Bolthole Index

Chase County, Kansas

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

51Index Score / 100
#45 of 105 in Kansas

Unincorporated Chase County, Kansas does not require a county building permit and has no county zoning outside city limits12. Floodplain development still requires county review, and septic systems go through the Chase County Sanitarian34. Rules differ inside incorporated cities; Cottonwood Falls has adopted building codes5.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required outside the city limits — the county's own commissioners page says so directly; only a floodplain development permit applies in mapped flood zones61
Zoning
No zoning requirements outside the city limits, per the county's own commissioners page72
Septic permits
Chase County Sanitarian; the county wastewater application lists a $50 fee8
Floodplain permit
Required for floodplain development; contact Kansas water officials before applying to the County Floodplain Manager3
RV / tiny home living
We could not confirm either use; ask the County Clerk before relying on the lack of county zoning7
Owner-builder
You may build your own home because unincorporated Chase County requires no county building permit; trade licensing may still apply9
Minimum home size
No county zoning minimum dwelling size outside city limits; city, septic and floodplain rules may still apply10
Septic soil difficulty
Only 0.6% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field11

Who to call

Septic permits

Chase County Sanitarian

Chase County Wastewater Application for new or existing septic systems (lagoon, septic tank/lateral, or holding tank); $50 fee paid to Chase County

620-794-5053

300 Pearl St., Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845

Online permits →

Floodplain permits

Chase County Emergency Preparedness & Sanitation (Floodplain Manager)

Floodplain Development Permit applications for development in Chase County's mapped floodplains, after a Kansas Department of Water Resources determination

620-273-6589 EXT. 232

301 Walnut St., Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Chase County Road & Bridge

County road maintenance, bridges and culverts; the office to ask about driveway access onto a county road, though no official page states a driveway-permit requirement

620-794-9732

[email protected]

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

No county building permit is required for an ordinary home in unincorporated Chase County, and an owner may build their own home because there is no county permit from which to seek an exemption19. That answer changes at two boundaries. Floodplain development requires review: contact the Kansas Department of Water Resources first, then submit the application to the County Floodplain Manager3. Inside an incorporated city, ask the city before building because the county's statement applies only outside city limits; Cottonwood Falls has adopted municipal building codes5.

Who handles permits in Chase County, Kansas?

Chase County has no general building-permit office for construction outside city limits because no county building permit is required there1. The county's Emergency Preparedness & Sanitation office handles floodplain applications: contact the Kansas Department of Water Resources first, then submit the completed application to the County Floodplain Manager12. The Chase County Sanitarian handles the county wastewater application, which lists a $50 fee8. Road & Bridge maintains county roads, bridges and culverts; ask that office before creating county-road access because we could not confirm that Chase County uses the county-unit road system required for the state culvert-and-entrance rule to apply1314.

Does Chase County have zoning?

Unincorporated Chase County has no county zoning requirements or zoning districts outside city limits215. That means no county zoning minimum for dwelling or lot size and no county zoning limits on lot coverage or building height, although septic, floodplain and other rules still apply10161718. Agricultural land and agricultural buildings also receive a Kansas zoning exemption, but dwellings and garages are not agricultural buildings, and road setbacks and floodplain rules can still apply19. Local rules vary inside cities: Cottonwood Falls publishes municipal zoning controls and a minimum home-size ordinance, so do not carry the county answer across a city boundary20.

How do septic permits work in Chase County?

Domestic septic tanks and lateral fields in Chase County are handled by county authorities through the Chase County Sanitarian4. The county wastewater application covers new and existing lagoons, septic tanks with laterals, and holding tanks; it lists a $50 fee and requires a licensed contractor for new construction8. Kansas minimum standards still constrain off-grid wastewater: private systems may be used when public sewer is unavailable and local requirements are met, but no private onsite system may discharge at the surface21. Only 0.6% of Chase County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so arrange the site evaluation and system design early rather than assuming a standard lateral field will work11.

