Bolthole Index

Clark County, Kansas

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

38Index Score / 100
#95 of 105 in Kansas

Clark County, Kansas does not publish a confirmed residential building-permit answer for private land in its unincorporated area; the state permit cited for this county applies only to property owned by the State of Kansas1. The county does say it has no county zoning2. Septic is local: Clark County has its own environmental code, with Kansas minimum standards underneath it34.

At a glance

Building permit
Not confirmed for an ordinary home on private land in unincorporated Clark County1
Zoning
Clark County says it has no county zoning2
Septic
Administered locally under Clark County's environmental code, subject to Kansas minimum standards34
RV living
Long-term occupancy on private land is not confirmed; ask the County Clerk and Health Department25
Tiny home
Occupancy and minimum-size rules are not confirmed; sanitation rules still apply26
Owner-builder
No county-specific exemption was confirmed7
Road crossing
County road-crossing permits are available from Road and Bridge8
State-highway driveway
A state permit is required before constructing or altering a driveway onto the state highway system9

Who to call

Also useful

Clark County Clerk/Elections Officer

County zoning questions and general direction when no dedicated building department is published

913 Highland, Ashland, KS 67831

Septic permits

Clark County Health Department

First contact for Clark County environmental-code and onsite-wastewater questions

(620) 635-2624

913 Highland St., Ashland, KS 67831

Roads & driveways

Clark County Road and Bridge

County road-crossing permits

(620) 635-2832

920 Highland St, Ashland, KS 67831

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Clark County has not published a confirmed answer for an ordinary house on private land in the unincorporated county. The permit-to-build requirement in the county data is narrower than it first appears: it governs construction, additions and covered renovations on property owned by the State of Kansas, where the state issues its project-acceptance form after document review1. Kansas law allows counties to adopt and enforce building codes in unincorporated territory, but that authority does not prove Clark County adopted one10. Before buying materials or hiring a contractor, ask the Clark County Clerk whether the parcel needs any county building authorization and whether a city rule applies. Do not assume that the absence of county zoning answers the separate building-permit question2.

Who handles Clark County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Clark County does not publish a dedicated building or planning office in the official pages reviewed for this guide, so start with the Clark County Clerk/Elections Officer at the courthouse for the current building-permit answer and the correct referral2. The same official FAQ gives a firm answer on zoning: Clark County has no county zoning2. For onsite wastewater, contact the Clark County Health Department at its Ashland office; Clark County's environmental code makes septic a local matter, while Kansas minimum standards remain the baseline534. For a road crossing on a county road, use Clark County Road and Bridge, which the county identifies as the permit pickup point8. A driveway onto the state highway system is separate and requires a state permit before work begins in the right-of-way9.

Does Clark County, Kansas have zoning?

Clark County's official answer is no: the county does not have county zoning2. That is useful for unincorporated land, but it does not erase city rules, sanitary requirements, floodplain controls, road-access permits or any building code the county may separately have adopted. Kansas counties have authority to zone all or part of their unincorporated territory, yet the authority is optional rather than automatic11. Where local zoning does apply, Kansas law allows the local classification to control lot dimensions, setbacks, lot coverage and building height12131415. Because Clark County says it has no county zoning, ask the clerk whether a parcel is inside Ashland, Minneola or Englewood before relying on that county answer2.

How do septic permits work in Clark County?

Clark County adopted its own environmental code, so onsite wastewater is administered locally rather than by relying only on the Kansas default3. Kansas allows local governments to approve plans, issue construction or operating permits and adopt requirements stricter than the statewide minimums; county sanitary codes supply the actual local design and permitting details416. Contact the Clark County Health Department before excavation to ask for the current application, fee, site-evaluation and inspection steps5. Regardless of the local procedure, domestic wastewater must go to an approved collection system, lagoon, septic system or alternative system; seepage pits, cesspools and dry wells are prohibited6. Only about 28% of Clark County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so settle the site and system design before fixing the house location17.

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

Clark County's published no-zoning answer does not by itself confirm that full-time RV living or tiny-home occupancy is allowed on every unincorporated parcel2. We could not confirm a county rule for long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny homes, minimum dwelling size or accessory dwellings. Ask the Clark County Clerk about land-use and occupancy requirements, then ask the Health Department how the county environmental code applies to the proposed wastewater arrangement25. An off-grid setup still needs approved wastewater disposal: Kansas permits an approved septic system, lagoon or alternative system, but not a cesspool, seepage pit, dry well or surface discharge18. A manufactured home is also subject to any applicable city or county zoning rule, even though Kansas limits how local zoning may exclude manufactured homes19.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is inside a city or in unincorporated Clark County; the county's no-zoning answer does not speak for city land2.
  1. Ask the Clark County Clerk whether the project needs a county building permit, inspection or occupancy approval, because the private residential rule remains unconfirmed2.
  1. Contact the Health Department for the county's septic application, design, fee and inspection requirements before choosing the final house site53.
  1. Confirm the water source and ask whether a county well permit applies; Kansas notes that county requirements vary and other state authorizations may also apply20.
  1. Get a county road-crossing permit from Road and Bridge if needed8. For a state-highway driveway, obtain the separate state permit before right-of-way work9.
  1. Check floodplain status before grading because Kansas floodplain controls are administered through locally adopted rules21.

