Sherman County, KS: No Building Permit

Unincorporated Sherman County, Kansas does not appear to require a general building permit, but we could not confirm that in a current county permit rule¹. Zoning does exist in the county: official zoning maps and ordinances cover Sherman County, Goodland and Kanorado, though we could not find the county's own zoning map online². Septic is separate: the county sanitary code requires notice before a private wastewater system is built or modified³.

At a glance

Building permit: Not documented for unincorporated land; the City of Goodland requires permits for structural, electrical, plumbing and HVAC work^1,4
Building code: State inventory lists no county code; cities may differ¹
Zoning: Yes: the county, Goodland and Kanorado each have zoning records; ask the County Clerk for the parcel's district²
Septic: County sanitary code applies; notify the authorized representative before work³
Water well: Local permit requirement not confirmed; Kansas requires well logs⁵

Who to call

Septic permits

Sherman County Health Department

County health department contact for Sherman County sanitary-code and private-wastewater questions

785-890-4888

1622 Broadway Ave, Goodland, KS 67735

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

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

A general building permit does not appear to be required in unincorporated Sherman County, but we could not confirm that answer in a current county permit rule.

A general building permit does not appear to be required in unincorporated Sherman County, but we could not confirm that answer in a current county permit rule¹. A state inventory based on data collected in 2016 listed Sherman County as having no building codes at that time and warned that incorporated cities may adopt their own codes¹.

Treat the building-code entry as a starting point, not as proof that every project is permit-free. Sherman County's septic notification and approval requirements still apply to private wastewater work³. New commercial and industrial structures are also subject to Kansas's adopted energy-efficiency standard⁶. Inside the City of Goodland the answer is different: the city says structural, electrical, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning work would normally require a permit⁴. Ask the County Clerk to confirm the current rule for the exact parcel and project, especially if the land is inside a city or close to municipal limits.

Who handles building permits in Sherman County?

We could not confirm a Sherman County building department, building inspector or online building-permit search for unincorporated land.

We could not confirm a Sherman County building department, building inspector or online building-permit search for unincorporated land. No general county permit program is documented in the available official material¹. Kansas law allows counties to adopt building codes for all unincorporated territory or for specified territory near a city, so the answer can change if Sherman County adopts a resolution⁷.

Inside Goodland, the city's building inspection office issues building permits, with fees starting at $15 for residential fences, residential roofing and projects valued at $1 to $500⁸. Septic is not a city matter: the Sherman County sanitary code covers private wastewater systems, handled through the county's authorized representative³. Start with the Sherman County Clerk and ask for any current building-code, zoning, subdivision or floodplain resolution that covers the parcel. For wastewater, contact the Sherman County Health Department at 785-890-4888⁹. State-owned buildings follow a separate Kansas inspection process, which should not be mistaken for the process on ordinary private rural property¹⁰.

Does Sherman County have zoning?

Yes, zoning exists in Sherman County.

Yes, zoning exists in Sherman County. The county's official records identify zoning maps, records, resolutions and ordinances of Sherman County and the cities of Goodland and Kanorado, and exclude cities that have not adopted zoning². Zoning is administered by whichever county or city covers the parcel, not uniformly by the county². We could not find a published county zoning map or district schedule for unincorporated land, so ask the County Clerk which district applies to the parcel. Kansas authorizes a county commission to adopt zoning for all or part of the unincorporated county, including rules for land use, building size, yards, lot coverage and minimum lot dimensions¹¹. Kansas does not create one statewide minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit; where local zoning exists, the applicable district controls those details^12,13.

Inside Goodland's R-2 residential district, a single-family lot must be at least 7,000 square feet¹⁴. That is a city rule and does not carry over to unincorporated land. Before relying on a seller's description of land as unrestricted, ask the County Clerk for the current resolution and official map for the parcel. Agricultural use can receive a zoning exemption under Kansas law, but the exemption lasts only while the land and buildings are used for agriculture, does not remove floodplain rules, and does not turn a dwelling into an agricultural building¹⁵.

How do septic permits work in Sherman County?