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

We could not confirm whether unincorporated Chase County allows long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, or occupancy of a tiny or manufactured home. The absence of county zoning does establish that unincorporated Chase County has no county zoning minimum dwelling size, but it does not answer sanitation, utility, safety or occupancy questions10. Ask the County Clerk before buying or moving a dwelling onto the parcel, and contact the County Sanitarian about wastewater4. A floodplain development permit may still be required for placing or building a structure in a floodplain3. Inside Cottonwood Falls, municipal rules differ and include an adopted residential code and a minimum-size ordinance2220.

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

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside city limits; the no-permit and no-zoning rules are for unincorporated Chase County12.
  2. Check floodplain status; for floodplain development, contact the Kansas Department of Water Resources before applying to the County Floodplain Manager12.
  3. Arrange a soil evaluation because only 0.6% of county soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field11.
  4. File the wastewater application with the County Sanitarian; the form lists a $50 fee and requires a licensed contractor for new construction8.
  5. Obtain a state permit for a state-highway driveway, and ask Road & Bridge about access to a county road2313.
  6. Ask the County Clerk about unresolved well, setback, RV and tiny-home rules before work begins.

What to check before you buy land in Chase County

Start with wastewater, water, flood risk and legal access. Only 0.6% of Chase County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, while annual precipitation averages 36.3 inches and severe drought occurs in 17% of years112425. We could not confirm Chase County's well-permit rule, so ask the County Clerk before drilling26. Check flood maps because floodplain development requires county review even where ordinary building permits do not27. Confirm a state-highway driveway with the state, or county-road access with Road & Bridge2313. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.6%, with a median annual bill near $1,6942829.

Watch-outs

  • Do not apply the unincorporated-county answer inside a city: Cottonwood Falls has adopted municipal building codes, and local land-use rules vary across Chase County530.
  • No county zoning does not settle RV, tiny-home, well or setback questions; ask the County Clerk and County Sanitarian before committing to a site plan24.

Sources

  1. Commissioners :: Chase County Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  2. Commissioners :: Chase County Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  3. Emergency Preparedness & Sanitation :: Chase County Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  4. Economic Development Permitting Requirements 2026, quoted and re-checked
  5. Commissioners :: Chase County Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  6. Commissioners :: Chase County Kansas (2026 county census)
  7. Commissioners :: Chase County Kansas (2026 county census)
  8. Chase County Sanitarian (chasecountyks.com)
  9. Kansas law on county zoning and building authority
  10. Commissioners :: Chase County Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  11. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  12. Chase County Emergency Preparedness & Sanitation (Floodplain Manager) (chasecountyks.com)
  13. Chase County Road & Bridge (chasecountyks.com)
  14. 2021 Kansas Statute 68-543, quoted and re-checked
  15. Commissioners :: Chase County Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  16. Commissioners :: Chase County Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  17. Commissioners :: Chase County Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  18. Commissioners :: Chase County Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  19. K.S.A. 12-758 — Agricultural land exempted, exception, quoted and re-checked
  20. Commissioners :: Chase County Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  21. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  22. City Ordinances - City of Cottonwood Falls Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  23. Kansas Administrative Regulations, Volume 3 (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Water Well County Permits (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Emergency Preparedness & Sanitation :: Chase County Kansas, quoted and re-checked
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Commissioners :: Chase County Kansas, quoted and re-checked

Written September 29, 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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County locator

Chase County in Kansas

51
County map
Chase County highlighted among the Kansas counties · colored by Index score

How Chase County scores

Seclusion76100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency26100% ev.
Admin Boringness89100% ev.
Durability29100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost72100% 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 →

$175kTypical home
1.6%Property tax
$2,385Land / acre
36.3"Annual rain
17% of yrsSevere drought
22.8 / yr (+15.9)Mid-century 100°F days
23.5 daysMid-century dry spell
2.24" (+9.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.48×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,253Home insurance / yr
2.8% / yrInsurance growth
2.92%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,469,818People within 2 hr
3,369Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.3People / sq mi
4.3%Federal land
99.1%Land at 15% slope or less
0.6%Septic soil without severe limits
2,869 acWorkable land screen
7.8%Wooded land
59.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55.4°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Chase County

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

Chase County rules

  • Building permitNot required

    County building permits for construction outside the city limits of Chase County.

