Building permits, zoning and land rules in Grant County, Kansas
41Index Score / 100 #90 of 105 in Kansas
Grant County, Kansas does not publish a confirmed residential building-permit rule for land outside the City of Ulysses jurisdiction, so ask the county before building1. Ulysses requires permits within its three-mile jurisdiction, including for new buildings, roofed additions, mobile homes, garages, sheds, fences and remodeling2. Septic systems in unincorporated Grant County are governed by the county Environmental Code3.
At a glance
Building permit
Required in the Ulysses three-mile jurisdiction; unconfirmed elsewhere21
Zoning
Ulysses zoning is confirmed; current county boundaries are unconfirmed45
Septic permits
Required countywide; the county code covers unincorporated land36
Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.
Do you need a building permit in Grant County, Kansas?
Grant County has not published a rule confirming whether an ordinary home outside the Ulysses jurisdiction needs a residential building permit; the county departments page alone cannot answer that question1. Within the City of Ulysses three-mile jurisdiction, permits are required for new buildings, structures, roofed additions, mobile homes, basements, garages, sheds, fences, repairs and remodeling2. The Ulysses permit carries a $50 base fee plus $0.15 per square foot, and construction needs a reviewed drawing and site plan before work begins2. Before relying on an unincorporated address, confirm the parcel's jurisdiction with the City of Ulysses Building & Inspections Department and ask the Grant County Clerk whether a separate county rule applies61.
Who issues building and septic permits in Grant County?
The City of Ulysses Building & Inspections Department is the permit office for covered construction in the Ulysses three-mile jurisdiction26. The same office says septic systems throughout Grant County require permits and directs anyone installing or replacing a system to contact it before construction starts6. For unincorporated land, the Grant County Environmental Code makes the County Inspector the administrative agency for onsite wastewater, while the Health Department is the county contact to ask how that inspection is arranged311. Grant County Public Works is the contact for access or road-crossing questions involving a county road12. A driveway connecting to a state highway requires a separate Kansas Department of Transportation permit13.
Does Grant County have zoning?
Grant County's zoning answer is not a simple yes or no. Official county minutes say the commissioners adopted zoning regulations effective January 1, 2003, but the available official material does not establish that those rules currently cover every unincorporated parcel4. Ulysses has its own zoning districts and map, and joint subdivision regulations cover the city plus land within three miles of the nearest city limit54. Kansas law allows locally adopted zoning to control lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and building height, but no current Grant County standards for those topics could be confirmed14151617. Agricultural land uses and agricultural buildings receive a statewide county-zoning exemption while used for agriculture, but floodplain rules remain an exception9.
How do septic permits work in Grant County?
Grant County requires permits for new and replacement septic systems, and the City of Ulysses Building & Inspections Department tells applicants to contact its office before construction begins6. In unincorporated Grant County, the county Environmental Code applies to onsite wastewater and designates the County Inspector as the administrative agency3. Kansas minimum standards prohibit seepage pits, cesspools, dry wells and surface discharge from a private system18. About 42.9% of Grant County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making parcel-level evaluation essential19. Ask the permit office who will inspect the proposed site and what application, soil evaluation and final inspection the parcel requires6.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Grant County?
Grant County has no confirmed countywide rule for living in an RV or occupying a tiny home outside the Ulysses jurisdiction, so the County Clerk should confirm the current rule for a specific parcel4. Within the Ulysses zoning jurisdiction, recreational equipment generally cannot be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping on a residential lot or another unapproved location7. Relatives may stay in that equipment for up to two weeks with a City Hall permit, renew once for another two weeks, and then face a six-month wait before another permit7. Ulysses separately regulates manufactured homes in its M-H district, including permanent foundations, minimum dimensions and parcel standards; that rule does not answer tiny-home occupancy elsewhere20.
How do you build a home in Grant County, step by step?
Ask the City of Ulysses Building & Inspections Department whether the parcel falls within its three-mile jurisdiction; covered work there needs a permit and approved site plan before construction26.
Outside that jurisdiction, ask the Grant County Clerk to confirm current building and zoning rules because the countywide answers remain unconfirmed14.
Contact the Ulysses permit office before installing or replacing septic, then confirm the County Inspector's site-review process63.
Ask Grant County Public Works about county-road access, or obtain a state permit for access from a state highway1213.
For regulated work in a mapped floodplain or designated stream, use the Kansas stream-and-floodplain permit process in addition to local approvals2122.