Sherman County administers a sanitary code for private wastewater systems through an authorized representative.

Sherman County administers a sanitary code for private wastewater systems through an authorized representative³. Notify the authorized representative before constructing or modifying a private wastewater system; seepage pits need prior plan approval, and new or modified systems need certification of approval and usage³. Contact the Sherman County Health Department at 785-890-4888 before designing the system or hiring an installer⁹.

A private system generally cannot be built, modified or used within 400 feet of an available public sewer unless the authorized representative finds connection infeasible and certifies the private system under the code³. No part of a private wastewater system may be placed in the FEMA-established 100-year floodplain, and the system must remain at least 100 feet from a public water-supply well or meet a greater current state separation³. About 89.4% of county soils are mapped without severe limits for a conventional drain field, but an individual site still needs review¹⁶.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Sherman County?

Goodland's RV park ordinance limits short-term occupancy to 30 days unless the Building Official approves, but that applies to RV parks inside the city, not to rural land.

Goodland's RV park ordinance limits short-term occupancy to 30 days unless the Building Official approves, but that applies to RV parks inside the city, not to rural land¹⁷. We could not confirm a Sherman County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy or accessory dwellings on private land. Ask the County Clerk about land-use and occupancy rules for the exact parcel, and ask the Sherman County Health Department how the proposed wastewater arrangement must comply with the sanitary code.

A tiny home or RV is not automatically exempt from wastewater requirements: domestic wastewater in Kansas must go to an approved septic system, lagoon, alternative system or permitted treatment plant, and a private onsite system cannot discharge at the surface¹⁸. Manufactured homes remain subject to applicable city or county zoning, although Kansas does not allow a governing body to exclude manufactured homes from its entire zoning jurisdiction¹⁹. Do not assume that the absence of a confirmed county zoning map answers where or how a particular unit may be occupied.

Building a home in Sherman County: what are the steps?

Ask the Sherman County Clerk to identify any current building-code, zoning, subdivision and floodplain resolutions for the parcel; county zoning status and the local building-permit process could not be confirmed.

Ask the Sherman County Clerk to identify any current building-code, zoning, subdivision and floodplain resolutions for the parcel; county zoning status and the local building-permit process could not be confirmed^1,2.

If the parcel needs onsite wastewater, call the Sherman County Health Department at 785-890-4888 before design or excavation⁹. Sherman County requires notification before a private wastewater system is constructed or modified³.

Confirm water supply and well approvals; Kansas requires well logs statewide, while Sherman County's local well-permit requirement could not be confirmed⁵.

Confirm legal road access with the road owner; a new or altered driveway onto the Kansas state highway system requires a state permit²⁰.

Obtain written local answers before ordering a home, starting earthwork or scheduling contractors, because the available state inventory describes Sherman County's code status as of 2016¹.

What should you check before buying land in Sherman County?

Confirm the parcel's jurisdiction first, because incorporated municipalities may have building-code rules different from the county entry.

Confirm the parcel's jurisdiction first, because incorporated municipalities may have building-code rules different from the county entry¹. Ask the County Clerk for any zoning map, subdivision rules, floodplain controls, setbacks and road-access requirements; the current countywide answers could not be confirmed. For a state-highway entrance, obtain the required Kansas permit before working in the right-of-way²⁰.

For an onsite system, check the public-sewer distance and floodplain before treating a soil map as approval. Sherman County generally restricts private wastewater systems within 400 feet of an available public sewer and bars them from the FEMA-established 100-year floodplain, subject to the code's stated sewer exception³. The county averages 18.8 inches of precipitation a year and has experienced severe drought in 27.4% of years, making a dependable water plan especially relevant¹⁶. Farmland averages about $1,965 per acre, while the effective property-tax rate is about 1.6%; use parcel-specific records for an actual purchase¹⁶.

