34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before construction begins for structures in unincorporated Marion County5
Zoning
Yes; county regulations apply outside incorporated city limits6
Septic permit
Contact Marion County Planning & Zoning before installing a lagoon or septic tank74
Water well
County Environmental Health provides permits for domestic, lawn-and-garden and livestock wells84
Agricultural land
The agricultural zoning exemption is conditional and does not cover dwellings, garages or similar accessory buildings9
RV living
An RV may be lived in only in an RV park, or as a temporary dwelling on a lot with a valid zoning certificate for a dwelling under construction10
Owner-builder
No county exemption was confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning who may apply and what inspections are required114

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Marion County Planning & Zoning

Permitting and questions concerning structures, county zoning, floodplain development, wastewater systems and water wells

620-382-2945

1240 Commercial Drive, Marion, KS 66861

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 Marion County, Kansas?

Yes. Unincorporated Marion County requires permits before construction begins, and the county specifically names houses, garages and pole barns among the structures covered5. Start with Marion County Planning & Zoning before ordering materials or scheduling site work; the office handles structure permits and can be reached at 620-382-2945 or at 1240 Commercial Drive, Marion, KS 668614. The county materials reviewed do not identify an adopted building-code edition, a general building-inspection schedule or a general certificate-of-occupancy rule. Ask Planning & Zoning which construction standards, plan documents and inspections apply to your specific project4. Kansas places adoption and enforcement of building energy codes with local jurisdictions, while the state energy standard cited in the statewide material applies to new commercial and industrial structures rather than ordinary residential construction12.

Who handles building and land permits in Marion County?

Marion County Planning & Zoning is the practical front door for rural land projects: its official page directs applicants there for structures, floodplain development, wastewater systems and water wells4. Call 620-382-2945 or visit 1240 Commercial Drive, Marion, KS 668614. Environmental Health duties are housed with the same department and include consultation and permits for water wells and sewage disposal138. A project needing rezoning or a conditional-use approval follows a longer public process: the application must arrive at least 30 days before the next Planning Commission meeting, include the required supporting material and fee, and ultimately goes to the Board of County Commissioners for final action14. Ordinary structure-permit requirements should be confirmed directly with the office because that public process applies specifically to rezoning and conditional-use requests144.

Does Marion County, Kansas have zoning?

Yes. Marion County zoning regulations apply to land outside the corporate limits of incorporated cities, so a parcel inside a city must be checked under that city's rules instead6. The county publishes agricultural, rural residential, suburban residential, single-family residential, Eastshore residential, lake-lot residential and village districts, with boundary maps available for inspection through the Zoning Administrator15. Lot size and setbacks depend on the district. In the agricultural district, the stated minimum lot area is 40 acres unless a smaller parcel is approved through an Agricultural Lot Split; other districts use different minimums16. Rural Residential and single-family residential districts each list a 30-foot front yard, 10-foot side yard on each side and 20-foot rear yard17. Confirm the parcel's mapped district and any easements with Planning & Zoning before choosing a house location4. Dividing land is a separate approval: an agricultural lot split can create up to three new lots, four in total with the parent tract, without rezoning and platting, but the owner must record an agreement against further divisions before building permits issue18. No building permit or on-site wastewater permit may be issued for land not prepared and approved under the county's subdivision regulations19.

How do septic and well permits work in Marion County?

Marion County Environmental Health administers local consultation and permits for sewage disposal and water wells through the Planning & Zoning office138. Contact the office before installing a septic tank, lagoon or domestic, lawn-and-garden or livestock well74. Kansas minimum standards still matter: wastewater from a home must go to a properly designed and maintained septic system, wastewater pond, approved alternative system or permitted treatment plant, and surface discharge is not allowed20. Site feasibility deserves early attention because only about 7.5% of Marion County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field21. For an existing rural property, Environmental Health can perform private-water and wastewater field inspections for real-estate purchase purposes, but that service is not presented as a universal inspection requirement22.