    • The county statement expressly applies outside city limits; incorporated municipalities may impose their own requirements.
    • Floodplain development may require a separate Floodplain Development Permit through the County Floodplain Manager after determination by the Kansas Department of Water Resources.
    “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”
  • Owner-builder exemption · follows from the permit answerNot needed

    Unincorporated Chase County: no county building permit is required, so there is no permit to be exempt from and you may build your own home. State licensing for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work may still apply.

    • The county statement expressly applies outside city limits; incorporated municipalities may impose their own requirements.
    • Floodplain development may require a separate Floodplain Development Permit through the County Floodplain Manager after determination by the Kansas Department of Water Resources.
    “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Countywide aggregate: no county building permits outside city limits, while at least Cottonwood Falls has municipal building-code adoption within its city limits.

    • Chase County's statement expressly applies outside city limits.
    • Cottonwood Falls municipal code adoption applies within that city and is not a countywide rule.
    • Strong City's official floodplain page separately refers to local building permits, but the cited page does not identify the adopted general building-code edition.
    “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent (with conditions)

    County zoning requirements in unincorporated Chase County, outside incorporated city limits.

    • The statement expressly excludes areas inside city limits.
    • Other rules, including floodplain and septic requirements, may still apply.
    • This claim does not determine municipal zoning inside incorporated city limits.
    “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Absent — County zoning requirements outside the city limits in Chase County, Kansas.
      “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”
    • Absent — County zoning requirements in unincorporated areas of Chase County, Kansas.
      “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning and related land-use controls across Chase County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities.

    • Chase County states that it has no zoning requirements outside city limits.
    • Cottonwood Falls publishes municipal ordinances regulating residential development, including a 500-square-foot minimum for single-family dwellings.
    • The cited Cottonwood Falls page does not identify Ordinance 971 by chapter or section as a zoning ordinance; the precise zoning status and current applicability of that ordinance require municipal-code verification.
    • Rules may differ among Cottonwood Falls, Strong City, Elmdale, Cedar Point, Matfield Green, and other incorporated places.

    minimum square footage of single-family dwellings: 500 sq. ft

    “Ordinance 971 -Setting minimum square footage of single family dwellings to 500 sq. ft”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Local zoning across Chase County, aggregating unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities.
      “Areas of focus include: Planning and Zoning, Annexation, Regulatory Codes, Other Development Activities.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published

    Zoning districts and zoning requirements in unincorporated Chase County, outside city limits.

    • The source expressly limits the no-zoning statement to areas outside city limits; incorporated cities may impose their own zoning requirements.
    “CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not published — County zoning districts and zoning requirements in unincorporated Chase County.
      “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning minimum dwelling-size requirements for residential structures in unincorporated Chase County, outside city limits.

    • The county statement addresses county zoning requirements; incorporated cities may impose their own rules.
    • Floodplain, septic, health, building-safety, and other applicable state or local requirements may still apply.
    “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    County zoning minimum lot-size requirements in unincorporated Chase County, outside city limits.

    • The county statement addresses county zoning requirements; incorporated cities may impose their own rules.
    • Subdivision, septic, floodplain, health, and other applicable requirements may still apply.
    “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County zoning lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Chase County, outside city limits.

    • The county statement addresses county zoning requirements; incorporated cities may impose their own rules.
    • Floodplain, septic, health, and other applicable requirements may still apply.
    “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning building-height requirements in unincorporated Chase County, outside city limits.

    • The county statement addresses county zoning requirements; incorporated cities may impose their own rules.
    • Floodplain, septic, health, building-safety, and other applicable requirements may still apply.
    “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Domestic septic tank and lateral-field onsite wastewater systems in Chase County, Kansas.

