Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Kiowa, Kansas

Kiowa’s own rules

• Building permitRequired

  Erection, enlargement, relocation, or remodeling of a building or structure within Kiowa city limits.

  • A permit must be obtained from the city clerk after approval by the chief building official or authorized assistant.
  • The permit must be obtained before work on the building, foundation, or removal begins.
  • The building-code permit exemption includes one-story detached tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar accessory structures not exceeding 100 square feet.

  “It shall be unlawful for any person to hereafter erect or cause to be erected within the city any building or structure of any kind or enlarge or add to the outside dimension thereof, or relocate any building or structure already erected or which may hereafter be erected or remodel any building or structure within the city without a building permit being first obtained therefor from the city clerk, after approval by the chief building official or his or her duly authorized assistant.”

• Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

  Residential construction within Kiowa city limits.

  • The code incorporates the 2015 International Residential Code, including appendices, except portions deleted or amended by city code.

  referenced code edition: 2015 International Residential Code (City deletions and amendments apply.)

  “The International Residential Code, 2015 Edition, including all appendix chapters is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the Code of the City of Kiowa, Kansas, save, and except such portion as are hereinafter or may hereafter be deleted or amended, as authorized and in the manner prescribed by the provisions of K.S.A. 12-3010.”

• Certificate of occupancyRequired

  New or existing buildings or structures, and changes in land or building use, within Kiowa city limits.

  • The certificate is issued by the Zoning Administrator and must certify compliance with zoning regulations and other applicable City of Kiowa rules and regulations.

  “No new building or structure shall be occupied or no change in the character or use of land or of a building shall occur, without a valid Certificate of Occupancy and Habitation issued by the City certifying that such building or use is in compliance with the provisions of this Section and all other applicable city regulations, codes and ordinances, including structure location and foundation and pad elevations contained in any applicable Planned Unit Development document or on the face of any applicable plat.”

• Accessory dwellingsLimited

  An apartment in a detached garage in a residential district within Kiowa city limits.

  • A conditional-use process applies.
  • The apartment may not reduce required available off-street parking, and additional off-street parking must be established.

  “In a residential district, an apartment in a detached garage may be established, provided no such action shall reduce the number of available off-street parking spaces required and that additional off-street parking shall be established for such apartment.”

• Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

  Private wastewater disposal systems within Kiowa city limits.

  • The written permit is signed by the city sewer superintendent.

  “Before commencement of construction of a private wastewater disposal system, the owner shall first obtain a written permit signed by the city sewer superintendent.”

• Septic permitRequired

  Construction of a private wastewater disposal system within Kiowa city limits.

  • Before construction, the owner must obtain the sewer superintendent's written permit.
  • The application is on a city form and must be supplemented by plans, specifications, and other information deemed necessary by the superintendent.
  • The city fee-resolution permit and inspection fee is paid to the city clerk when the application is filed.

  “Before commencement of construction of a private wastewater disposal system, the owner shall first obtain a written permit signed by the city sewer superintendent. The application for such permit shall be made on a form furnished by the city, which the applicant shall supplement by any plans, specifications and other information as deemed necessary by the superintendent. A permit and inspection fee as set in the city’s fee resolution shall be paid to the city clerk at the time the application is filed.”

• Septic inspectionRequired

  Permitted private wastewater disposal systems within Kiowa city limits.

  • Installation must be completed to the sewer superintendent's satisfaction.
  • The applicant must notify the sanitation officer when ready for final inspection and before underground portions are covered.
  • Inspection is to occur within 96 hours after notice.

  inspection timing: <= 96 hours (Measured from receipt of notice by the sanitation officer or representative.)

  “A permit for a private wastewater disposal system shall not become effective until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the sewer superintendent. He or she shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction and, in any event, the applicant for the permit shall notify the sanitation officer when the work is ready for final inspection, and before any underground portions are covered.”

• Off-grid sanitationLimited

  Private wastewater disposal within Kiowa city limits where a public sanitary sewer is not available.

  • A private disposal system is allowed only where public sanitary sewer is unavailable and must comply with the city sewer article.
  • The private system needs a written city permit and inspection.
  • A system using subsurface soil absorption facilities cannot be permitted on a lot under 20,000 square feet with public water or 40,000 square feet with private water.
  • When public sewer becomes available under § 15-403, direct connection is required and private disposal facilities must be cleaned and filled.

  minimum lot size with public water: >= 20000 square feet (For a private wastewater disposal system employing subsurface soil absorption facilities.) · minimum lot size with private water: >= 40000 square feet (For a private wastewater disposal system employing subsurface soil absorption facilities.)

  “Where a public sanitary sewer is not available, the building sewer shall be connected to a private wastewater disposal system complying with the provisions of this article.”

• Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

  Properties within Kiowa city limits where municipal water mains or sanitary sewer are available as specified by the city code.

  • Water connection is required for a property abutting a street, alley, or right-of-way with an existing or future public water main.
  • Sewer connection is required after official notice when the public wastewater collection system is within 150 feet of the property line; connection must be made within 90 days.
  • A connection to the city water system requires a written permit application.

  sewer availability distance: <= 150 feet (Public wastewater collection system distance from property line.) · sewer connection deadline: <= 90 days (After official notice to connect.)

  “The owner of all houses, buildings, or properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or other purpose, situated within the city abutting on any street, alley, or right-of-way in which there is now located or may in the future be located public water mains, is hereby required at his or her own expense to make connection to such public water main.”

• Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionConditional

  One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses within Kiowa city limits.

  • The structure's floor area must not exceed 100 square feet.
  • The exemption does not authorize work that violates the city code or other laws or ordinances.

  maximum exempt floor area: <= 100 square feet (One-story detached tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses.)

  “One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 100 square feet.”

• Driveway accessLimited

  An unplatted lot, tract, or parcel proposed for a building or structure within Kiowa city limits.

  • Before a building permit, zoning certificate, or occupancy certificate issues, the applicant must show that the tract is not landlocked and has frontage and access to a public road or street.
  • The referenced provision also requires specified public utility and telephone-service easements, required utility permits, flood-site conditions, and any required additional right-of-way dedication.

  “The tract or parcel is not landlocked, i.e., has proper frontage and access to a public road or street.”

• Building in a floodplainRequired

  New construction, substantial improvements, and other development, including manufactured-home placement, in Zone A on Kiowa's official floodplain map.

  • A separate development permit is required for the described Zone A development.
  • The written application must identify work and land, state intended use or occupancy, include plans and specifications, and be signed by the permittee or authorized agent.
  • Within designated floodplain areas, application materials include specified elevation information.

  “Within Zone(s) A on the official map, separate development permits are required for all new construction, substantial improvements and other developments, including placement of manufactured homes.”

• Permit processPublished (with conditions)

  Building-permit applications within Kiowa city limits.

  • The city clerk provides the written application form.
  • The application requires owner, location, proposed work, building dimensions, occupancy and construction classes, materials, estimated cost, commencement and completion dates, and contractor information.
  • The building permit must be obtained before work begins.

  “A building permit shall be issued upon an application in writing to the office of city clerk on a form or forms provided for the purpose. This application shall, among other things, disclose the following:”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Kiowa or Barber County directly.

• Owner-builder exemption — Owner-built residential construction within Kiowa city limits.
• Minimum dwelling size — R-1A Single-Family Residential District within Kiowa city limits.
• Lot coverage — Land within Kiowa city limits.
• Living in an RV — Residential occupancy of recreational vehicles on private land within Kiowa city limits.
• Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land within Kiowa city limits.

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.