Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Plains, Kansas

Plains’s own rules

• Building permitRequired

  Erecting, enlarging, relocating or remodeling any building or structure inside Plains city

  • Permit is obtained from the city clerk after approval by the chief building official.
  • The city page says permits are also required for fences, concrete/flatwork and accessory buildings, and that the planning commission and zoning administrator must approve before work starts.
  • The city page says submit at least two weeks before work and that some ordinances are being updated.

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

• Owner-builder exemptionConditional

  Owners building on their own residence inside Plains city

  • Owner must satisfy the inspector of their ability, secure a permit, pay fees, and obtain inspection and a certificate of approval.
  • Work must be by the owner, without compensation, with help only from a licensed builder or contractor.
  • This is not an exemption from permits.

  “the owner shall satisfy the building inspector as to his or her ability to perform such work, secure a permit, pay required fees, and apply for an inspection and receive a certificate of approval.”

• Building code adoptedAdopted

  Buildings and structures inside Plains city

  • The code adopts the 2012 edition of the International Building Code.
  • The city code also incorporates separate electrical and plumbing codes (not opened).

  code edition: International Building Code 2012

  “the international building code, 2012 edition, as recommended by the international conference of building officials, such code being made as a part of the ordinances and code of the city”

• InspectionsRequired

  Building construction work under a permit inside Plains city

  • Inspection fee amounts are blank in the code text.
  • The building official position is left blank in the code text.

  “upon the completion of any building construction work, it shall be the duty of the person doing such work to notify the building inspector and request that it be inspected”

• Certificate of occupancyLimited

  Completed work under a building permit inside Plains city

  • The code says the official is authorized to issue a certificate of approval for occupancy and use; it does not use mandatory language for occupancy.

  “the chief building official, the building inspector or his or her designee is authorized to issue a certificate of approval for the occupancy and use of the building or structure.”

• Local zoningPresent

  Land inside Plains city limits

  • Zoning regulations are incorporated by reference from Ordinance Nos. 517a, 529 and 530; the full text was not opened.

  “there are hereby incorporated by reference as if set out fully herein, the zoning regulations adopted by the governing body of the city of plains, kansas, as prepared by the city and consisting of ordinance nos. 517a, 529 and 530”

• Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionNot available (with conditions)

  Accessory buildings inside Plains city

  • The city page states permits are required with no exceptions, including accessory buildings.

  “the city of plains requires permits for all new construction, repairs, additions, moved in structures, fences, concrete/flatwork, and accessory buildings. this requirement applies even when replacing an existing structure in the same spot. no exceptions.”

• Permit processPublished

  Building permits inside Plains city

  • Forms are at plains.krwa.net/docs or city hall; the city says it is updating some ordinances.

  advance submission: >= 2 weeks

  “permits should be submitted at least two weeks before you plan to begin any work.”

Still unanswered

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

• Zoning districts — Zoning districts inside Plains city
• Minimum dwelling size — Dwellings inside Plains city
• Minimum lot size — Residential lots inside Plains city
• Setbacks — Residential districts inside Plains city
• Lot coverage — Residential districts inside Plains city

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.