Bolthole Index

Pottawatomie County, Kansas

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

61Index Score / 100
#13 of 105 in Kansas

Unincorporated Pottawatomie County, Kansas requires building permits for site-built homes, accessory structures, manufactured and moved-in homes, and additions.1 The county Planning & Zoning Office issues building permits and applies zoning to unincorporated land, while Wamego, St. Marys and the other incorporated cities keep their own rules.23 Septic permits come from county Environmental Health.45

At a glance

Building permit
Required for homes, accessory structures, manufactured or moved-in homes, and additions6
Zoning
County zoning applies to unincorporated land, with stated extraterritorial-jurisdiction exceptions2
Septic permit
Required before new installation or reconstruction; county Environmental Health administers it47
Tiny home
Allowed as an accessory dwelling unit if permanently founded and all district conditions are met8
RV living
Limited to a permitted underlying use or a designated RV or manufactured-home park9
Owner-builder
No general exemption is published; confirm permit requirements with Planning & Zoning103
Private well
A county permit applies to non-public water supplies, subject to the stated scope11
Rural lot size
Generally 3 acres with rural water or 5 acres with an individual well, subject to sanitary and tract-specific rules12

Who to call

Building permits

Pottawatomie County Planning & Zoning Office

Building and sign permits, zoning, subdivision plat review, addressing, land-use planning, and floodplain management

785-457-3551

207 N. 1st, Westmoreland, KS 66549

Septic permits

Pottawatomie County Environmental Health

Private wastewater and water-disposal systems and private water-supply systems

785-457-3397

612 E. Campbell St., Westmoreland, KS 66549

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 Pottawatomie County, Kansas?

Yes. Pottawatomie County requires a building permit for site-built dwellings and accessory structures, manufactured homes, moved-in homes, and additions6. Small storage sheds of 120 square feet or less, fences, playhouses, and play equipment are exempt6. Agricultural structures still need a permit for floodplain and setback review, although the permit carries no fee on 40 acres or more13. A county permit does not necessarily include full building-code review: except for commercial ADA requirements, the county has adopted building codes only within the Blue Township Sewer District, and buyers outside that district are responsible for checking construction quality and code compliance14.

Who issues building permits, zoning approval and septic permits in Pottawatomie County?

The Pottawatomie County Planning & Zoning Office issues building and sign permits and administers zoning, subdivision review, addressing, and floodplain management3. The office is at 207 N. 1st, Westmoreland, KS 66549, and its phone number is 785-457-35513. A residential dwelling permit costs $200, while residential additions and accessory structures cost $5015. Ask the office to identify the parcel's zoning district, jurisdiction, floodplain status, and application before preparing plans32. We could not confirm the complete inspection sequence or a general certificate-of-occupancy rule for ordinary construction; ask Planning & Zoning what inspections and closeout documents apply3.

Does Pottawatomie County have zoning?

Yes. The county Unified Development Regulations apply to unincorporated Pottawatomie County, except designated extraterritorial-jurisdiction areas for Wamego and St. Marys, while incorporated municipalities may administer their own rules2. Rural tracts generally need at least 3 acres with rural water or 5 acres with an individual well, with final size tied to water and sanitary-disposal needs and subject to stated exceptions12. Residential height limits depend on the development type: rural and urban residential tables use 2 stories, while planned-unit developments have a 37-foot limit16. In the residential tables, buildings sit 40 feet from a county road and 25 feet from an internal street, with a written reduction possible where floodplain or topography makes 40 feet impractical; side and rear yards are 14 feet in Article 5 districts and 8 feet in Article 6 districts, and individual plats can differ.17 We could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size or numeric setbacks for non-residential districts; ask Planning & Zoning to check the zoning map, plat, and recorded covenants3.

Who issues septic and well permits in Pottawatomie County, and how do they work?

Pottawatomie County Environmental Health administers private wastewater and water-disposal systems from 612 E. Campbell St., Westmoreland, KS 66549, at 785-457-33975. A site plan must be reviewed before a health permit is issued, and work cannot begin before issuance18. The fee is $150 for new construction and $25 for reconstruction; starting first can add a $100 late-inspection fee18. The Sanitarian must approve the installed septic system before a residence is occupied19. A private system within 400 feet of an existing public sewer is allowed only when connection is infeasible and the county certifies compliance20. Environmental Health also issues the annual non-public water supply permit, which costs $75 per year.11 Septic permits are a county Environmental Health matter, separate from the Planning & Zoning building permit and from any city's rules.7 Only about 1.2% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make wastewater feasibility an early purchase contingency21.

