Bolthole Index

Washington County, Kansas

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

55Index Score / 100
#32 of 105 in Kansas

A residential building permit appears not to be required in unincorporated Washington County, Kansas, but the county has not published a clear statement confirming that answer.1 The county's appraiser FAQ says local zoning and land-use rules are set by county resolutions and development codes, so ask the County Clerk what applies to your parcel.23 Septic is definite: the Washington County Sanitarian issues a permit before a private wastewater system is built or modified.45

At a glance

Building permit
Appears not required outside city limits; confirm with the County Clerk13
County zoning
The county says zoning is set by county resolutions and development codes; no map or district standards published, so ask the County Clerk263
Septic permit
Required through the Washington County Sanitarian; $250 for a new structure, $125 for a replacement system47
Well permit
The Sanitarian publishes the county application; contact the office before drilling58
RV or tiny-home living
Private-land rules are unconfirmed; Washington City Park allows overnight camping39
Owner-builder exemption
No county exemption could be confirmed10
State-highway driveway
A Kansas state permit is required to construct or alter the connection11

Who to call

Septic permits

Washington County Sanitarian

Private wastewater permit information and the county well-water permit application

785-770-2057

214 C Street, Washington, KS 66968

Also useful

Washington County Clerk

General county administration and records; works with Road and Bridge on building-moving permits

785-325-2974

214 C Street, Washington, KS 66968

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

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

A residential building permit appears not to be required on unincorporated Washington County land.1 That answer is based on the county office structure, however, rather than an express county statement about ordinary home construction.1 Washington County has not published a clear answer on residential building inspections, certificates of occupancy or local building-code adoption, so ask the County Clerk for written confirmation before ordering materials.3 Kansas leaves local jurisdictions responsible for adopting and enforcing building energy codes, while the state building-inspection program cited here covers state-owned buildings rather than private rural homes.1213 Moving an existing structure is different from constructing a new one: the Clerk works with Road and Bridge on building-moving permits.3

Who handles Washington County building and permit questions?

Washington County does not identify a dedicated building or zoning office, so begin with the Washington County Clerk for questions about construction, inspections, occupancy and land-use records.12 The Clerk is at 214 C Street, Washington, KS 66968, and the office phone is 785-325-2974.3 The Clerk also works with Road and Bridge on permits for moving buildings.3 For wastewater and water-well paperwork, go directly to the Washington County Sanitarian at the same street address or call 785-770-2057.5 The Sanitarian page provides septic-permit materials, the county sanitary code and the well-water permit application.5 These county contacts are for land outside incorporated cities; if a parcel is inside a city, ask that city about its own permits and ordinances.1415

Does Washington County, Kansas have zoning?

Washington County's appraiser FAQ states that local zoning and land-use regulations are established by county resolutions and development codes, and that enforcement stays at the local level.26 The county has not published a resolution number, a zoning-district map, dimensional standards or an administering office, so the rules for any one parcel are unconfirmed.6 Ask the County Clerk whether your parcel is subject to a county resolution, development code or recorded restriction before you buy.3 Kansas counties may adopt zoning for all or part of their unincorporated territory, and adopted districts may regulate lot dimensions, yards, lot coverage and building height.1516171819 Agricultural-use protection is conditional: property that keeps its agricultural tax classification may retain agricultural-use exemptions from county zoning controls.20 Incorporated cities can apply their own rules inside city limits, so do not carry the rural answer into a city parcel.21

How do septic permits work in Washington County?

Washington County requires a permit before anyone constructs or modifies a private wastewater system in the unincorporated county, and the Washington County Board of County Commissioners is the administrative agency under the county's Sanitary Code.422 The Washington County Sanitarian reviews and approves plans before the permit is approved.57 The county application lists a $250 fee for new structure construction and a $125 fee for a replacement system for an existing structure.7 The Sanitary Code also says no site is approved if connecting to an approved public wastewater system is feasible or if the site has less than 3 acres exclusive of roads and rights-of-way.7 The county must issue or deny a sanitary-code permit within 30 days after receiving the application.23 A private system on property within 400 feet of an existing public sewer is allowed only when connecting is not feasible and the county finds that the code's purposes are met.24 Only 6.3% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so plan the site evaluation early.25 Subdivision wastewater plans also need approval before development proceeds.26

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Washington County?