What should you check before buying land in Grant County?
Confirm jurisdiction first: a parcel near Ulysses may fall within the city's three-mile permit area even when its mailing address appears rural2. Water deserves equal attention because Grant County averages 18.1 inches of precipitation and experiences severe drought in 46.8% of years2324. Grant County's private-well permit requirement could not be confirmed, so ask the Health Department about current well and septic procedures before treating a tract as buildable1011. The terrain is overwhelmingly gentle, with 100% of land at a slope of 15% or less, but only 0.5% is wooded, so budget for wind exposure and shelter2526. Typical effective property tax is about 1.3%, with a median annual bill near $1,9112728.
Watch-outs
Do not treat the county's lack of a listed building department as proof that no permit applies; the residential rule outside the Ulysses jurisdiction remains unconfirmed1.
Grant County adopted zoning regulations effective January 1, 2003, but current official material does not establish their complete geographic reach4.
The Ulysses three-mile jurisdiction can affect land beyond the city limits, so verify the parcel before planning construction or RV occupancy27.
Written September 27, 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.
Grant County highlighted among the Kansas counties · colored by Index score
How Grant County scores
Seclusion87100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1492% ev.
Admin Boringness8290% ev.
Durability32100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost7496% ev.
Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
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Answers from the rulebook for Grant County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Grant County rules
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate local zoning in Grant County, including the City of Ulysses and the defined unincorporated area within three miles of Ulysses; this is an aggregate county claim and does not mean Grant County administers every local ordinance.
The official zoning regulations apply to the City of Ulysses and the three-mile area outside the city limits, not expressly to all Grant County.
The zoning manual is identified as Edition 2003 and is incorporated by reference through Ordinance No. 1110.
The zoning district map and its notations are part of the ordinance; copies are on file with the Ulysses City Clerk.
A separate official county source records an amendment to the official zoning district map of the Ulysses-Grant County metropolitan area.
“For the purpose of regulating the use and subdivision of land in the city and the three-mile area, there is hereby incorporated by reference “Zoning Regulations”, Edition 2003, a manual consisting of a zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations as prepared and printed by the city.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning situation in Grant County, including municipal zoning and zoning regulations adopted or administered through the Ulysses-Grant County area; the conclusion does not mean Grant County administers every local ordinance.
“The purpose of these regulations is to recognize the subdivision of land as the initial step of development and urbanization and is intended to provide for the harmonious development of the City and adjacent area of the County”
Present (with conditions) — The defined unincorporated Grant County area lying outside Ulysses but within three miles of the nearest point of the Ulysses city limits.
“For the purpose of regulating the use and subdivision of land in the city and the three-mile area, there is hereby incorporated by reference “Zoning Regulations”, Edition 2003, a manual consisting of a zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations as prepared and printed by the city.”
Who permits septicCounty
Onsite wastewater systems in unincorporated Grant County.
The Grant County Environmental Code states that its onsite-wastewater chapter applies to all unincorporated areas of Grant County.
The code designates the County Inspector as the Grant County administrative agency.
“The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all unincorporated areas located in Grant County, Kansas.”
County-wide zoningAbsent
No county zoning or planning department is listed among Grant County departments; land-use zoning applies only within the City of Ulysses.
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.”
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.”
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) — Use of land for agricultural purposes and erection or maintenance of agricultural buildings under county zoning regulations, including in Grant County, Kansas.
“regulations adopted pursuant to this act shall not apply to the use of land for agricultural purposes, nor for the erection or maintenance of 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
Construction or alteration of a driveway connecting to the Kansas state highway system.
The requirement applies to driveways onto the state highway system.
No work may be performed on state highway right-of-way until an approved highway permit agreement is received.
Driveways connecting only to local roads are outside the cited rule's stated scope.
“Individuals desiring to construct or alter a driveway onto the state highway system shall be required to obtain a permit.”
Building in a floodplainLimited
Statewide Kansas framework governing locally adopted floodplain zones, districts, and floodplain development regulations
A local governing body may establish floodplain zones and districts; the statute does not itself impose one uniform permit requirement on every development statewide.
Any floodplain regulations must comply with the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and rules adopted under it.
Before adoption, a local ordinance, resolution, regulation, or plan creating or changing a floodplain zone or district, or regulating structures, encroachments, or land uses in the area, must be submitted to the chief engineer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Water Resources.
The chief engineer may require complete maps, plans, profiles, specifications, and textual matter; approval or disapproval is due within 90 days after receipt of all required data, and failure to act within that period results in deemed approval.