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

In unincorporated Pottawatomie County, a building, structure, or vehicle cannot be used as a temporary residence unless the underlying zoning district permits that use or the site is part of a designated RV or manufactured-home park9. Temporary camping that is not use as a residence remains unconfirmed; ask Planning & Zoning before placing an RV3. A tiny home can qualify as an accessory dwelling unit when permanently founded in a district allowing single-family housing and when the county's ownership, size, setback, sewer, parking, and plan conditions are met8. Manufactured homes follow separate placement rules, including options for operating farms of 40 acres or more, qualifying agricultural tracts, mobile-home parks, and residential-designed homes that meet the stated standards22.

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

  1. Ask Planning & Zoning to identify the parcel's jurisdiction and zoning district23.
  2. Confirm tract size, setbacks, floodplain status, and plat or subdivision conditions122324.
  3. Resolve water and wastewater service with Environmental Health; areas outside county sewer districts generally use private wastewater systems255.
  4. Apply to the county for a new entrance before adding a driveway to a county road, or obtain a state permit for a state-highway connection2627.
  5. Submit the building-permit application to Planning & Zoning and the wastewater site plan and health-permit application to Environmental Health618.
  6. Arrange wastewater inspection before covering or operation, and obtain Sanitarian approval before occupying the residence2819.
  7. Ask Planning & Zoning which building inspections and closeout documents apply3.

What should you check before buying land in Pottawatomie County?

Start with jurisdiction: county zoning excludes designated extraterritorial areas for Wamego and St. Marys, while incorporated municipalities may apply their own rules2. Verify zoning, plat restrictions, floodplain status, access, and whether a proposed split needs rezoning and platting329. Test wastewater feasibility before closing because only about 1.2% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field21. Confirm whether the parcel has county sewer, rural-water service, or needs private systems25. A new county-road entrance requires an application, and a state-highway driveway requires a separate state permit2627. Pottawatomie County's effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%, with a median annual bill of about $2,4753031.

Watch-outs

  • A county building permit does not mean the same code review everywhere: county building codes are adopted within the Blue Township Sewer District, while the county's stated code coverage is narrower outside it32.
  • Agricultural structures still need a county permit for floodplain and setback review, even where the permit fee is waived on qualifying acreage33.
  • Temporary camping that is not residential use, a general owner-builder exemption, ordinary building inspections, certificates of occupancy beyond septic approval, and a county minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; ask Planning & Zoning about the exact parcel and project103.

Sources

  1. pottcounty.org, quoted and re-checked
  2. Pottawatomie County Unified Development Regulations, Article 1, quoted and re-checked
  3. Pottawatomie County Planning & Zoning Office (pottcounty.org)
  4. Environmental Health Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  5. Pottawatomie County Environmental Health (pottcounty.org)
  6. pottcounty.org, quoted and re-checked
  7. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  8. pottcounty.org, quoted and re-checked
  9. pottcounty.org, quoted and re-checked
  10. Pottawatomie County - When is a building permit needed? (FAQ) (2026 county census)
  11. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  12. pottcounty.org, quoted and re-checked
  13. pottcounty.org, quoted and re-checked
  14. Frequently Asked Questions - Does the county have building codes?, quoted and re-checked
  15. Fees, quoted and re-checked
  16. Unified Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  17. Pottawatomie County Unified Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  18. Health Permit Application — Request for Installation of Private Sewage System, quoted and re-checked
  19. Health Permit Application — Request for Installation of Private Sewage System, quoted and re-checked
  20. Sanitation Codes Pottawatomie County, KS, 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. pottcounty.org, quoted and re-checked
  23. Plats, quoted and re-checked
  24. pottcounty.org, quoted and re-checked
  25. pottcounty.org, quoted and re-checked
  26. Entrances, quoted and re-checked
  27. Kansas Administrative Regulations, Volume 3 (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  29. Planning & Zoning Office, quoted and re-checked
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Pottawatomie County Planning and Zoning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  33. pottcounty.org, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 5 of its 6 neighbors, Pottawatomie County has countywide zoning.