    • Domestic septic tank/lateral-field systems are permitted by county authorities.
    • Kansas sets the minimum standards for onsite wastewater systems, while counties are responsible for enforcing those standards.
    • KDHE's official resource directory identifies Chase County's LEPP and its Sanitarian, Scott Wiltse, as the county program contact.
    • This claim concerns domestic septic tank/lateral-field systems; other wastewater facilities or discharge permits may remain subject to separate KDHE programs.
    “Chase County Wastewater Application Chase County Sanitarian 300 Pearl St., Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845 620-794-5053 Cell APPLICANT INFORMATION: Fee: $50 Paid to Chase County and must accompany this form”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in a floodplain in Chase County, including unincorporated areas.

    • Contact KDWR before applying at the county level.
    • Submit the completed application to the County Floodplain Manager after KDWR determination.
    • The application states that the work must comply with the Floodplain Management Ordinance, applicable county/city ordinances, and Kansas requirements.
    • Additional state, federal, county, or city permits may be required depending on the project.
    • Elevation certificates, no-rise certification, elevation or floodproofing, and other documentation apply according to project type and location.

    minimum elevation above base flood elevation: 1 foot (For new or substantially improved residential and non-residential structures as specified in the application.) · substantial improvement threshold: > 50 percent of current market value (The application defines substantial improvement as over 50% of current market value.)

    “TO THE ADMINISTRATOR: The undersigned hereby makes application for a permit to develop in a floodplain.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Development in floodplain areas of Chase County for which county floodplain review is applicable.
      “Please contact the Kansas Department of Water Resources prior to applying for a permit at the county level. Upon determination thru KDWR please submit a completed Floodplain Development Permit Application to your County Floodplain Manager.”
    • Required — Development in floodplain areas of Chase County, including development requiring county-level floodplain review.
      “Please contact the Kansas Department of Water Resources prior to applying for a permit at the county level. Upon determination thru KDWR please submit a completed Floodplain Development Permit Application to your County Floodplain Manager.”
  • Permit feesNot published

    County building-permit fees for residential construction outside city limits in Chase County.

    • The county states that no building permits are required outside city limits; incorporated cities may impose their own requirements.
    “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”
  • Permit processPartial

    Floodplain development in Chase County, including unincorporated areas; incorporated-city requirements may also apply.

    • Contact the Kansas Department of Water Resources before applying for a county-level permit.
    • After KDWR determination, submit a completed Floodplain Development Permit Application to the County Floodplain Manager.
    • The application requires applicant and location information, development description, value information, FEMA flood-map information, elevation information, and copies of required permits from other agencies.
    • New construction and substantial improvements generally require elevation certificates; minor projects may not require one, including a new culvert.
    • Development in a designated floodway requires a no-rise certificate; in a detailed-study area without a designated floodway, development must be determined not to cause more than one foot of rise.
    • New or substantially improved residential structures must have the lowest floor at least one foot above base flood elevation.
    • New or substantially improved non-residential structures must have the lowest floor elevated or floodproofed at least one foot above base flood elevation.
    • A FEMA elevation certificate completed by a licensed land surveyor or professional engineer is required for covered new or substantially improved structures.
    • Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources permits are required for fill placed in floodplains, levees, stream obstructions, and dams; some minor projects may be exempt based on fill amount, upstream drainage, or dam size. US Army Corps of Engineers permits may apply to wetlands or projects altering a navigable waterway.

    minimum elevation above base flood elevation: 1 foot (Applies to new or substantially improved structures as specified in the application.) · substantial improvement threshold: > 50 percent of current market value (The application defines substantial improvement as over 50% of current market value.)

    “Please contact the Kansas Department of Water Resources prior to applying for a permit at the county level. Upon determination thru KDWR please submit a completed Floodplain Development Permit Application to your County Floodplain Manager.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not published — County building-permit process for residential construction outside city limits in Chase County.
      “*****CHASE COUNTY HAS NO ZONING REQUIREMENTS OR BUILDING PERMITS OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS******”

Kansas rules that apply here

  • 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.”
  • 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”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement and residential occupancy of manufactured homes in Kansas jurisdictions with applicable county or city zoning regulations.