Under K.A.R. 5-44-4, local floodplain zoning regulations must identify flood hazard areas by a specific map, meet or exceed federal minimum requirements, meet or exceed applicable chief-engineer requirements, and designate a local floodplain administrator responsible for reviewing and issuing floodplain development permits.
K.A.R. 5-44-1 states that its definitions apply in administering K.S.A. 12-766; its listed effective dates are January 1, 1992 and February 17, 1992.
chief engineer review period: 90 days (After receipt of all data required by the chief engineer; failure to approve or disapprove within the period results in deemed approval.) · flood threshold referenced by K.S.A. 12-766: 1% annual chance (The governing body may restrict application to lands adjacent to watercourses subject to floods of a lesser magnitude than that having a one-percent chance occurrence in any one year.)
“The governing body may establish flood plain zones and districts and restrict the use of land therein”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Regulated levee and regulated floodplain-fill projects in Grant County located within the floodplain of a designated stream or FEMA-designated floodplain, plus other listed stream and dam projects covered by the Kansas Water Structures program.
“Construction, modification or repair of a regulated levee within the floodplain of a designated stream or FEMA-designated floodplain [...] Placement of a regulated floodplain fill within the floodplain of a designated stream or FEMA-designated floodplain”
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)
Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources stream and floodplain permits applicable to qualifying projects in Grant County.
The applicant must use application form 2-200 for every project.
A general permit worksheet is used for bridge or culvert replacement and buried pipeline or cable projects when applicable.
Applicants must use the appropriate checklist, including the Floodplain Fills Checklist when placing fill in the floodplain.
Other permits may be required, including permits from county or local government, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, KDHE, and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
base application: Application form 2-200
“Application form 2-200 - use for every project [...] In addition to our application, fill out this worksheet to see if you qualify for our general permit process. It is open to bridge/culvert replacement or buried pipeline/cable projects. [...] Floodplain Fills Checklist - use when placing fill in the floodplain.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Published (with conditions) — KDHE air-quality construction permits or approvals for projects whose potential-to-emit increase exceeds applicable regulatory thresholds.
“foundation work is considered to be "beginning actual construction" and must wait until after issuance.”
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.”
Inside cities and towns in Grant County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building permitRequired
Residents and covered construction within the City of Ulysses three-mile jurisdiction in Grant County, Kansas.
The City page states that all residents within the three-mile jurisdiction must obtain permits.
Permits are required for erecting or constructing any new building, structure, or addition with a roof; placing a mobile home; constructing basements, garages, sheds, or fences; repairing or remodeling projects; and certain demolitions.
A drawing and site plan must be reviewed and approved by the Building Official before construction starts.
Building permits have a base fee of $50.00 plus $0.15 per square foot; remodels are based on value at $3.00 per thousand over $10,000 with a minimum fee of $50.00.
The ordinance states that work started before obtaining a permit is subject to a double fee, permits are void in six months if work has not commenced, and void in one year if work has not been completed.
base building permit fee: 50 USD (plus $0.15 per square foot of building) · remodel minimum fee: 50 USD (remodels based on value at $3.00 per thousand over $10,000) · pre-permit work fee multiplier: 2 times regular fee (work in progress before obtaining a permit) · permit commencement deadline: 6 months (permit void if work has not commenced) · permit completion deadline: 1 year (permit void if work has not been completed)
“All residents within the three mile jurisdiction are required to obtain permits. Building permits are required when erecting or constructing any new building, structure or addition with a roof or placement of a mobile home, including basements, garages, sheds and fences. Also, for repairing or remodeling projects.”
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
An owner applying for a building permit in the City of Ulysses jurisdiction in Grant County, Kansas.
The owner may sign the building-permit application.
A permit may be issued to the owner only upon satisfactory evidence that all described work will be performed solely by the owner.
The proposed work must not be performed by an independent contractor or contractors otherwise required to be licensed.
The ordinance does not waive the underlying building-permit requirement.
“A building permit may be issued to the owner upon satisfactory evidence that all described work will be performed solely by the owner and that the proposed work will not be performed by an independent contractor or contractors otherwise required to be licensed.”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Construction within the City of Ulysses, Grant County, Kansas.
The City of Ulysses page identifies the adopting body as the Ulysses City Council.
The listed codes are municipal adoptions and do not establish countywide adoption outside Ulysses.