RulePottawatomie CountyRiley CountyMarshall CountyWabaunsee CountyGeary CountyJackson CountyNemaha County
Building permitRequiredRequiredNot requiredRequiredLimitedRequiredLimited
County zoningYesYesNoYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. Health Div.Marshall CountyWabaunsee CountyCounty SanitarianCounty Env. HealthNemaha County

County locator

Pottawatomie County in Kansas

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

How Pottawatomie County scores

Seclusion61100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency54100% ev.
Admin Boringness43100% ev.
Durability49100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost68100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$333kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$3,188Land / acre
34.1"Annual rain
8.9% of yrsSevere drought
19 / yr (+13.6)Mid-century 100°F days
22.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.08" (+5.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.55×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,293Home insurance / yr
2.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.87%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
19,839People within 30 min
1,015,777People within 2 hr
12,423Radius comparison (15 mi)
31.4People / sq mi
5.2%Federal land
91.5%Land at 15% slope or less
1.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
6,248 acWorkable land screen
18.9%Wooded land
36.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Pottawatomie County

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

Not yet researched: Belvue · Belvue Township · Blue Township · Blue Valley Township · Center Township · Clear Creek Township · Emmett · Emmett Township · Grant Township · Green Township · Havensville · Lincoln Township · Lone Tree Township · Louisville · Louisville Township · Mill Creek Township · Olsburg · Onaga · Pottawatomie Township · Rock Creek Township · Shannon Township · Sherman Township · Spring Creek Township · St. Clere Township · St. George Township · St. Marys · St. Marys Township · Union Township · Vienna Township · Wamego · Westmoreland · Wheaton

Answers from the rulebook for Pottawatomie County

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

Pottawatomie County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Site-built dwellings, accessory structures, manufactured homes, moved-in homes, additions, and agricultural structures in Pottawatomie County.

    • No permit is needed for small storage sheds 120 square feet or less, fences, play houses, and play equipment.
    • Agricultural structures must obtain a permit to check floodplain placement and setbacks.
    • There is no fee for an agricultural structure on 40 acres or more.

    small storage shed exemption threshold: <= 120 sq ft (small storage sheds at or below this size do not need a building permit)

    “A building permit is needed for all site built dwellings and accessory structures, as well as manufactured homes, moved in homes and all additions to structures.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Site-built dwellings, accessory structures, manufactured homes, moved-in homes, and additions in the county permit jurisdiction.
      “A building permit is needed for all site built dwellings and accessory structures, as well as manufactured homes, moved in homes and all additions to structures.”
    • Required — Site-built dwellings, accessory structures, manufactured homes, moved-in homes, additions, and agricultural structures in Pottawatomie County.
      “A building permit is needed for all site built dwellings and accessory structures, as well as manufactured homes, moved in homes and all additions to structures. However, a building permit is not needed for small storage sheds 120 square feet or less, fences, play houses and play equipment.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Building-code adoption in Pottawatomie County.

    • ADA requirements apply to commercial buildings.
    • County building codes are adopted within the Blue Township Sewer District.
    • For buildings outside that sewer district, the county FAQ assigns code-quality checking to the buyer.
    “At this time, with the exception of ADA requirements for commercial buildings, the county has only adopted building codes within the Blue Township Sewer District.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Building codes in the Blue Township Sewer District/Green Valley and ADA requirements for commercial buildings countywide.
      “At this time, with the exception of ADA requirements for commercial buildings, the county has only adopted building codes within the Blue Township Sewer District.”
    • Partial — Building-code adoption in Pottawatomie County.
      “At this time, with the exception of ADA requirements for commercial buildings, the county has only adopted building codes within the Blue Township Sewer District.”
    • Not adopted (with conditions) — Buildings outside the Blue Township Sewer District in unincorporated Pottawatomie County.
      “For all buildings outside the sewer district, it is the responsibility of the buyer to check the quality of construction and to make sure proper codes have been followed.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning under the Unified Development Regulations in unincorporated Pottawatomie County.