Watch-outs

A no-code entry from 2016 is not the same as a current written exemption from every building permit; ask the County Clerk for the latest resolution¹.
Sherman County requires notice before private wastewater construction or modification, even where a general building permit is not documented³.
A private wastewater system generally cannot sit within 400 feet of an available public sewer unless the sanitary-code exception is approved³.
RV, tiny-home, local well-permit, floodplain-permit and county driveway rules could not be confirmed; ask the County Clerk and Sherman County Health Department before purchase⁹.

Sources

20 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 10, 2026

Written October 10, 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.

Off-grid gear

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike all 6 of its neighbors, Sherman County has countywide zoning.

Rule	Sherman County	Wallace County	Cheyenne County	Thomas County	Logan County	Rawlins County	Greeley County
Building permit	Not required	Required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required
County zoning	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Septic permits	County Health Dept.	Wallace County	Cheyenne County	County Health Dept.	Logan County	Rawlins County	County Sanitary Code

Cities and towns in Sherman County

Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.

Not yet covered: Grant Township · Itasca Township · Kanorado · Llanos Township · Logan Township · McPherson Township · Stateline Township · Voltaire Township · Washington Township

Answers from the rulebook for Sherman County

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

Sherman County rules

Building code adoptedNot adopted
Sherman County as listed in the Kansas Corporation Commission building-code inventory.
- The inventory was based on data collected in June 2016.
- Incorporated municipalities may have separate building-code adoptions.
“181 Sherman County No building codes at this time”
2016 Updated Codes Spreadsheet ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent
Existing zoning classifications, zoning district boundaries, and land uses in Sherman County, excluding cities within Sherman County that have not adopted zoning plans and ordinances.
- The source identifies official zoning maps, records, resolutions, and ordinances of Sherman County and the cities of Goodland and Kanorado as controlling sources.
- Cities within Sherman County that have not adopted zoning plans and ordinances are excluded from the stated zoning coverage.
“The existing zoning classifications and zoning district boundaries and the existing land uses within the area included in the Plan (exclusive of those cities within the County of Sherman which have not adopted zoning plans and ordinances) are as set forth in the official zoning maps, records, resolutions and ordinances of the County of Sherman and the cities of Goodland and Kanorado.”
Sherman County Economic Development Neighborhood Revitalization Act Revitalization Plan ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate of local zoning within Sherman County, including county zoning and municipal zoning in Goodland and Kanorado, while excluding cities that have not adopted zoning plans and ordinances.
- Local zoning is administered by the applicable county or municipality rather than uniformly by Sherman County across every incorporated place.
- The source states that cities within Sherman County that have not adopted zoning plans and ordinances are excluded.
- Applicable classifications, district boundaries, and land uses must be checked in the official zoning maps, records, resolutions, and ordinances of the County of Sherman, Goodland, or Kanorado.
“The existing zoning classifications and zoning district boundaries and the existing land uses within the area included in the Plan (exclusive of those cities within the County of Sherman which have not adopted zoning plans and ordinances) are as set forth in the official zoning maps, records, resolutions and ordinances of the County of Sherman and the cities of Goodland and Kanorado.”
Sherman County Economic Development Neighborhood Revitalization Act Revitalization Plan ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)
Administration and enforcement of Sherman County's environmental/sanitary code for private wastewater systems.
- The code uses an authorized representative designated by the administrative agency.
- KDHE-approved administrative procedures and construction guidelines are used as a guide.
“Authorized Representative. Any person who is designated by the Administrative Agency to administer this code.”
The enclosed Sherman County Environmental Code has ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Septic permitLimited
Construction or modification of private wastewater systems in Sherman County.
- Notification to the authorized representative is required before construction or modification.
- Seepage pits require prior plan and specification approval.
- A certification of approval and usage is required for all private wastewater systems constructed or modified.
- The code states these requirements apply after the effective date of the chapter.
“No person shall construct or modify, or permit to be constructed or modified, any private wastewater system until the authorized representative has been notified.”
The enclosed Sherman County Environmental Code has ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Private wastewater systems used instead of public sewer in Sherman County.
- Private systems are subject to notification, approval, certification, and location restrictions.
- Private systems generally may not be used within 400 feet of an existing public sewer when the municipality or sanitation district agrees to provide service, subject to the code exception.
- Private systems may not be located in the FEMA-established 100-year flood plain.
- Private systems must be at least 100 feet from a public water supply well or the minimum distance required by current state regulations.
public-sewer separation: 400 feet (code exception for infeasibility and authorized-representative certification) · public-water-supply-well separation: >= 100 feet (or the minimum distance required by current state regulations)
“No portion of a private wastewater system shall be located within the 100 year flood plain, as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, of any stream, river, or water course.”
The enclosed Sherman County Environmental Code has ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Use of private wastewater systems where a public sewer is available in Sherman County.
- The municipality or sanitation district must agree to provide sewer service.
- The authorized representative must find that connection to the sewer is not feasible.
- The private wastewater system must meet the code requirements.
- The authorized representative must certify that use of the private system will not compromise the purpose of the code.
distance from existing public sewer: <= 400 feet (unless the listed feasibility and certification conditions are met)
“No private wastewater system shall be constructed, modified or used within 400 feet of an existing public sewer, if the municipality or sanitation district agrees to provide the sewer service, unless the authorized representative finds that connection to such a sewer is not feasible”
The enclosed Sherman County Environmental Code has ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