What should you check before buying land in Clark County?

Start with wastewater feasibility: only about 28% of Clark County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a poor site can force a different system or layout17. Water planning matters too; Clark County averages about 23 inches of precipitation a year, and severe drought has occurred in about 38% of years2223. The terrain is generally workable, with about 92.5% of land at a slope of 15% or less, but parcel access, drainage and flood exposure still need site-specific checks24. Verify road access with Road and Bridge and treat a state-highway entrance as a separate permit question89. Finally, budget for taxes rather than relying only on the purchase price: the effective property-tax rate is about 2.1%, and the median annual bill is about $1,6102526.

Watch-outs

  • The only confirmed building permit in the county data concerns State of Kansas-owned property, not an ordinary privately owned home in unincorporated Clark County1.
  • Clark County's no-zoning answer does not settle city rules, septic approval, floodplain development, road access, RV occupancy or tiny-home sanitation23.
  • Most Clark County soils carry severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, because only about 28% are rated without severe limitations17.

Sources

  1. Building Design and Construction Manual, Part A, Chapter 5 – Code and Occupancy Requirements (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  2. Clark County Clerk/Elections Officer (clarkcountyks.com)
  3. KDHE - County Environmental / Sanitary Codes (2026 county census)
  4. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  5. Clark County Health Department (clarkcountyks.com)
  6. Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  7. (2026 county census)
  8. Clark County Road and Bridge (clarkcountyks.com)
  9. Kansas Administrative Regulations, Volume 3 (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. K.S.A. 12-3303 — County adoption by reference of codes (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. K.S.A. 19-2960 — Urban areas; zoning regulations (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Local Environmental Protection Program (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  18. MF2214 Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. K.S.A. 75-1218 — Exemption from construction codes; zoning (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Water Well County Permits (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. 2026 Kansas Statutes, K.S.A. 12-766: Flood plain zones (Kansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 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

Clark County in Kansas

38
County map
Clark County highlighted among the Kansas counties · colored by Index score

How Clark County scores

Seclusion87100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1798% ev.
Admin Boringness6035% ev.
Durability23100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% ev.

Evidence strength: 88%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$87kTypical home
2.1%Property tax
$1,288Land / acre
23"Annual rain
38% of yrsSevere drought
43.8 / yr (+26.4)Mid-century 100°F days
28.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.5" (+6.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.35×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,460Home insurance / yr
-1.6% / yrInsurance growth
1.19%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
145,766People within 2 hr
1,730Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.9People / sq mi
0%Federal land
92.5%Land at 15% slope or less
28%Septic soil without severe limits
174,003 acWorkable land screen
0.4%Wooded land
7.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Clark County

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

Kansas rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, additions, and covered renovations or occupancy changes on State of Kansas-owned property administered through the Department of Administration's Design, Construction & Compliance process.

    • The code footprint is required for all new construction, additions, and building renovation/remodeling affecting active or passive life-safety systems or changing occupancy on State property.
    • A permit to build is issued as Form 125 Project Acceptance after applicable code footprints and temporary egress plans are accepted by DCC/OSFM and construction documents are accepted by DCC.
    • The source states that projects not on state property should be directed to the local code enforcement office or Kansas Fire Marshal's office.

    permit form: Form 125 - Project Acceptance

    “A permit to build will be granted when the code footprint, if applicable, and temporary egress plans, if applicable have been accepted by DCC / OSFM and construction documents have been accepted by DCC. The permit to build is issued on the Form 125 - Project Acceptance.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Statewide Kansas building-energy-code and state fire-prevention-code framework, including new commercial and industrial structures and specified classes of new construction, additions, and occupancy changes.