    • The county UDR jurisdiction excludes zones designated as extraterritorial jurisdiction for Wamego and St. Marys and subsequent adoptions and designations.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer their own rules.
    “The jurisdiction of these resolutions is all unincorporated lands within Pottawatomie County, except those zones (including floodplain) designated as “extraterritorial jurisdiction” for the cities of Wamego and St. Marys and subsequent adoptions and designations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning in unincorporated Pottawatomie County.
      “When countywide zoning was established in 1972, the entire county was zoned A1 (agriculture), with a few exceptions.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    County zoning regulations in unincorporated Pottawatomie County.

    • The county UDR includes zoning districts, permits, dimensional controls, and use restrictions.
    “Pottawatomie County is hereby dividing into districts as shown on the Official Zoning Map, which together with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this ordinance.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning districts and associated use, lot, bulk, and height regulations.

    • The UDR defines zoning districts as areas where regulations and requirements governing use, lot, and bulk and height of buildings, structures, and premises are uniform.
    • The current numeric standards for every district were not fully extracted.
    “Pottawatomie County is hereby dividing into districts as shown on the Official Zoning Map, which together with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning districts and related standards in unincorporated Pottawatomie County.
      “Article 5 - Agricultural Zoning Districts (PDF) Article 6 - Residential Zoning Districts (PDF) Article 7 - Commercial Zoning Districts (PDF)”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential dwelling tracts in rural/unincorporated Pottawatomie County.

    • The county FAQ states a general minimum of three acres when served by a rural or city water district with private septic.
    • The county FAQ states five acres when served by a private well and private septic.
    • The FAQ warns that other tract-specific considerations apply and directs applicants to contact Planning and Zoning.

    minimum tract with rural or city water and private septic: >= 3 acres · minimum tract with private well and private septic: >= 5 acres

    “As a general rule, you need a minimum of 3 acres if you will be served by a rural or city water district and have a private septic system. You need 5 acres if you have a private well and private septic system.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Residential zoning districts and subdivisions under the county UDR.
      “Rural w/ Well 5 acres Rural w/ central water Determined by County Sanitarian Urban 5,000 sq ft”
    • Specified — Residential lot and tract sizes under county zoning and sanitation rules.
      “Generally, tract sizes shall be a minimum of three (3) acres if rural water services are available or five (5) acres if the tract is to be served by an individual well. The final determination of tract size is based on water availability and sanitary disposal needs as determined by the County Sanitarian.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential zoning districts under the county Unified Development Regulations.
      “Rural w/ Well 5 acres Rural w/ central water Determined by County Sanitarian Urban 5,000 sq ft”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential zoning districts and subdivisions under the county Unified Development Regulations.

    • Article 5 tables state 40 feet from a county road, 25 feet from an internal street, and 14 feet for side and rear yards.
    • Article 6 tables state 40 feet from a county road, 25 feet from an internal street, and 8 feet for side and rear yards.
    • Individual plats may have different setback requirements.
    • The UDR allows a written reduction below 40 feet where floodplain or topography makes the setback impractical.

    county-road setback: 40 feet (written reduction may be approved where floodplain or topography makes it impractical) · internal-street setback: 25 feet

    “County Road 40 feet Internal Street 25 feet Side Yard 8 feet Rear Yard 8 feet”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Residential zoning districts and planned-unit developments under the county UDR.

    • Rural and urban residential tables specify two-story limits.
    • PUD buildings are limited to 37 feet and PUD setbacks are determined in the preliminary plan.

    rural residential height: Two Stories · urban residential height: Two Stories · PUD height: <= 37 feet

    “Height Type Limit Rural Two Stories Urban Two Stories”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Residential district building-height controls.
      “Building heights are limited to 37 feet from the lowest point adjacent to the building to the eve of the roof”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Residential zoning districts under the county Unified Development Regulations.
      “Height Type Limit Rural Two Stories Urban Two Stories”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Temporary residence or occupancy of a recreational vehicle in unincorporated Pottawatomie County.