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 Design and Construction Manual, Part A, Chapter 5 – Code and Occupancy Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
An actual owner performing roofing services on the owner's own dwelling or another structure on residential or farm property owned by that person in Kansas, including Sherman County.
- The exemption is from the Kansas Roofing Contractor Registration Act only; it is not a general exemption from county or municipal construction, zoning, sanitation, or permit requirements.
- The actual owner must physically perform the roofing services, or have employees perform them.
- The work must be on the owner's own dwelling or another structure located on residential or farm property owned by that person.
- The work must be performed without assistance from a registered roofing contractor.
- The statute states that the exemption does not apply to a person who advertises or uses a sign, card, or other device indicating to the public that the person is a roofing contractor or qualified to conduct that business.
“An actual owner [...] who physically performs, or has employees who perform, roofing services [...] on such owner's own dwelling or another structure located on the residential”
K.S.A. 50-6,129 — Exemptions ↗Re-checked Nov 13, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available — An actual owner of commercial, residential, or farm property performing roofing services personally, or using employees to perform them, on the owner's own dwelling or another structure located on the residential or farm property owned by that person.
  “The roofing contractor registration act shall not apply to:(1) An actual owner of commercial, residential or farm property who physically performs, or has employees who perform, roofing services including, construction, installation, renovation, repair, maintenance, alteration, waterproofing or removal of materials or structures on such owner's own dwelling or another structure located on the residential or farm property owned by such person without the assistance of any registered roofing contractor;”
  K.S.A. 50-6,129. Exemptions ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
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.”
Inspection Information ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  Inspection Information ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
Building Design and Construction Manual, Part A, Chapter 5 – Code and Occupancy Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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”
2026 Kansas Statutes, K.S.A. 12-753: Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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”
  K.S.A. 12-753: Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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”
K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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”
K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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”
K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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”
K.S.A. 12-753 — Zoning regulations; districts; restrictions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Tiny homesLimited
New single-family residences under 2,500 sq ft of livable floor area on their own separate lot or parcel, including small site-built homes
- Applies only to new construction of single-family residences on their own separate lot or parcel with its own individual legal description.
- Livable floor area is total livable floor area, or gross floor area minus garages and basements.
- The political subdivision chooses which 2018 IRC option to use: the 2018 IRC, its previously adopted version of the 2018 IRC, or another subdivision's version of the 2018 IRC.
- Minimum lot size of 3,000 sq ft is subject to reasonable setback requirements that avoid unwarranted hardship yet protect the public welfare and safety.
- Applies to any county, city, unified government or other subdivision with authority to regulate new single-family construction.
- This section does not by itself address movable tiny houses on wheels or RV-type units.
maximum livable floor area: < 2500 sq ft (gross floor area minus garages and basements) · minimum residential lot size local must allow: 3000 sq ft (subject to reasonable setback requirements)
“for new construction of single-family residences that are less than 2,500 square feet of total livable floor area, or gross floor area minus garages and basements, in size, and are constructed on each such residence's own separate lot or parcel with its own individual legal description, all political subdivisions shall allow the following”
kslegislature.gov ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
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.”
K.S.A. 75-1218 — Exemption from construction codes; zoning ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Accessory dwellingsLimited
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) proposed as by-right housing developments under the By-Right Housing Development Act (SB 418, 2026), statewide