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

Marion County's zoning regulations allow living, sleeping or housekeeping in a parked RV only in a recreational vehicle park, or as a permitted temporary dwelling on a lot where a valid zoning certificate has been issued for construction of a dwelling on that lot1023. In other districts, RV parking has location limits, including not in the front yard and not within 10 feet of a side or rear lot line10. So an RV can serve as a temporary home while you build, but not as a standalone home on bare land. We could not confirm a rule that specifically addresses tiny homes; ask Planning & Zoning about the parcel's district and any permit before moving a unit onto the site4. A manufactured home is not automatically exempt from local review: Kansas law keeps manufactured homes subject to applicable county and city zoning, while preventing a jurisdiction from excluding them everywhere solely because they are manufactured homes24. Off-grid wastewater also needs an approved disposal method, and a private system may proceed only when public sewers are unavailable and local requirements are met2025.

What steps should you take before building a home in Marion County?

  1. Ask Marion County Planning & Zoning to confirm that the parcel is outside an incorporated city and identify its county zoning district64.
  2. Confirm the district's allowed use, lot-size requirement, setbacks and easements before fixing the house location1617.
  3. Discuss septic feasibility and any well permit with Environmental Health before finalizing the site plan78.
  4. Ask whether the site lies in a regulated floodplain and obtain any floodplain approval required for the proposed work4.
  5. Apply for the structure permit before construction begins and ask which plans, code edition and inspections apply54.
  6. If access connects to a state highway, obtain the required state highway driveway permit before work in the right-of-way26.
  7. If rezoning or a conditional use is necessary, allow for the Planning Commission and County Commission review process before construction14.

What should you check before buying land in Marion County?

Start with buildability, not the listing description. Confirm the zoning district, minimum lot area, setbacks and easements with Marion County Planning & Zoning1516174. Test septic feasibility early: only about 7.5% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a parcel can need more investigation than its gentle appearance suggests21. About 99.2% of the county is at a slope of 15% or less, but flat ground alone does not prove acceptable drainage or wastewater suitability27. Annual precipitation averages about 34.4 inches, while severe drought occurred in about 20.1% of measured years, making both drainage and dependable water worth evaluating2829. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.7%, with a median annual bill near $1,974; verify the actual parcel assessment before budgeting3031.

Watch-outs

  • A Marion County structure permit does not answer every zoning question; verify the mapped district, lot size, setbacks and easements before siting a building5151617.
  • Only about 7.5% of Marion County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so investigate wastewater feasibility before closing on land21.
  • Tiny-home occupancy, owner-builder exemptions and a general building-inspection schedule could not be confirmed; ask Marion County Planning & Zoning before relying on any of them114.
  • Parking an RV on rural land does not make it a legal home: the county zoning regulations bar living or sleeping in a parked RV outside an RV park unless it is a temporary dwelling on a lot with a valid zoning certificate for a dwelling10.

Sources

  1. marioncoks.net, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. marioncoks.net, quoted and re-checked
  4. Marion County Planning & Zoning (marioncoks.net)
  5. marioncoks.net, quoted and re-checked
  6. Article 1: Title, Purpose, Definitions, District and General Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  7. marioncoks.net, quoted and re-checked
  8. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  9. K.S.A. 12-758 — Agricultural land exempted from zoning regulations (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Article 19 — Supplementary Use Regulations; Conditional Uses; Accessory Uses; Prohibited Uses, quoted and re-checked
  11. K.S.A. 50-6,129. Exemptions (2026 county census)
  12. Kansas Building Energy Codes (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. marioncoks.net, quoted and re-checked
  14. Marion County Planning Commission Instructions, quoted and re-checked
  15. Article 17: Height, Area and Bulk Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  16. Article 17: Height, Area and Bulk Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  17. Article 17: Height, Area and Bulk Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  18. Instructions for Agricultural Lot Split, quoted and re-checked
  19. Marion County Subdivision Regulations — Article 1 General Provisions, quoted and re-checked
  20. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. 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
  22. marioncoks.net, quoted and re-checked
  23. Article 19 — Supplementary Use Regulations; Conditional Uses; Accessory Uses; Prohibited Uses, quoted and re-checked
  24. K.S.A. 75-1218 — Exemption from construction codes; zoning (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. Kansas Administrative Regulations, Volume 3 (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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 4 of the 5 neighbors with published rules, Marion County has countywide zoning.