    • A building, structure, or vehicle may not be used as a temporary residence unless the use is listed as a permitted use in the underlying zoning district or is part of a designated RV or manufactured-home park.
    • Camping and recreational-vehicle parks are subject to county requirements.
    • Manufactured homes are not permitted in a camping and recreational-vehicle park.
    • Each campsite must be at least 25 feet wide and 70 feet long, with the specified layout and base-rock requirements.
    • Sites require specified electric, water, and sewer connections; roads, lighting, sewage dump station, site plan, annual inspection, and yearly license fee requirements also apply.
    • The Planning Commission may waive RV-park or campsite conditions based on size, location, or special considerations.
    • Failure to comply may result in suspension or revocation of the license.

    minimum campsite width: >= 25 feet · minimum campsite length: >= 70 feet · one-way service road width: >= 12 feet (Two-way service roads require 20 feet.) · two-way service road width: >= 20 feet (One-way service roads require 12 feet.)

    “shall not be used as a temporary residence”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny homes used as accessory dwelling units in county residential zoning districts.

    • The tiny home must be affixed to a permanent foundation.
    • ADUs are permitted only in zoning districts permitting single-family housing by right.
    • The ADU must meet ownership, size, setback, sewer or Sanitarian approval, parking, and building-plan requirements.
    “Tiny Homes are permitted provided they are affixed to a permanent foundation.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home placement and occupancy in unincorporated Pottawatomie County.

    • Any type of mobile or manufactured home may be placed on an operating farm of 40 acres or more for the owner, a blood relative, or an employee.
    • Manufactured homes 1976 and newer may be placed in zoned mobile-home parks.
    • Residential-designed manufactured homes under 40 acres may be placed on agriculture-zoned tracts outside areas planned for residential development if they meet the stated design and age requirements.
    • Residential-designed manufactured homes at least 22 feet wide with pitched roofs and specified siding may be placed wherever a site-built home is permitted, unless private restrictive covenants prohibit them.

    farm acreage threshold: >= 40 acres (operating farm placement rule) · manufactured-home minimum width: >= 22 feet (applies to the stated residential-designed manufactured-home rule) · maximum age for certain under-40-acre placements: <= 5 years (at permit application)

    “Manufactured homes 1976 and newer may be placed in zoned mobile home parks.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured-home placement in unincorporated Pottawatomie County.
      “Any type of mobile or manufactured home may be placed on an operating farm of 40 acres or more for either the owner, a blood relative or an employee of the farm. Manufactured homes 1976 and newer may be placed in zoned mobile home parks.”
    • Limited — Manufactured-home placement and occupancy in unincorporated Pottawatomie County.
      “Any type of mobile or manufactured home may be placed on an operating farm of 40 acres or more for either the owner, a blood relative or an employee of the farm. Manufactured homes 1976 and newer may be placed in zoned mobile home parks.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units regulated by Article 6 of the county UDR.

    • Before a building permit is issued, the applicant must submit a plot plan and building plan showing existing buildings and the proposed accessory dwelling.
    • Additional Article 6 conditions include residential design, sanitary-sewer or County Sanitarian approval, permanent foundation, and additional off-street parking.
    “Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall apprise themselves of all covenants and conditions of record, and submit a plot plan and building plan to the Pottawatomie County Office of Planning and Development showing existing buildings and the proposed accessory dwelling.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Private wastewater and private water-supply regulation.

    • The county Environmental Health Division and County Sanitarian administer the county sanitary requirements.
    • State or other applicable requirements may also apply where incorporated by the county sanitary code.
    “The Environmental Health Division ensures the safe installation and use of private waste and water disposal systems and private water supply systems.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — Private wastewater and private water-disposal systems administered by Pottawatomie County Environmental Health.
      “The Environmental Health Division ensures the safe installation and use of private waste and water disposal systems and private water supply systems.”
    • County (with conditions) — Private sewage systems, septic systems, and lagoons administered through Pottawatomie County Environmental Health.
      “I further understand that I must notify the County Environmental Health Department for inspection of any septic system (before covering) or any lagoon prior to the system being put into operation.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New private sewer systems, including septic systems and lagoons.