    • Manufactured homes remain subject to applicable county and city zoning regulations.
    • A governing body may not exclude manufactured homes from its entire zoning jurisdiction.
    • A governing body may not exclude residential-design manufactured homes from single-family residential districts solely because they are manufactured homes.
    • Architectural or aesthetic standards compatible with site-built housing may still apply.
    • Valid restrictive covenants running with the land are not preempted.
    • The source states the zoning provision became effective January 1, 1992.
    “All mobile homes shall be subject to zoning regulations of counties and cities applicable to areas in which such homes are located.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Private onsite wastewater systems throughout Kansas, where permit requirements depend on applicable county or other local sanitary/environmental codes.

    • Local governments may adopt codes and issue construction and operating permits.
    • County sanitary or environmental codes specify local design and permitting requirements.
    • If there is no local code, landowners must comply with K.A.R. 28-5-6 to 9 and KDHE Bulletin 4-2.
    • All septic tanks installed in Kansas must comply with KDHE Bulletin 4-2.
    • The cited state materials do not establish a single construction- and operating-permit requirement applicable statewide.

    applicable state regulations without local code: K.A.R. 28-5-6 to 9 · state minimum standard: KDHE Bulletin 4-2

    “County sanitary (environmental) codes specify local design and permitting requirements. [...] If there is no local code, landowners are required to comply with Kansas Administrative Regulations (K.A.R.) 28-5-6 to 9 and minimum standards in this bulletin.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Domestic wastewater disposal without a public sewer connection, using an approved septic system, lagoon, or alternative onsite system.

    • Domestic wastewater must be discharged to an approved sewage collection system, approved lagoon, septic system, alternative system, or permitted sewage treatment plant.
    • Private sewerage facilities are conditioned on public sewers not being available and on compliance with local requirements.
    • Seepage pits, cesspools, and dry wells (rat holes) are not permitted.
    • No private onsite wastewater system may have a surface discharge.
    • Alternative systems may require a local variance; where there is no local code, KDHE may grant a variance.
    “Wastewater from a home shall be discharged to a properly designed and maintained septic tank–soil absorption field or wastewater pond, an approved alternative treatment and disposal system, or a permitted sewage treatment plant. Seepage pits, cesspools, and dry wells (rat holes) are not permitted. [...] No private onsite wastewater system shall have a surface discharge.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems used instead of public sewer in Kansas, including Chase County where no local code applies.
      “Proceed with any private sewerage facility only when public sewers are not available and all applicable local requirements are met. [...] 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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Private onsite sewerage facilities serving domestic wastewater in Kansas.

    • A private sewerage facility may proceed only when public sewers are not available and all applicable local requirements are met.
    • The source does not establish a statewide requirement to connect to public water service.
    “Proceed with any private sewerage facility only when public sewers are not available and all applicable local requirements are met.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Use of land for agricultural purposes and erection or maintenance of agricultural buildings under city or county zoning regulations adopted under Kansas planning and zoning statutes.

    • The exemption applies only while the land and buildings are used for agricultural purposes and not otherwise.
    • The exemption does not apply to flood-plain regulations in designated flood plains.
    • Under K.S.A. 19-2960, dwellings, garages, and other similar accessory buildings are not agricultural buildings.
    • Under K.S.A. 19-2960, all buildings, including agricultural buildings, may be regulated for setbacks from public roads.
    • K.S.A. 12-758 applies to regulations adopted by a city pursuant to K.S.A. 12-715b or by a county pursuant to the planning and zoning act.

    agricultural-use condition: land and buildings must be used for agricultural purposes and not otherwise (Flood-plain regulations remain applicable.) · public-road setback exception: permitted (Agricultural buildings may be regulated as to setbacks from public roads under K.S.A. 19-2960.)

    “regulations adopted by a city pursuant to K.S.A. 12-715b, and amendments thereto, or a county pursuant to this act shall not apply”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural land use and erection or maintenance of agricultural buildings under zoning regulations adopted by a Kansas city or county, including any applicable Chase County zoning regulations.
      “No zoning regulations shall apply to the use of land for agricultural purposes nor for the erection or maintenance of agricultural buildings”
  • Subdividing landLimited

    Subdivision, resubdivision, or replatting in Kansas areas governed by locally adopted subdivision regulations.

