Bolthole Index

Marshall County, Kansas

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

63Index Score / 100
#7 of 105 in Kansas

Unincorporated Marshall County, Kansas appears not to require a county building permit for an ordinary home, but confirm your project with the County Clerk12. Countywide zoning remains unconfirmed, while Marysville regulates the city and its extraterritorial area and Blue Rapids publishes its own zoning rules and permit form34. Septic systems are administered locally under Marshall County's sanitary code5.

At a glance

Building permit
Appears not required in unincorporated areas; confirm with the County Clerk1
Zoning
Countywide rules unconfirmed; Marysville and Blue Rapids have local zoning34
Septic (OSSF) permit
Permitted under the county's 2011 Sanitary Code5
Septic permit review time
Decided within 30 days of a complete application6
Owner-builder exemption
Unknown — not published for Marshall County7
RV / tiny home living
Not confirmed; municipal zoning may apply in or near a city34
Property tax
About 1.3% effective rate; median bill $1,529/yr89

Who to call

Also useful

Marshall County Clerk's Office

Issues various county licenses and permits and is the general point of contact for anything not handled by a specific department, since Marshall County has no building or zoning office

785-562-5361

1201 Broadway, Marysville, KS 66508

Roads & driveways

Marshall County Road & Bridge Department

Maintains the county road system (excluding township and state roads) from shops in the county's three voting districts

1191 12th Road, Marysville, KS 66508

Septic permits

Marshall County Health Department

County health department; the practical first call for onsite wastewater (septic) questions in Marshall County

785-562-3485

600 Broadway St., Marysville, KS

Septic permits

Marshall County Environmental/Sanitary Code Administrative Agency (Board of County Commissioners)

Administers permits and licenses required under the Marshall County Environmental/Sanitary Code, including onsite wastewater (septic) systems, on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners

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 Marshall 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 Marshall County, KS?

Unincorporated Marshall County appears not to require a county building permit for ordinary residential construction1. Because Marshall County does not publish a general building-permit process, ask the County Clerk to confirm the answer for your parcel and project before ordering materials2. A city can have separate requirements: Blue Rapids publishes a zoning-roofing permit application, and Marysville has zoning for the city and its defined extraterritorial area1011. Septic work is handled under the county sanitary code, and a new or altered driveway connecting to a Kansas state highway requires state approval before work begins in the right-of-way512.

Who handles building, zoning and septic permits in Marshall County, and how do you reach them?

Marshall County does not list a general building department, so start with the County Clerk's Office at 785-562-5361, 1201 Broadway, Marysville, KS 66508 for an unincorporated parcel12. Onsite wastewater permits are administered under the county sanitary code by the Board of County Commissioners or its authorized representative; the Marshall County Health Department is the practical first contact at 785-562-3485, 600 Broadway St., Marysville, KS613. For access from a county road, ask Road & Bridge about driveway and culvert requirements because its published page does not state a permit rule14. For property in Marysville or its extraterritorial area, contact the city about zoning; for property in Blue Rapids, use that city's zoning materials1110.

Does Marshall County have zoning?

Marshall County does not publish a confirmed countywide zoning ordinance or zoning map, so ask the County Clerk whether county zoning applies to a specific unincorporated parcel32. Do not carry that answer into a city: Marysville imposes zoning in the city and its defined extraterritorial area, while Blue Rapids publishes zoning regulations, a zoning map and zoning-change materials41011. Where local zoning applies, lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and building height depend on the applicable district rather than one statewide number15161718. Kansas protects qualifying agricultural land and agricultural buildings from county zoning while they remain in agricultural use, but the exemption does not cover dwellings, garages or similar accessory buildings, and road setbacks may still apply19.

How do septic permits work in Marshall County, KS?