RuleMarion CountyHarvey CountyChase CountyMcPherson CountyButler CountyMorris CountyDickinson County
Building permitRequiredRequiredNot requiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesNoYesYesNot publishedYes
Septic permitsMarion CountyCounty PlanningCounty SanitarianCounty SanitarianCounty Env. HealthCounty Sanitary CodeCounty Env. Services

County locator

Marion County in Kansas

45
County map
Marion County highlighted among the Kansas counties · colored by Index score

How Marion County scores

Seclusion68100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2398% ev.
Admin Boringness4590% ev.
Durability37100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost74100% 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 →

$144kTypical home
1.7%Property tax
$2,804Land / acre
34.4"Annual rain
20.1% of yrsSevere drought
24.6 / yr (+16.4)Mid-century 100°F days
23.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.14" (+8.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.44×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,937Home insurance / yr
2.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.03%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
4,225People within 30 min
1,338,704People within 2 hr
8,595Radius comparison (15 mi)
12.4People / sq mi
1%Federal land
99.2%Land at 15% slope or less
7.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
44,862 acWorkable land screen
5.3%Wooded land
14.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Marion 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.

Burns · Catlin Township · Centre Township · Clear Creek Township · Doyle Township · Durham · Durham Park Township · East Branch Township · Fairplay Township · Florence · Gale Township · Goessel · Grant Township · Hillsboro · Lehigh · Lehigh Township · Liberty Township · Lincolnville · Logan Township · Lost Springs · Marion · Menno Township · Peabody · Peabody Township · Ramona · Risley Township · Tampa · West Branch Township · Wilson Township

Answers from the rulebook for Marion County

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

Marion County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction of structures in Marion County, including houses, garages, and pole barns.

    • The county page states that permits are required before construction begins.
    • The page lists structures such as houses, garages, and pole barns as permitting subjects.
    “Permits are required before construction begins [...] Structures (Houses, garages, pole barns, etc.)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Structures including houses, garages, and pole barns in Marion County's county permitting jurisdiction.
      “Marion County Is Zoned: Permits are required before construction begins”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulation in Marion County, including the county's unincorporated jurisdiction.

    • The county page states that permits are required before construction begins; specific zoning district rules and approvals may apply.
    “Marion County Is Zoned: Permits are required before construction begins”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Marion County zoning regulations for lands outside incorporated city limits.
      “1-103 Jurisdiction: These Regulations shall apply to all lands within Marion County, Kansas, lying outside the corporate limits of any incorporated city.”
    • Present — County zoning regulations in the unincorporated portion of Marion County.
      “These Regulations shall apply to all lands within Marion County, Kansas, lying outside the corporate limits of any incorporated city.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning and related construction permitting administered by Marion County Planning & Zoning.

    • The official page does not specify whether incorporated municipalities are governed exclusively by their own ordinances or also by county zoning.
    • Construction permits are required before construction begins.
    “Marion County Is Zoned: Permits are required before construction begins”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Published zoning districts and district standards for unincorporated Marion County.

    • The zoning regulations identify Agricultural, Rural Residential, Suburban Residential, R-1 Single Family Residential, Eastshore Residential, Lake Lot Residential, and Village districts.
    • District boundary maps are part of the regulations and are available for inspection in the Zoning Administrator's office.
    “Such Zoning District Boundary Maps, and all symbols, notations, dimensions, and references shown thereon pertaining to such districts shall be as much a part of these Regulations as if fully they were described herein, and shall be filed as part of these Regulations with the Zoning Administrator of Marion County. Said Maps shall be available for inspection in the office of the Zoning Administrator”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum lot sizes in Marion County zoning districts.

    • Agricultural lots may be smaller than 40 acres only when approved through an Agricultural Lot Split under the Marion County Subdivision Regulations.