Washington County has not published a confirmed rule for long-term RV occupancy or tiny-home living on private unincorporated land. Ask the County Clerk about the exact parcel and intended use before buying, installing utilities or moving in.3 The apparent lack of countywide zoning does not by itself prove that year-round RV living or a tiny home is allowed.2 Wastewater from a dwelling still must go to a properly designed septic field, wastewater pond, approved alternative system or permitted treatment plant; surface discharge, cesspools and dry wells are not allowed.27 Washington City Park provides overnight camping with hookups, but that public facility does not establish what is allowed on private rural acreage.9 A separate city campground page sets a maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights and a $15 nightly rate, so confirm current terms with the City of Washington.28 Inside the City of Washington, occupying a mobile home requires a City Council permit.29

Building a home in Washington County: steps in order

  1. Verify whether the parcel is inside a city or in unincorporated Washington County, because cities and counties may adopt different zoning and building rules.1514
  2. Ask the County Clerk at 785-325-2974 to confirm the parcel's building-permit, inspection, occupancy, county zoning resolution and floodplain requirements in writing.36
  3. Contact the Sanitarian at 785-770-2057 before designing the wastewater system; county approval is required before construction or modification.54
  4. Evaluate the soil early because only 6.3% of county soils avoid severe conventional-drain-field limitations.25
  5. Confirm the well application with the Sanitarian before drilling because Kansas well-permit requirements vary by county and city.85
  6. Obtain a state permit before constructing or altering any driveway connection to the Kansas highway system.11
  7. If subdividing, obtain county approval of the onsite wastewater plans before development.26
  8. If any part of the development is in a floodplain, Kansas minimum standards call for a floodplain development permit application to the local floodplain administrator30.

What should you check before buying Washington County land?

Start with septic feasibility: only 6.3% of Washington County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, even though 96.5% of county land has a slope of 15% or less.2531 Confirm the building site, replacement-field area and well plan with the Sanitarian before closing.5 Ask the County Clerk about building permits, zoning, floodplain administration, legal access and recorded restrictions because the county's published materials do not resolve all of those questions.3 A driveway joining the state highway system needs a state permit; county- or township-road access requirements could not be confirmed.11 Washington County has about 6.2 residents per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 77 miles from the county center, so contractor travel and service access deserve an early check.3233 The effective property-tax rate is about 1.5%, with a median annual bill of $1,551.3435

Watch-outs

  • The residential building-permit answer is not backed by an explicit county statement; ask the County Clerk to confirm before construction.13
  • The county says zoning is set by county resolutions and development codes, but we could not confirm a zoning map or parcel-level rules for setbacks, minimum size, RV living or tiny homes; ask the County Clerk about the parcel.63
  • City rules do not answer what is allowed on unincorporated county land.15
  • Conventional septic conditions are difficult on most county soils, so investigate the site before settling on a house location.25
  • A Kansas floodplain development permit goes to the local floodplain administrator when any part of the development is in a floodplain; we could not identify that administrator, so ask the County Clerk.303

Sources

  1. Washington County, KS - County Departments (2026 county census)
  2. Appraiser FAQ - Washington County (2026 county census)
  3. Washington County Clerk (washingtoncountyks.gov)
  4. Departments - Washington County (2026 county census)
  5. Washington County Sanitarian (washingtoncountyks.gov)
  6. Appraiser FAQ - Washington County, quoted and re-checked
  7. Private On-Site Waste System Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  8. Water Well County Permits (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Washington - Washington County, quoted and re-checked
  10. K.S.A. 50-6,129. Exemptions (2026 county census)
  11. Kansas Administrative Regulations, Volume 3 (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Kansas Building Energy Codes (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Inspection Information (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. K.S.A. 12-3303 — County adoption by reference of codes (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. K.S.A. 19-2960 — Urban areas; zoning regulations (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. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Appraiser FAQ - Washington County, quoted and re-checked
  21. 2026 Kansas Statutes, K.S.A. 12-753: Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Washington County Sanitary Code, adopted April 2002, quoted and re-checked
  23. Washington County Environmental Code, quoted and re-checked
  24. Sanitary Code, Washington County, Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  25. 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
  26. Washington County Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  27. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Campground - City of Washington, Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  29. Chapter XVIII. Mobile Homes - City of Washington, Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  30. Kansas Administrative Regulations, K.A.R. 5-44-4, Floodplain management; zoning regulations; minimum standards and criteria, quoted and re-checked
  31. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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 4 of its 6 neighbors, Washington County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleWashington CountyClay CountyMarshall CountyRepublic CountyRiley CountyCloud CountyPottawatomie County
Building permitNot requiredRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredNot requiredRequired
County zoningYesYesNoNot publishedYesNoYes
Septic permitsCounty Sanitary CodeCounty Sanitary CodeMarshall CountyRepublic CountyCounty Env. Health Div.County SanitarianCounty Env. Health