    • A site plan must be received and reviewed by the County Sanitarian before a Health Permit is issued.
    • The Health Permit must be issued before installation or construction begins.
    • The application identifies a $150 fee for new construction and $25 for reconstruction; late inspection can add $100.
    • Failure to call for inspection can result in a fine of not more than $200 per day per offense and corrective work at the owner's expense.

    new-construction health permit fee: 150 USD · reconstruction health permit fee: 25 USD · late inspection fee: 100 USD · failure-to-call inspection fine: <= 200 USD per day per offense

    “I will have been issued a health permit before any installation or construction work begins, (Health Permit Fee $150.00 for new construction or $25.00 for reconstruction) or I shall pay an additional late Inspection Fee of $100.00.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New or reconstructed private sewerage systems, including septic systems and lagoons.
      “I will have been issued a health permit before any installation or construction work begins, (Health Permit Fee $150.00 for new construction or $25.00 for reconstruction) or I shall pay an additional late Inspection Fee of $100.00.”
    • Required — Private sewer systems serving commercial businesses or single-family dwellings.
      “I do hereby apply for a permit to construct and operate a private sewer system to serve a (select one of the following)”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Septic systems and lagoons in Pottawatomie County.

    • Inspection of septic systems must occur before covering.
    • Lagoons must be inspected before the system is put into operation.
    • Failure to call for inspection may result in a fine not exceeding $200 per day per offense and may require uncovering or correction at the owner's expense.

    maximum inspection-related fine: <= 200 USD per day per offense (each day constitutes a separate offense)

    “I further understand that I must notify the County Environmental Health Department for inspection of any septic system (before covering) or any lagoon prior to the system being put into operation.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Septic systems and lagoons installed or placed into operation, and septic systems inspected for property sale or refinancing.
      “I further understand that I must notify the County Environmental Health Department for inspection of any septic system (before covering) or any lagoon prior to the system being put into operation.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private wastewater systems such as lagoons, septic tanks, or lateral fields in unincorporated areas.

    • A county Health Permit is required before installation or construction.
    • The system must be inspected before covering or before operation.
    • The county FAQ states that areas outside county sewer districts generally have private wastewater systems.
    “If you will be installing your own private wastewater system (i.e., lagoon, septic tank or lateral field) you will need to complete a Health Permit (PDF).”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private or non-public water supplies administered through County Environmental Health.

    • The official fee schedule lists an annual permit for a non-public water supply at $75.
    • The source page does not specify every category of private well covered.

    non-public water supply permit fee: 75 USD per year

    “Permit for Non-Public Water Supply | $75 / annually”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water and sewer service in unincorporated Pottawatomie County.

    • Timber Creek residents are directed to County Utilities for water service.
    • Other unincorporated areas use the applicable rural water district.
    • County sewer service is identified for Blue Township and Brook Ridge sewer districts; other unincorporated areas generally use private wastewater systems.
    “Please review the Blue Township Sewer District map or the Brook Ridge Sewer District map to see area the county provides sewer service to. If served by the county, call Utilities at 785-457-1440. All other unincorporated areas generally have a private wastewater system installed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Private wastewater versus public sewer connections in unincorporated Pottawatomie County.
      “within 400 feet of an existing public sewer”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural structures and agricultural land in Pottawatomie County.

    • Agricultural structures still require a permit for floodplain and setback review.
    • No fee is charged for an agricultural structure on 40 acres or more.
    • The cited source does not establish a complete exemption from all zoning, floodplain, or other requirements.

    no-fee agricultural-structure threshold: >= 40 acres

    “Agricultural structures need to obtain a permit in order to make sure they are not being placed in any floodplain and that they have the proper setbacks. There is no fee for any agricultural structure on 40 acres or more.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Agricultural structures in the county permit jurisdiction.
      “Agricultural structures need to obtain a permit in order to make sure they are not being placed in any floodplain and that they have the proper setbacks. There is no fee for any agricultural structure on 40 acres or more.”
    • Conditional — Buildings, land, structures, and accessory uses having an agricultural purpose.
      “All buildings, land, structures, and accessory uses having an agricultural purpose”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and subdivision plat review under the county UDR.