    A Agricultural district minimum lot area: 40 acres (Lots may be smaller only when approved through an Agricultural Lot Split) · RR Rural Residential district minimum lot area: 435600 sq ft · SR Suburban Residential district minimum lot area: 43560 sq ft · R-1 Single Family Residential district minimum lot area: 20000 sq ft · ES Eastshore Residential district minimum lot area: 1600 sq ft · LL Lake Lot Residential district minimum lot area: 1600 sq ft

    “"RR" Rural Residential 35 2 ½ 30 10 (B) 20 330 330 435,600”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum yard requirements in Marion County zoning districts.

    • The chart footnote states side-yard dimensions are for one side only and a side yard is required on each side.
    • Agricultural front, side, and rear yard figures marked A apply on major roads and highways only.
    • Eastshore Residential yard requirements vary by plat.
    • No building is permitted in any easement.

    SR front/side/rear yards: 30/10/20 ft (Side yard required on each side) · R-1 front/side/rear yards: 30/10/20 ft (Side yard required on each side) · RR front/side/rear yards: 30/10/20 ft (Side yard required on each side) · A front/side/rear yards: 75/50/50 ft (Major roads and highways only for figures marked A)

    “(B) A side yard shall be provided on each side of the lot. The dimension given is for one side only.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Minimum yard requirements in unincorporated Marion County zoning districts.
      “(B) A side yard shall be provided on each side of the lot. The dimension given is for one side only.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Occupancy of recreational vehicles on property in unincorporated Marion County.

    • A recreational vehicle may be occupied in a recreational-vehicle park or as a permitted temporary dwelling on a lot where a valid zoning certificate has been issued for construction of a dwelling.
    • In other zoning districts, storage or parking has location restrictions, including not within the front yard, required yard along a public street, or within 10 feet of a side or rear lot line.
    • The county code separately defines occupancy as living, sleeping, cooking, or eating for four consecutive days.
    “At no time shall a permanently or temporarily parked or stored recreational vehicle or item of recreational equipment be occupied or used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes, except in a recreational vehicle park, or as a permitted temporary dwelling on a lot on which a valid Zoning Certificate is issued for construction of a dwelling on said lot.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping or temporary dwelling use of recreational vehicles.

    • The county zoning regulations allow the exception only in a recreational vehicle park or as a permitted temporary dwelling on a lot with a valid zoning certificate for construction of a dwelling.
    “At no time shall a permanently or temporarily parked or stored recreational vehicle or item of recreational equipment be occupied or used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes, except in a recreational vehicle park, or as a permitted temporary dwelling on a lot on which a valid Zoning Certificate is issued for construction of a dwelling on said lot.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Administration of sewage-disposal permits and environmental-health enforcement in Marion County.

    • The county page identifies the Sanitation/Environmental Health Department as enforcing public-health laws, regulations, and environmental codes.
    “Duties and Responsibilities of the Sanitation/Environmental Health Department are to provide enforcement of public health laws, regulations, and environmental codes; provide consultation and permits for water wells and sewage disposal; investigate public health complaints; and maintain records.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — County environmental-health administration of sewage-disposal permitting.
      “Duties and Responsibilities of the Sanitation/Environmental Health Department are to provide enforcement of public health laws, regulations, and environmental codes; provide consultation and permits for water wells and sewage disposal; investigate public health complaints; and maintain records.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Wastewater systems, including lagoons and septic tanks, in Marion County.

    • The county page lists wastewater systems, including lagoons and septic tanks, among subjects requiring permitting contact.
    • The county Environmental Health Department provides permits for sewage disposal.
    “Permits are required before construction begins [...] Wastewater systems (Lagoons/septic tanks)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — County permits for wastewater systems including lagoons and septic tanks.
      “Duties and Responsibilities of the Sanitation/Environmental Health Department are to provide enforcement of public health laws, regulations, and environmental codes; provide consultation and permits for water wells and sewage disposal; investigate public health complaints; and maintain records.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Private wastewater-system field inspections conducted for real-estate purchase purposes.

    • The county describes these as field inspections for real-estate purchase purposes, not a universal inspection requirement.
    • The listed fee is $100, or $50 each, plus $20 for a re-inspection trip.

    field inspection fee: 100 USD (or $50 each) · re-inspection trip: 20 USD

    “Field Inspections: The Environmental Health Department can conduct field inspections of private water supply and wastewater systems for real estate purchase purposes.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Domestic, lawn/garden, and livestock water wells.