County locator

Washington County in Kansas

55
County map
Washington County highlighted among the Kansas counties · colored by Index score

How Washington County scores

Seclusion76100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency27100% ev.
Admin Boringness7490% ev.
Durability42100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost74100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$167kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$2,737Land / acre
31.1"Annual rain
9.1% of yrsSevere drought
22.6 / yr (+16.1)Mid-century 100°F days
24 daysMid-century dry spell
1.81" (+3.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.56×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,110Home insurance / yr
3.8% / yrInsurance growth
1.41%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
6,148People within 30 min
770,446People within 2 hr
4,756Radius comparison (15 mi)
6.2People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
96.5%Land at 15% slope or less
6.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
35,734 acWorkable land screen
8%Wooded land
47.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Washington 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.

Barnes · Barnes Township · Brantford Township · Charleston Township · Clifton · Clifton Township · Coleman Township · Farmington Township · Franklin Township · Grant Township · Greenleaf · Greenleaf Township · Haddam · Haddam Township · Hanover · Hanover Township · Highland Township · Hollenberg · Independence Township · Kimeo Township · Lincoln Township · Linn · Linn Township · Little Blue Township · Logan Township · Lowe Township · Mahaska · Mill Creek Township · Morrowville · Palmer · Sheridan Township · Sherman Township · Strawberry Township · Union Township · Vining · Washington · Washington Township

Answers from the rulebook for Washington County

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

Washington County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning, planning, and permitting requirements in Washington County, Kansas.

    • Local zoning and land-use regulations are established by county resolutions and development codes.
    • Enforcement authority remains at the local level.
    • The source does not identify a current resolution number, zoning-district map, dimensional standards, or administering county office.
    “Local zoning and land use regulations are established by county resolutions and development codes”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Administration of private septic and on-site wastewater permits and inspections in unincorporated Washington County.

    • The county Sanitarian administers septic permits and inspections.
    • The Sanitary Code identifies the Washington County Board of County Commissioners as the Administrative Agency and states that the code applies to unincorporated areas.
    • Within an incorporated city that adopts the code, the more stringent applicable county or city regulation applies.
    “Administers septic system and well permits and inspections. Also, performs septic system, water testing and well real estate inspections.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Administration and implementation of the Washington County Sanitary Code for unincorporated Washington County.
      “The Administrative Agency for Washington County is designated as the Washington County Board of County Commissioners.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction or modification of a private wastewater system in unincorporated Washington County.

    • A permit must be issued before construction or modification.
    • The county application states that plans must be reviewed and approved by the sanitarian before permit approval.
    • The county application lists fees of $250.00 for new structure construction and $125.00 for a replacement system for an existing structure.
    • All systems must meet the requirements and separation distances in the Washington County Sanitary Code and KDHE 4-2.
    • The sanitary code states that no site shall be approved if connection to an approved public wastewater system is feasible, if the site contains less than three acres exclusive of roads, streets, rights-of-way or easements, or if soil, topography and geology do not meet Section 2-6.0 requirements.
    • Structurally significant repairs or replacements require a permit and inspection before being placed back into operation; emergency repairs must be reported the following business day and an application made if required.

    new structure construction fee: 250 USD · replacement system for existing structure fee: 125 USD · minimum site area: >= 3 acres (exclusive of roads, streets, other public rights-of-way or easements)

    “The provisions shall apply to all premises in unincorporated areas of Washington County, Kansas.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Private wastewater systems on property within 400 feet of an existing public sewer in unincorporated Washington County.