The Ulysses building-inspections page states that residents within the three-mile jurisdiction must obtain permits and that permits cover new buildings, structures, additions with roofs, mobile homes, basements, garages, sheds, fences, repairs, remodeling, and specified demolitions.
building code edition: 2018 International Building Code · residential code edition: 2018 Residential Building Code · electrical code edition: NFPA 70: National Electric Code 2017 · mechanical code edition: 2018 International Mechanical Code · plumbing code edition: 2018 International Plumbing Code · fuel gas code edition: 2018 International Fuel Gas Code · property maintenance code edition: 2018 International Property Maintenance Code · pool and spa code edition: 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code · fire code edition: 2018 International Fire Code
“The following codes have been adopted by the Ulysses City Council:”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code regulation administered by the City of Ulysses, Kansas.
“The following codes have been adopted by the Ulysses City Council: 2018 International Building Code”
Adopted (with conditions) — Building regulation within the City of Ulysses, Grant County, Kansas.
“The following codes have been adopted by the Ulysses City Council: 2018 International Building Code 2018 Residential Building Code NFPA 70: National Electric Code 2017”
InspectionsLimited
Covered construction and manufactured or modular housing within the City of Ulysses jurisdiction in Grant County, Kansas.
For manufactured homes, an inspector must make required inspections for utility hookups, foundation, and tie-downs.
Factory-fabricated modular units must be inspected by a third-party inspector approved by the Building Official and have a seal of approval.
Other modular units must receive inspection to ensure compliance with current Building Codes and Zoning Regulations under terms required by the Building Official.
The number of inspections for a project is determined by the Building Official at application.
The ordinance identifies failure to obtain required inspections as a basis for contractor-license suspension or revocation.
“An inspector shall make the required inspections for all utility hook ups, foundation and/or tie downs.”
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Projects within the City of Ulysses jurisdiction for which the ordinance requires an elevation certificate before issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
When applicable, a FEMA National Flood Insurance Program elevation certificate must be filed with the Building Official before issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
The source does not establish a universal certificate-of-occupancy requirement for every residential project.
“When applicable, an elevation certificate, as provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency National Flood Insurance Program, shall be filed with the building official prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land-use zoning within the City of Ulysses, Kansas.
The ordinance incorporates the Edition 2003 Zoning Regulations manual by reference.
The zoning jurisdiction is divided into named districts, including agriculture, residential, commercial, industrial, floodplain, water-quality, airport-height, planned-unit-development, and manufactured-housing districts.
Zoning district boundaries are shown on the official zoning map maintained by the City Clerk.
“In order to classify, regulate, and restrict the location of trades, industries, residential uses, and other uses; the location of buildings designed for specified uses; to regulate and limit the height and bulk of buildings; to regulate and limit the intensity of the use of lots; to regulate and determine the area of yards and other open spaces surrounding buildings; and to regulate and restrict the density of population, the Ulysses Zoning Jurisdiction is divided into districts designated as follows:”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Land within the City of Ulysses zoning jurisdiction in Grant County, Kansas.
“The Ulysses Zoning Jurisdiction is divided into districts designated as follows:”
Present (with conditions) — Land within the City of Ulysses, Grant County, Kansas.
“These Regulations shall apply to all structures and land within the incorporated area of the City of Ulysses, Kansas, plus such unincorporated areas as may be added to the zoning jurisdiction by ordinance.”
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
Zoning districts within the City of Ulysses, which is located in Grant County; this claim does not apply to unincorporated Grant County.
The zoning district boundaries are shown on the City of Ulysses Zoning Map.
The zoning maps and their notations and references are part of the ordinance and have the same force and effect as if fully set forth in the ordinance.
Copies of the zoning maps are on file with the City Clerk of Ulysses.
Territory annexed to the city is annexed as R-1 Single-Family Dwelling District until otherwise established by ordinance.
“the Ulysses Zoning Jurisdiction is divided into districts designated as follows: [...] SECTION 2: ZONING DISTRICT MAP: The boundaries of the zoning districts are shown on the maps and/or sections thereof attached hereto and made a part of this Ordinance”
Living in an RVLimited
Recreational vehicles and similar major recreational equipment parked on residential lots or in other locations within the City of Ulysses zoning jurisdiction.
The equipment may not be used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping when parked on a residential lot or in any location not approved for that use.
Relatives may use the equipment for no more than two weeks with a permit obtained at City Hall.
The permit may be renewed for another two weeks.