    • Kansas is a home rule state and local jurisdictions retain responsibility and authority for adoption and enforcement of building energy codes.
    • The statewide IECC 2006 standard applies to new commercial and industrial structures.
    • The state corporation commission has no authority to adopt or enforce energy-efficiency standards for residential, commercial, or industrial structures.
    • Cities and counties may adopt or enforce energy-efficiency standards within their jurisdictions.
    • Kansas State Fire Marshal review for the Kansas Fire Prevention Code applies to the building and occupancy categories listed on the official plans-review page, including large assembly, specified educational and institutional occupancies, and specified residential occupancies.
    • For new homes, the state requires homebuilders and realtors to disclose certain energy-efficiency information using the Kansas Energy Efficiency Disclosure form.

    state energy-efficiency code: 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2006) (Applicable state standard for new commercial and industrial structures) · state fire-prevention building code: 2006 International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) (Projects reviewed for compliance with the Kansas Fire Prevention Code; applicability depends on the project and occupancy categories stated by the State Fire Marshal)

    “Because Kansas is a home rule state, the responsibility for adoption and enforcement of building energy codes lies with local jurisdictions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Kansas statewide building-code adoption authority as specifically addressed by the state energy-efficiency statute.
      “The International Energy Conservation Code 2006 (IECC 2006) is hereby adopted as the applicable energy efficiency standard for new commercial and industrial structures in this state.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Buildings and property owned by the State of Kansas undergoing construction or covered repairs, improvements, or occupancy changes.

    • DCC conducts the building construction inspections for buildings and property owned by the State of Kansas.
    • Healthcare and childcare occupancies and Board of Regents capital-improvement projects require joint or additional OSFM inspection as described in the manual.
    • Required code inspections are tied to issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
    “The Department of Administration - Office of Facilities Management - Design, Construction & Compliance conducts building construction inspections on buildings and property owned by the State of Kansas.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building construction inspections for buildings and property owned by the State of Kansas.
      “The Department of Administration - Office of Facilities Management - Design, Construction & Compliance conducts building construction inspections on buildings and property owned by the State of Kansas.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Any portion of a State of Kansas-owned building that has been in construction or has a change in occupancy, under the Department of Administration DCC process.

    • Form 150 is issued before occupancy of any portion of a building that has been in construction or has a change in occupancy.
    • Healthcare and childcare occupancies and Board of Regents capital-improvement projects require OSFM participation in construction inspections before authorization or acceptance of occupancy.
    • The manual states that failure to submit the occupancy request and schedule required inspections results in denial of occupancy.

    certificate form: Form 150 - Certificate of Occupancy

    “Form 150 - Certificate of Occupancy will be issued by DCC prior to occupancy of any portion of a building that has been in construction or has a change in occupancy. For Healthcare and Childcare Occupancies and Capital Improvement Projects for the Board of Regents, OSFM will perform construction inspections prior to authorization/acceptance of occupancy.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Kansas cities and counties that adopt zoning regulations under K.S.A. 12-753

    • The statute authorizes, but does not require, each city or county to adopt zoning regulations.
    • A governing body may divide territory into districts of different number, shape, area, and classes according to land and building use and intensity.
    • Adopted regulations may regulate building height, stories, size, lot coverage, yards, open space, population density, land uses, natural-resource conservation, floodplain land, and setbacks from streets or highways.
    • District boundaries must be defined in the regulations or by an incorporated official map.
    • County zoning maps must be marked as the official copy incorporated by board-of-county-commissioners resolution and filed with the county clerk or another designated public office.
    • City zoning maps must be marked as the official copy incorporated by governing-body ordinance and filed with the city clerk or another designated public office.
    • The regulations and accompanying maps are public records.
    • The section became effective on and after January 1, 1992.

    effective date: 1992-01-01

    “The governing body may divide the territory subject to its jurisdiction into districts of such number, shape, area and of such different classes”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Kansas statutory framework governing zoning districts adopted by cities and counties; this does not publish the actual district maps or classifications for each local jurisdiction.
      “The governing body may divide the territory subject to its jurisdiction into districts of such number, shape, area and of such different classes”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Kansas county zoning regulations for unincorporated urban areas and municipal zoning regulations adopted under Kansas planning and zoning statutes.

    • Actual minimum dimensions or area are set by the applicable local zoning classification, if adopted.
    • County urban-area regulations must be uniform within each zoning classification, but may differ between classifications.
    • No statewide numeric minimum lot area was identified.

    minimum lot dimensions or area: local zoning classification

    “the density of population, including minimum width, depth and area of lots”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building setbacks and yard or open-space requirements established by applicable Kansas municipal or county zoning regulations.

    • Actual setback distances are determined by the applicable local zoning classification or applicable highway/street setback resolution.
    • Agricultural buildings may still be regulated for setbacks from public roads under K.S.A. 19-2960.
    • No statewide numeric setback distance was identified.

    yard, court, open-space, or street/highway setback: local regulation

    “the size of yards, courts and other open spaces”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Percentage of a lot that may be occupied under applicable Kansas municipal or county zoning regulations.