    • A private wastewater system may continue in use or be constructed within 400 feet of an existing public sewer only if connection to that sewer is not feasible and the Administrative Agency certifies that the code's purposes will not be compromised.
    • A private wastewater site also cannot be approved where connection to an approved public wastewater system is feasible.

    distance from existing public sewer: <= 400 feet (private system allowed only when sewer connection is not feasible and the Administrative Agency certifies compliance)

    “connection to such a sewer is not feasible”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural-use exemptions from county zoning controls for property retaining agricultural classification in Washington County.

    • The exemption is not automatic; the property must retain its agricultural classification for property-tax purposes.
    • The exemption may be retained under K.S.A. 12-758 or K.S.A. 19-2960.
    • The exemption is waived if there are alterations to the improvement.
    • The determination is county specific and is independent of the Kansas Property Valuation Division; the county commission or planning department decides how agricultural exemptions are applied.
    • The county FAQ states that agritourism recognition does not override or replace county zoning, planning, or permitting requirements.
    “If a property retains its agricultural classification for property tax purposes, it may retain its agricultural use exemptions from county zoning controls”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision development in unincorporated Washington County, Kansas, insofar as it is subject to the county sanitary code's on-site wastewater-management requirements.

    • The county sanitary code applies to all unincorporated areas of Washington County, Kansas.
    • No person may develop a subdivision until plans and specifications for on-site wastewater management have been approved by the Administrative Agency.
    • The code defines a subdivision as a tract or parcel subdivided into two or more lots for sale or building development, including intended public streets, alleys, or other portions and any redivision.
    • The sanitary code was adopted by county resolution on April 8, 2002.
    • This claim establishes a wastewater-management condition and does not establish the existence or absence of a separate county platting or subdivision-design ordinance.
    “no person shall develop any subdivision until the plans and specifications for on-site wastewater management have been approved by the Administrative Agency.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision development in unincorporated Washington County where on-site wastewater management is implicated.
      “no person shall develop any subdivision until the plans and specifications for on-site wastewater management have been approved by the Administrative Agency.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Permits and licenses required by the Washington County Sanitary Code in unincorporated areas of Washington County.

    • The Administrative Agency establishes the fee schedule.
    • The required fee must be paid before the Authorized Representative processes an application.
    • The cited code does not state the fee amounts.
    “The Administrative Agency shall establish a schedule of fees”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County sanitary-code permits and licenses, including private wastewater-system permits, in unincorporated Washington County.

    • The code applies to all premises in unincorporated areas of Washington County.
    • Private wastewater-system plans and specifications must be approved before development.
    • No person may construct or modify a private wastewater system until a permit has been issued.
    • Completed systems must be inspected and approved before being covered or made inaccessible.
    • Systems must be completed within 12 months of the permit application date, subject to extensions; an extension requires an additional permit fee.
    • The county website identifies the Sanitarian as administering septic-system and well permits and inspections.

    permit decision deadline: 30 days (The Authorized Representative issues or denies the permit or license within 30 days of receipt.) · inspection notice: >= 1 working day (Notice before required inspection.) · system completion deadline: 12 months (Extensions may be granted by the Authorized Representative; an additional permit fee is required.)

    “shall issue or deny the permit to construct or license within 30 days of such receipt.”

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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — New commercial and industrial structures in Washington County and elsewhere in Kansas, to the extent the statewide energy-efficiency standard applies.
      “(a) 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.(b) The state corporation commission has no authority to adopt or enforce energy efficiency standards for residential, commercial or industrial structures.(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a city or county from adopting or enforcing energy efficiency standards for structures within the jurisdiction of such city or county.”
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

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

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

    Statewide Kansas framework governing locally adopted floodplain zones, districts, and floodplain development regulations

    • A local governing body may establish floodplain zones and districts; the statute does not itself impose one uniform permit requirement on every development statewide.
    • Any floodplain regulations must comply with the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and rules adopted under it.
    • Before adoption, a local ordinance, resolution, regulation, or plan creating or changing a floodplain zone or district, or regulating structures, encroachments, or land uses in the area, must be submitted to the chief engineer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Water Resources.
    • The chief engineer may require complete maps, plans, profiles, specifications, and textual matter; approval or disapproval is due within 90 days after receipt of all required data, and failure to act within that period results in deemed approval.
    • Under K.A.R. 5-44-4, local floodplain zoning regulations must identify flood hazard areas by a specific map, meet or exceed federal minimum requirements, meet or exceed applicable chief-engineer requirements, and designate a local floodplain administrator responsible for reviewing and issuing floodplain development permits.
    • K.A.R. 5-44-1 states that its definitions apply in administering K.S.A. 12-766; its listed effective dates are January 1, 1992 and February 17, 1992.

    chief engineer review period: 90 days (After receipt of all data required by the chief engineer; failure to approve or disapprove within the period results in deemed approval.) · flood threshold referenced by K.S.A. 12-766: 1% annual chance (The governing body may restrict application to lands adjacent to watercourses subject to floods of a lesser magnitude than that having a one-percent chance occurrence in any one year.)