    • The county Planning & Zoning page directs applicants to contact the county about permitting water wells.
    “Water wells (Domestic, lawn/garden, and livestock)”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural lot splits and agricultural land divisions under Marion County subdivision regulations.

    • An agricultural lot split may create up to three new lots, for four total including the original parent tract.
    • The landowner must enter into an agreement acknowledging no further divisions unless applicable zoning and subdivision requirements are complied with.
    • The agreement must be signed and recorded before building permits may be issued.
    • The application requires an owner signature, survey, full payment of property taxes, and filing with the Register of Deeds.

    maximum new lots: 3 lots (Four total lots including the original parent tract.) · agricultural lot split filing fee: 100 USD

    “Split intended to provide for the creation of up to three (3) new lots from an agricultural tract of land, for a total of four (4) lots including the original parent tract, without having to rezone and plat the affected lots”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    New subdivisions and resubdivisions outside the corporate limits of incorporated cities in Marion County.

    • The regulations apply to subdividing or resubdividing land into two or more parts and establishing certain public or shared-use property.
    • A subdivision plat must be prepared and approved.
    • No building permit, on-site wastewater permit, certificate of occupancy, or similar permit may be issued for land not prepared and approved in compliance with the regulations and applicable state laws and county resolutions.
    • The regulations contain exemptions, including certain agricultural divisions of forty acres or more in areas zoned Agricultural, subject to frontage, right-of-way, flood-hazard, drainage, and federal-agricultural-program conditions.

    agricultural exemption minimum area: >= 40 acres (Only for areas zoned A Agricultural, agricultural or single-family purposes, and no new streets, subject to stated conditions.)

    “These regulations prescribe the minimum design requirements and approval procedures for the development of new subdivisions and resubdivisions of land in all of Marion County, Kansas, outside the corporate limits of all incorporated cities.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Floodplain development in Marion County, including culvert replacements, retaining walls, repair, and fill.

    • The county page lists floodplain development among activities requiring permitting contact.
    • The page does not state a numeric floodplain threshold or complete permit fee schedule.
    “Permits are required before construction begins [...] Floodplain Development (Culvert replacements, retaining wall, repair and fill, etc.)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Floodplain development, including culvert replacements, retaining walls, repair, and fill.
      “Floodplain Development (Culvert replacements, retaining wall, repair and fill, etc.)”
  • Permit processPartial

    County planning, zoning, environmental-health, well, wastewater, floodplain, structure, and agricultural-lot-split permitting processes.

    • The county directs applicants to contact Planning & Zoning before construction and identifies structures, floodplain development, wastewater systems, and water wells as permitting subjects.
    • Agricultural lot splits require an owner-signed application, survey, paid taxes, a $100 filing fee, an agreement, recording with the Register of Deeds, and completion before building permits may issue.

    agricultural lot split filing fee: 100 USD

    “This process must be completed and the relevant documents recorded with the Marion County Register of Deeds before any building permits for construction may be issued.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Rezoning and conditional-use applications handled by the Marion County Planning Commission.
      “The Marion County Planning Commission requires that the attached application be completed and received at least thirty (30) days in advance of the next Commission meeting.”
    • Published (with conditions) — County Planning & Zoning and Environmental Health permit process.
      “Please contact us about permitting the following:”

Kansas rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marion County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 4,225 people within a 30-minute drive. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (34.4″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Marion County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Marion County (Marion County Environmental Code, adopted 1994; county sanitarian/Health Department). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Marion County is limited to specific cases: Occupancy of recreational vehicles on property in unincorporated Marion County. A recreational vehicle may be occupied in a recreational-vehicle park or as a permitted temporary dwelling on a lot where a valid zoning certificate has been issued for construction of a dwelling. In other zoning districts, storage or parking has location restrictions, including not within the front yard, required yard along a public street, or within 10 feet of a side or rear lot line. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Marion County, Kansas?

Land in Marion County runs about $2,804 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Marion County?

Marion County gets about 34.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 20.1% of years.

How remote is Marion County?

A representative private-land location has about 4,225 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,338,704 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 Marion compares in Kansas

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