After that, a permit may not be issued until a six-month period has passed.
maximum relative-occupancy period per permit: 2 weeks (permit required) · maximum renewal period: 2 weeks (permit may be renewed) · waiting period after permitted use: 6 months (before another permit may be issued)
“No such recreational equipment shall be utilized for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes when parked on a residential lot or in any location not approved for such use. Relatives allowed a maximum of no more than 2 (two) weeks with permit, obtained at City Hall. Permit maybe renewed for another 2 (two) weeks. After that, a permit shall not be issued until a 6 (six) month period has passed.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured homes in the City of Ulysses zoning jurisdiction, specifically the M-H Manufactured Housing District, within Grant County, Kansas.
Manufactured homes are listed as an allowed use for single-family occupancy and residential design in the M-H district.
The M-H district requires permanent foundations; other types of support systems are not permitted.
No manufactured home may be placed on a lot with less than 5,500 square feet; maximum principal-building lot coverage is 40%.
Front yards on collector streets follow Article XIV; otherwise the front yard must be at least 25 feet.
Except as otherwise provided in Article XIV, each side yard must be at least 6 feet and the rear yard must be at least 25 feet.
Each manufactured home must be at least 10 feet wide and contain at least 450 square feet.
Fencing must comply with City of Ulysses fence regulations.
Utility connections must conform to City and County codes.
Manufactured homes must be secured to the foundation with tie-downs and ground anchors under K.S.A. 75-1211 to 75-1234.
A manufactured-home subdivision tract must be at least 5 acres and must be platted under the Subdivision Regulations.
Proof of the manufactured home's year must be provided before permits are issued.
For individually owned lots, the space below the unit must be skirted, blocked, or screened with solid weather-resistant materials finished to conform with the exterior.
Each unit must be an independent dwelling connected to all available utilities and must have adequate anchors and tie-downs.
Siting must preserve the neighborhood's visual character and include landscaping, other site improvements, and off-street parking.
Each home must bear a certification plate under the National Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, 47 U.S.C. 5401 et seq., as amended.
A manufactured home older than 25 years may not be moved into the Ulysses zoning jurisdiction; proof of year is required before permits are issued.
The ordinance cross-references Article XIV for certain yard regulations and the City fence, utility, and subdivision regulations.
minimum manufactured-home width: >= 10 feet · minimum manufactured-home area: >= 450 square feet · minimum lot area: >= 5500 square feet · maximum principal-building lot coverage: <= 40 percent · front yard where Article XIV does not provide otherwise: >= 25 feet (Article XIV may provide otherwise on collector streets or other covered cases) · side yard where Article XIV does not provide otherwise: >= 6 feet (Article XIV may provide otherwise) · rear yard where Article XIV does not provide otherwise: >= 25 feet (Article XIV may provide otherwise) · minimum manufactured-home subdivision tract: >= 5 acres · maximum age for moving a manufactured home into Ulysses zoning jurisdiction: <= 25 years
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Grant County, Kansas.
Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Grant County, including unincorporated areas.
Tiny homes — Occupancy of tiny homes in Grant County, including unincorporated areas and the City of Ulysses where separately regulated.
Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in Grant County, including unincorporated areas and the City of Ulysses where separately regulated.
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.
Water rights & wells in Grant County
Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Kansas’s water agency.
Over-appropriated / declining
The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.
Household wellExempt — no permit or water right
Domestic use is statutorily exempt from the Kansas Water Appropriation Act, so a homeowner needs no state water right to drill a household well even inside a closed groundwater management district; only local/KDHE well-construction permitting applies.
Limit: Domestic use (household + livestock + ≤2 acres lawn/garden) requires no state appropriation permit
Prior-appropriation state (first in time, first in right). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Kansas state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.
Living off-grid in Grant County, Kansas
Is Grant County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Grant County scores 41/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 599 people within a 30-minute drive and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.1″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.
Do you need a building permit in Grant County, Kansas?
Grant 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 Grant County Health Department (Grant County Environmental Code, adopted October 1992). 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 Grant County, Kansas?
Land in Grant County runs about $1,711 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Grant County?
Grant County gets about 18.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 46.8% of years. On water rights, Grant County lies in the Southwest Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 3 (GMD3) — Closed to essentially all new Ogallala appropriations; a new large user must buy and transfer an existing water right. Domestic use remains exempt..
How remote is Grant County?
A representative private-land location has about 599 people within a 30-minute drive and 158,300 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in Grant County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