Marshall County administers onsite wastewater under its Environmental/Sanitary Code through the Board of County Commissioners or an authorized representative56. KDHE's county code listing names the Marshall County sanitary code, adopted in June 2011, and lists the county's local environmental protection program as NCK Environmental LEPP20. Apply through the authorized representative; the code calls for a permit decision within 30 days after a complete application is received6. A permit cannot be transferred, and paid fees are not refundable6. Off-grid sanitation is not a license to use an improvised waste pit: household wastewater must go to a properly designed septic tank and soil-absorption field, wastewater pond, approved alternative system or permitted treatment plant, while seepage pits, cesspools and dry wells are prohibited21. Only about 2.5% of Marshall County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before assuming a standard system will work22. Start with the Health Department at 785-562-3485, 600 Broadway St., Marysville, KS13.

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

Marshall County has no confirmed county rule allowing or prohibiting full-time RV living, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or manufactured-home occupancy on unincorporated private land. Ask the County Clerk about the parcel and intended length of stay before placing or occupying a unit2. Location matters because Marysville regulates its city and defined extraterritorial area, and Blue Rapids maintains its own zoning regulations and map4. A lack of confirmed countywide zoning does not override those municipal rules31110. Any occupied dwelling still needs lawful wastewater disposal: household wastewater must use an approved onsite system or permitted treatment plant, and seepage pits, cesspools and dry wells are prohibited21.

How do you build a home in Marshall County, KS, step by step?

  1. Identify the jurisdiction. Ask the County Clerk whether the parcel is unincorporated; Marysville's zoning also reaches its defined extraterritorial area, and Blue Rapids has separate zoning materials21110.
  2. Confirm building and land-use approvals. An ordinary home in unincorporated Marshall County appears not to require a county building permit, but verify the project before ordering materials12.
  3. Evaluate the septic site and apply through the county's authorized representative; the sanitary code calls for a decision within 30 days after a complete application6.
  4. Resolve access. Ask Road & Bridge about a county-road driveway or culvert, and obtain state approval before work on a driveway connecting to a Kansas state highway1412.
  5. Confirm water. Kansas requires well records statewide, but Marshall County's private-well permit requirement could not be confirmed; ask the Health Department before drilling2313.

What should you check before buying land in Marshall County, KS?

Confirm whether the parcel is inside a city, within Marysville's extraterritorial area or in unincorporated Marshall County before relying on any zoning answer4. Get a septic site evaluation early because only about 2.5% of Marshall County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field22. Ask the Health Department whether a private well needs a local permit; Kansas requires well records but Marshall County's permit status could not be confirmed2313. Verify legal road access and ask the responsible road authority about driveway and culvert rules; Road & Bridge covers county roads, townships maintain other local roads, and the state separately permits connections to state highways1412. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.3%, and the median annual bill is about $1,52989.

Watch-outs

  • Do not assume an unincorporated-county zoning answer applies in Marysville, its defined extraterritorial area or Blue Rapids; those places have local zoning materials4.
  • Marshall County's rules for long-term RV, tiny-home and manufactured-home occupancy could not be confirmed; call the County Clerk before placing or occupying one2.
  • Off-grid wastewater still needs an approved disposal system; seepage pits, cesspools and dry wells are prohibited21.

Sources

  1. Marshall County, Kansas — official county website (2026 county census)
  2. Marshall County Clerk's Office (ks283.cichosting.com)
  3. Marshall County, Kansas — official county website (2026 county census)
  4. Article 1. Unified Land Development Code - Code of the City of Marysville, Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  5. County Environmental / Sanitary Codes (2026 county census)
  6. Marshall County Environmental/Sanitary Code Administrative Agency (Board of County Commissioners) (kdhe.ks.gov)
  7. K.S.A. 50-6,129. Exemptions (2026 county census)
  8. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  9. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  10. Forms & Files - The City of Blue Rapids, Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  11. cityofmarysvilleks.com, quoted and re-checked
  12. Kansas Administrative Regulations, Volume 3 (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Marshall County Health Department (marshallcohealth.org)
  14. Marshall County Road & Bridge Department (ks283.cichosting.com)
  15. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. K.S.A. 19-2960: County zoning regulations and agricultural exemption, quoted and re-checked
  20. County Environmental / Sanitary Codes, quoted and re-checked
  21. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  22. 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
  23. Water Well County Permits (Kansas statewide rule), 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

Unlike all 6 of its neighbors, Marshall County has no countywide zoning.