    • Subdivision development may require rezoning and platting.
    • Plats must show tract or lot boundaries, measurements, setbacks, utility and road easements, and required planning-commission notes.
    • An approved plat must be recorded in the Register of Deeds Office and prepared and reviewed by licensed land surveyors.
    “If you plan to develop a subdivision, then rezoning and platting is required.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and plat review under the county UDR.
      “The Pottawatomie County Planning and Zoning Office is responsible for administering the County’s Unified Development Regulations (UDR) which cover subdivision and zoning regulations.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and platting in unincorporated Pottawatomie County.
      “The plat will be reviewed by the staff and the Planning Commission.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway entrances intersecting County roads.

    • A new entrance application is required when accessing a property from a County road where no driveway is installed.
    • Hard-surfaced entrances require inspection before surfacing.
    • Second or multiple entrances require an application and an additional one-time $1,500 fee; the fee is nonrefundable if approved and refundable if denied.
    • County access-management spacing and construction standards apply.

    second or multiple entrance application fee: 1500 USD (one-time additional fee)

    “The County will require that the landowner and/or contractor schedule for an inspection prior to the hard surfacing of any driveway that intersects with a County road.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Agricultural structures and other development subject to county floodplain management.

    • Agricultural structures require permits to verify that they are not placed in a floodplain.
    • The Planning and Zoning Office identifies floodplain management as one of its responsibilities.
    • The source does not establish a single countywide permit rule for every type of floodplain development.
    “Other responsibilities of the office include building and sign permits, floodplain management, addressing, and subdivision plat reviews.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published county building and environmental-health permit fees.

    • Most new accessory buildings or additions cost $50.
    • New dwellings outside a sewer district cost $200.
    • Environmental-health fees include $150 for new waste-disposal construction, $25 for reconstruction or septic-tank replacement, $500 per land-disposal septage site, and $75 annually for a non-public water supply.
    • Fees may vary by permit type.

    new accessory building or addition: 50 USD (most cases) · new dwelling outside sewer district: 200 USD · new waste-disposal health permit: 150 USD (new construction) · reconstruction waste-disposal health permit: 25 USD · non-public water supply permit: 75 USD annually

    “Health Permit-Waste Disposal System (new construction) | $150 Health Permit-Waste Disposal System (re-construction) | $25 Health Permit-Replacement of Septic Tank | $25 Permit for Land Disposal of Septage, each site | $500 Permit for Non-Public Water Supply | $75 / annually”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — Published county building-permit fees.
      “Residential Dwelling | $200 Residential Additions | $50 Residential Accessory | $50”
    • Published (with conditions) — Published county building, zoning, licensing, and plat-related fees.
      “Residential Dwelling | $200 Residential Additions | $50 Residential Accessory | $50”
  • Permit processPartial

    County permit and planning application processes.

    • Building permit applications are online through the county permitting portal.
    • Applicants building a new house are directed to contact Planning and Zoning before purchasing a tract.
    • Rezoning requires an application, fee, Planning Commission hearing, publication in the official county paper, and notice to property owners within 1,000 feet at least 20 days before the hearing.
    • The county states that the zoning process may take 60 to 90 days.

    rezoning notice radius: 1000 feet · rezoning notice lead time: >= 20 days (before hearing) · stated zoning-process duration: 60-90 days

    “All requests for rezoning must be published in the official county paper and all property owners within 1000 feet of the proposed zoning must be notified at least 20 days in advance of a hearing, of the date, time and place of said hearing.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

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;”
  • 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”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Set by your township or city, not the county

In Kansas, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Pottawatomie 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
  • Camping on your land

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 Pottawatomie County, Kansas

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

Pottawatomie County scores 61/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 19,839 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Pottawatomie County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Pottawatomie County Environmental Health (Sanitarian, under the Pottawatomie County Sanitary Code). 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 Pottawatomie County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Pottawatomie County is limited to specific cases: Temporary residence or occupancy of a recreational vehicle in unincorporated Pottawatomie County. A building, structure, or vehicle may not be used as a temporary residence unless the use is listed as a permitted use in the underlying zoning district or is part of a designated RV or manufactured-home park. Camping and recreational-vehicle parks are subject to county requirements. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Pottawatomie County, Kansas?

Land in Pottawatomie County runs about $3,188 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Pottawatomie County?

Pottawatomie County gets about 34.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.9% of years.

How remote is Pottawatomie County?

A representative private-land location has about 19,839 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,015,777 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 Pottawatomie compares in Kansas

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