    • Actual lot-coverage percentage is set by the applicable local zoning classification, if adopted.
    • No statewide numeric lot-coverage percentage was identified.

    maximum percentage of lot occupied: local zoning classification percent

    “the percentage of lots that may be occupied”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building height and number-of-stories restrictions established by applicable Kansas municipal or county zoning regulations.

    • Actual height or story limits are set by the applicable local zoning classification, if adopted.
    • No statewide numeric building-height limit was identified.

    maximum building height or stories: local zoning classification

    “restrict and regulate the height, number of stories and size of buildings”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

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

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

    Domestic onsite wastewater systems statewide in Kansas, including septic tanks, soil absorption fields, lagoons, and approved alternative systems.

    • KDHE establishes statewide minimum standards under K.A.R. 28-5-6 to 9 and Bulletin 4-2.
    • Local governments may adopt stricter sanitary or environmental codes, approve plans, issue construction and operating permits, and grant variances.
    • Sanitary codes are usually administered through county health departments.
    • Where no local code exists, landowners must comply with K.A.R. 28-5-6 to 9 and the statewide minimum standards.
    “Local governments have the authority to adopt minimum requirements (codes) for onsite wastewater management systems, to approve individual plans, to issue permits for construction, to issue permits for operation, and to grant variances. 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.”
  • 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 — Domestic wastewater disposal, including off-grid systems, in Clark County under statewide Kansas requirements.
      “K.A.R. 28-5-6 stipulates that all domestic wastewater shall be discharged to an approved sewage collection system or an approved lagoon, septic system, or alternative system. [...] Seepage pits, cesspools, and dry wells (rat holes) are not permitted.”
  • Well permitLimited

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

    • Many counties require water-well permits, and some cities do as well; the KDHE page reports that 68 counties had responded to its January 2026 poll.
    • A well may also need a Division of Water Resources permit, Class V Authorization, Public Water Supplies permit, or another authorization depending on the well.
    • Kansas requires well logs for all water-well construction, reconstruction, and plugging statewide.
    “Many counties in Kansas require a permit for water wells. Even some cities have permitting requirements. Please look below to see if you need a permit for your well. 68 counties have responded so far, counties not shown below did not respond to our poll. The poll was sent in January of 2026, and will be updated annually.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Private onsite sewerage facilities serving domestic wastewater in Kansas.

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

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

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

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

    “regulations adopted by a city pursuant to K.S.A. 12-715b, and amendments thereto, or a county pursuant to this act shall not apply”
  • Subdividing landLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

    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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development in special flood hazard areas under Kansas local floodplain-management ordinances based on the Kansas Department of Agriculture model ordinance.
      “In all areas covered by this ordinance, no development shall be permitted except through the issuance of a floodplain development permit”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

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

    “During such period, all completed applications to a municipality [...] shall be processed by the municipality [...] within 15 calendar days.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Permits, licenses, and other activities under county sanitary codes statewide in Kansas.

    • County commissioners may adopt reasonable fees through sanitary codes.
    • The statute does not establish a single statewide fee amount.

    fee amount: county sanitary code dependent

    “Each sanitary code may provide for permits, licenses and fees.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — KDHE air-quality construction approval applications statewide in Kansas.
      “there is a $750 fee for each construction approval application.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    KDHE air-quality construction permits or approvals for projects whose potential-to-emit increase exceeds applicable regulatory thresholds.

    • A construction permit or approval must be issued before beginning actual construction or modification when the project exceeds the applicable potential-to-emit thresholds.
    • Land may be cleared, contracts made, and equipment purchased and stored before issuance.
    • Foundation work is considered beginning actual construction and must wait until issuance.
    • Equipment whose emissions contribute to the permitting requirement may not be permanently affixed or installed before issuance.
    • Pre-issuance activity is conducted at the owner or operator's financial risk.
    “foundation work is considered to be "beginning actual construction" and must wait until after issuance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Domestic septic tank and lateral-field systems and related onsite wastewater controls in Kansas.
      “Unless otherwise provided by the board of county commissioners, the local health department shall have the authority and responsibility for administering all sanitary codes.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions in unincorporated Clark County.
  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning authority in Clark County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Clark County municipalities and townships.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Clark County.
  • Living in an RV — Residential or long-term RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Clark County.
4 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection

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 Clark County, Kansas

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

Clark County scores 38/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,730 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (23″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Clark County generally requires a residential building permit. Onsite septic is permitted by Clark County Health Department - Clark County Environmental Code (adopted October 2001). 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 Clark County, Kansas?

Land in Clark County runs about $1,288 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Clark County?

Clark County gets about 23" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 38% of years.

How remote is Clark County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,730 people within 15 miles and 319,335 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Clark compares in Kansas

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