RuleMarshall CountyPottawatomie CountyNemaha CountyRiley CountyWashington CountyClay CountyJackson County
Building permitNot requiredRequiredLimitedRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsMarshall CountyCounty Env. HealthNemaha CountyCounty Env. Health Div.County Sanitary CodeCounty Sanitary CodeCounty Env. Health

County locator

Marshall County in Kansas

63
County map
Marshall County highlighted among the Kansas counties · colored by Index score

How Marshall County scores

Seclusion69100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency39100% ev.
Admin Boringness7990% ev.
Durability46100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost71100% 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 →

$164kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$3,880Land / acre
32.8"Annual rain
6.3% of yrsSevere drought
18.4 / yr (+13.6)Mid-century 100°F days
23.4 daysMid-century dry spell
1.85" (+4.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.58×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,247Home insurance / yr
1.9% / yrInsurance growth
1.98%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
11,015People within 30 min
1,281,675People within 2 hr
7,541Radius comparison (15 mi)
11People / sq mi
1.1%Federal land
92.1%Land at 15% slope or less
2.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
14,522 acWorkable land screen
11.2%Wooded land
42.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Marshall 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.

Axtell · Balderson Township · Beattie · Bigelow Township · Blue Rapids · Blue Rapids Township · Blue Rapids City Township · Center Township · Clear Fork Township · Cleveland Township · Cottage Hill Township · Elm Creek Township · Frankfort · Franklin Township · Guittard Township · Herkimer Township · Lincoln Township · Logan Township · Marysville · Marysville Township · Murray Township · Noble Township · Oketo · Oketo Township · Richland Township · Rock Township · St. Bridget Township · Summerfield · Vermillion · Vermillion Township · Walnut Township · Waterville · Waterville Township · Wells Township

Answers from the rulebook for Marshall County

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

Marshall County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning within Marshall County, including incorporated municipalities and municipal extraterritorial areas; this claim does not attribute each local ordinance to the county government

    • The City of Marysville imposes zoning regulations on the city and its defined extraterritorial area in Marshall County.
    • The City of Blue Rapids maintains zoning regulations, a zoning map, and zoning-change procedures.
    • Rules may differ by municipality and applicable extraterritorial area.
    “the following regulations and zones are imposed on the City and the extraterritorial area, as defined, in Marshall County, Kansas.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater and septic sanitary-code administration in Marshall County, Kansas.

    • KDHE identifies a Marshall County Sanitary Code adopted in June 2011; this is an adoption date, not a stated effective date.
    • KDHE identifies the Marshall County LEPP program as NCK Environmental LEPP and lists Marlene Stamm as Program Director/Sanitarian.
    • State minimum standards and applicable Kansas regulations also apply to onsite wastewater systems.

    sanitary code adoption date: June 2011

    “Marshall County Sanitary Code Adopted June 2011 (PDF)”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county planning or zoning department or ordinance is referenced on the official county site; county zoning could not be confirmed.