    • A plat must be submitted to the planning commission or joint committee where applicable.
    • A plat must conform to applicable subdivision regulations and receive the required approval.
    • No building or zoning permit may be issued for a lot subdivided, resubdivided, or replatted after adoption of subdivision regulations unless approved under the statutory procedure.
    • Local subdivision regulations may establish reasonable plat-approval fees.
    • The statute does not establish a single statewide subdivision standard for every parcel.

    plat approval deadline: <= 60 days (If the planning commission or joint committee does not determine conformity within 60 days after the first meeting following submission, the plat is deemed approved under subsection (b).)

    “All such plats shall be submitted to the planning commission or to the joint committee for subdivision regulation.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Constructing a culvert or entrance across a ditch along a public road in Kansas, including county roads in counties covered by K.S.A. 68-543.

    • The statute applies to counties that have adopted the county unit road system.
    • Approval of plans and permission from the county engineer are required for county roads; city engineer approval applies on city streets.
    • An additional culvert or new entrance may be installed by the county engineer and charged to the property owner.
    • The county engineer may require an estimated-cost deposit before installation.
    • A person constructing without approval and permission may be fined $50 to $100.

    fine: >= 50 USD (Upon conviction.) · fine: <= 100 USD (Upon conviction.)

    “In counties under county unit road system; culverts over ditches in front of private property; costs by county or city; additional culverts or new entrances; costs to owner; procedures; penalty.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or alteration of a driveway connecting to the Kansas state highway system.
      “Individuals desiring to construct or alter a driveway onto the state highway system shall be required to obtain a permit.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

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

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

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

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code adoption administered by the City of Cottonwood Falls within its city limits.

    • The city ordinance page identifies the adopted code editions but does not state whether later amendments or replacement codes supersede them.
    • Other city permits or approvals may also be required.

    International Building Code edition: 2012 · National Electric Code edition: 2005 · International Plumbing Code edition: 2012 · International Residential Code edition: 2012 · International Fuel Gas Code edition: 2012 · International Mechanical Code edition: 2012

    “Ordinance 973 -Adopting International Building Code, 2012; National Electric Code, 2005; International Plumbing Code, 2012, International Residence Code, 2012; International Fuel Gas Code, 2012; International Mechanical Code, 2012”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction within the incorporated City of Cottonwood Falls, Chase County, Kansas.
      “Ordinance 973 -Adopting International Building Code, 2012; National Electric Code, 2005; International Plumbing Code, 2012, International Residence Code, 2012; International Fuel Gas Code, 2012; International Mechanical Code, 2012”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land within the incorporated City of Cottonwood Falls, Chase County, Kansas.

    • The city code incorporates zoning regulations and a zoning map by reference.
    • The incorporated ordinances are Ordinance Nos. 717, 724, 744, 745, 747, 757, 787, 802, and 865.
    • The source identifies the code as an unofficial draft and states that copies are filed with the city clerk for public inspection.
    “There are hereby incorporated by reference as if set out fully herein, the zoning regulations and zoning map adopted by the governing body of the City of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, as prepared by the city and consisting of Ordinance Nos. 717, 724, 744, 745, 747, 757, 787, 802 and 865 and entitled, “Zoning Regulations of the City of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.””

Still unanswered

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

  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential occupancy of a recreational vehicle on private land in unincorporated Chase County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Chase County.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of a tiny home on private land in unincorporated Chase County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units on private land in unincorporated Chase County.
  • Septic inspection — Inspection of onsite wastewater systems in Chase County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Chase County, Kansas

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

Chase County scores 51/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and sparse surroundings — about 3,369 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (36.3″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Chase County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Chase County Sanitarian. 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 Chase County, Kansas?

Land in Chase County runs about $2,385 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Chase County?

Chase County gets about 36.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 17% of years.

How remote is Chase County?

A typical private-land location has about 3,369 people within 15 miles and 1,493,445 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Chase County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Chase compares in Kansas

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