    “The governing body may establish flood plain zones and districts and restrict the use of land therein”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Proposed development in a floodplain within Washington County, Kansas, where the applicable local floodplain regulation is governed by Kansas minimum standards.
      “Any zoning regulation which regulates development of floodplains shall include the following minimum standards and criteria: [...] If any part of a proposed development is located within the floodplain, an application for floodplain development permit shall be made to the local floodplain administrator.”
    • Limited — Development in special flood hazard areas under Kansas local floodplain-management ordinances based on the Kansas Department of Agriculture model ordinance.
      “In all areas covered by this ordinance, no development shall be permitted except through the issuance of a floodplain development permit”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside cities and towns in Washington County

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

  • Living in an RVTemporary only

    Overnight RV camping at Washington City Park in the City of Washington, Washington County, Kansas.

    • The official county page describes the use as free overnight camping with hookups.
    • The source does not state a maximum stay, rate, number of spaces, or hookup amperage.
    • This claim is limited to the described Washington City Park facility and does not establish a countywide RV-occupancy rule.
    “The City Park provides free overnight camping with hookups.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping at Washington City Campground in Washington City Park.

    • The campground is first-come, first-served.
    • Guests may stay no more than 30 consecutive nights.
    • The rate is $15 per night.
    • Electrical and water hookups, a dump site, bathrooms with showers, and potable and non-potable water are provided.

    maximum consecutive stay: <= 30 nights · campground rate: 15 USD per night

    “Guests may stay no more than 30 consecutive nights.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Occupancy of a mobile home, as defined by the City of Washington, within the City of Washington, Kansas.

    • A City Council occupancy permit is required.
    • The ordinance excludes the listed described lots and blocks from the permitted location area.
    • The mobile home must be supported according to manufacturer specifications and have fire-resistant skirting.
    • A separate water meter, electric service, and sewer line connected to the city sewer are required.
    • The home must be secured by an approved tie-down method and comply with the Kansas Uniform Standards Code for mobile homes and recreational vehicles.
    • Minimum setbacks are 25 feet from the front or rear lot line or a side lot line adjacent to a street, and 10 feet from other lot lines.
    • At least one off-street parking space is required.
    • Within 180 days after permit issuance, an 8-by-8-by-6-foot minimum storage building must be provided.
    • The permit fee is $20 and remains valid until relocation or movement outside city limits.
    • Before issuance, the governing body contacts owners within 300 feet and determines whether to issue the permit.

    front or rear lot-line setback: >= 25 feet (Also applies to any side lot line adjacent to a street.) · other lot-line setback: >= 10 feet · storage building minimum length: 8 x 8 x 6 feet (Required within 180 days after permit issuance.) · permit fee: 20 USD (Permit valid until relocation or movement outside city limits.) · neighbor notification distance: 300 feet (Owners of each tract, lot, or piece of property within this distance are contacted before issuance.)

    “It shall be unlawful for any person to park or occupy a mobile home in the City of Washington, Kansas, unless a permit for such occupancy shall be issued by the City Council”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In Kansas, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Washington County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Minimum dwelling size
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings

Still unanswered

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

  • Local zoning — Zoning administered by incorporated cities or other local authorities within Washington County, aggregated at the county level.

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 Washington County, Kansas

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

Washington County scores 55/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 6,148 people within a 30-minute drive and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (31.1″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

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

Washington County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Washington County Sanitary Code (administered by county Authorized Representative/Health; KDHE Local Environmental Protection Program). 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 Washington County, Kansas?

Land in Washington County runs about $2,737 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Washington County?

Washington County gets about 31.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.1% of years.

How remote is Washington County?

A representative private-land location has about 6,148 people within a 30-minute drive and 770,446 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 Washington compares in Kansas

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