    Marshall County, Kansas — official county 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Domestic wastewater disposal in Marshall County under Kansas statewide requirements.
      “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.”
    • Limited — Domestic wastewater disposal in Marshall County under Kansas statewide requirements.
      “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.”
  • Well permitLimited

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

    • Many counties require water-well permits, and some cities do as well; the KDHE page reports that 68 counties had responded to its January 2026 poll.
    • A well may also need a Division of Water Resources permit, Class V Authorization, Public Water Supplies permit, or another authorization depending on the well.
    • Kansas requires well logs for all water-well construction, reconstruction, and plugging statewide.
    “Many counties in Kansas require a permit for water wells. Even some cities have permitting requirements. Please look below to see if you need a permit for your well. 68 counties have responded so far, counties not shown below did not respond to our poll. The poll was sent in January of 2026, and will be updated annually.”
  • 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”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — County zoning regulations adopted under Kansas law, including potential zoning regulations in unincorporated Marshall County.
      “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.”
    • Conditional — Agricultural land and agricultural buildings subject to zoning regulations adopted under the Kansas county zoning statute.
      “Except for flood plain regulations in areas designated as a flood plain, regulations adopted pursuant to this act shall not apply to the use of land for agricultural purposes, nor for the erection or maintenance of buildings thereon for such purposes so long as such land and buildings erected thereon are used for agricultural purposes and not otherwise. No plat nor dedication of any such land for public purposes may be made without submission to the zoning board and the approval of the county commissioners.”
  • 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

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

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

    Floodplain zoning and land-use restrictions in Kansas, including any Marshall County area covered by locally established floodplain zones or districts.

    • A governing body may establish floodplain zones and districts and restrict land uses there.
    • The restrictions may apply to lands adjacent to watercourses subject to floods of a lesser magnitude than a one-percent annual chance flood.
    • Floodplain regulations must comply with the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and rules adopted under it.
    • Before adoption, the governing body must submit the ordinance, resolution, regulation, or plan to the chief engineer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources.
    • The chief engineer may require complete maps, plans, profiles, specifications, and textual matter.
    • The chief engineer must approve or disapprove within 90 days after receiving all required data; failure to act within that period results in deemed approval.
    • The chief engineer must provide specific written reasons for disapproval.

    annual flood chance threshold: 1% (The statute permits restrictions for lesser-magnitude floods adjacent to watercourses) · chief engineer review period: 90 days (After receipt of all data required by the chief engineer)

    “The governing body may establish flood plain zones and districts and restrict the use of land therein and may restrict the application thereof to lands, adjacent to watercourses, subject to floods of a lesser magnitude than that having a chance occurrence in any one year of 1%. [...] The chief engineer shall approve or disapprove any such ordinance, resolution, regulation or plan or changes thereof within 90 days of the date of receipt of all such data required by the chief engineer as specified in rules and regulations adopted thereby.”
    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 Marshall County

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

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Structures, land, and land uses within the corporate boundary of the City of Marysville and its extraterritorial area in Marshall County, Kansas.

    • The Unified Land Development Code applies to the extraterritorial area only as defined by ordinance and adopted by the Governing Body.
    • Buildings, structures, lots, tracts, parcels, and land uses must conform to the ordinance unless a variance or exception is granted.
    “The rules and regulations of the Unified Land Development Code shall apply to all structures and land within the corporate boundary of the City of Marysville and the extraterritorial area as defined by ordinance and adopted by the Governing Body.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present — Zoning within the City of Blue Rapids.
      “Application for Zoning-Roofing Permit [...] Zoning Change Application [...] Zoning Map [...] Zoning Regulations”
    • Present — Zoning within the City of Marysville and its stated extra-territorial area.
      “The following zoning districts are established to carry out the purposes of this ordinance. [...] City of Marysville and Extra-Territorial Area.”

Set by your township or city, not the county

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

  • Septic inspection — Inspection of onsite wastewater systems in Marshall 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.

Living off-grid in Marshall County, Kansas

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

Marshall County scores 63/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (32.8″/yr rainfall).

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

Marshall 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 Marshall County (County Sanitary Code, administered via the county Health Department) under KDHE. 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 Marshall County, Kansas?

Land in Marshall County runs about $3,880 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Marshall County?

Marshall County gets about 32.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.3% of years.

How remote is Marshall County?

A representative private-land location has about 11,015 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,281,675 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 Marshall compares in Kansas

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