- Must comply with the zoning code and land use regulations that are already established (the Act does not create ADU design standards).
- By-right status excludes projects that require federal or state discharge permits or stormwater drainage studies.
- By-right status excludes projects that require public infrastructure extensions or improvements, unless the infrastructure is completed or is an agreed condition of approval.
- By-right status excludes projects that would increase impervious surface in a way that adversely affects drainage into a special flood hazard area.
- By-right status excludes projects located in a National Register historic district or otherwise subject to historic preservation review.
- Restrictive covenants and HOA or condominium association rules are not invalidated or limited.
- A complete application is deemed approved unless denied within 30 days of receipt (60 or 90 days where a subdivision plat is required).
- Denied applications are appealed under K.S.A. 12-760, with de novo court review.
- Effective from and after publication in the statute book; the bill page shows it signed by the governor. The specific publication date was not confirmed.
deemed approval period: 30 days (60 days if a subdivision plat is required; 90 days for a plat of more than 40 single-family homes)
“all proposed housing developments, including single-family homes, townhouses and accessory dwelling units (adus), that meet the definition of a by-right housing development pursuant to subsection (b)(2) and the criteria outlined in the zoning code and land use regulations shall be approved by-right, without the need for discretionary review or approval by planning commissions, zoning boards or other regulatory bodies.”
Kansas Senate Bill No. 418 (2026), enrolled – By-Right Housing Development Act ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Accessory dwelling units that qualify as by-right housing development under SB 418
  “all proposed housing developments, including single-family homes, townhouses and accessory dwelling units (adus), that meet the definition of a by-right housing development pursuant to subsection (b)(2) and the criteria outlined in the zoning code and land use regulations shall be approved by-right”
  Kansas Senate Bill 418 (2026), enrolled: By-Right Housing Development Act ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
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.”
Water Well County Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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”
K.S.A. 12-758 — Agricultural land exempted from zoning regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
K.S.A. 12-752 — Plats; approval; permits; filing ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
Kansas Administrative Regulations, Volume 3 ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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”
2026 Kansas Statutes, K.S.A. 12-766: Flood plain zones ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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”
  Model Floodplain Management Ordinance ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
2026 Session Laws of Kansas, Chapter 96: House Bill 2481 ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
K.S.A. 19-3702: Adoption of code by county commissioners; contents; fees ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  Permitting ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
Permitting ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
  Local Environmental Protection Program ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
K.S.A. 19-2960 — Urban areas; zoning regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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”
K.S.A. 19-2961 — Subdivision regulations and building permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
  K.S.A. 12-3303 — County adoption by reference of codes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

Inside cities and towns in Sherman County

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

Building permitRequired
Structural, electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning work within the City of Goodland.
- The City states that such work would normally require a permit.
- The source does not enumerate every exception.
“Any work involving structural, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning would normally require a permit.”
Building Inspection Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential districts in the City of Goodland under Section 19-453 R-2.
- The standards are subject to modification by Article VI.
- Different minimums apply to single-family, duplex, and multifamily uses.
single-family minimum lot area: >= 7000 square feet · duplex minimum lot area: >= 3500 square feet per unit · multifamily minimum lot area: >= 2000 square feet per unit (minimum total lot area of 7,000 square feet)
“Single Family: 7,000 square feet Duplexes: 3,500 square feet per unit Multi-family: 2,000 square feet per unit with a minimum of 7000 square feet”
Ordinance 1774 – Amending Text for City Code Chapter 19 Section 453 ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
Recreational vehicle parks in the City of Goodland.
- No recreational vehicle unit may be closer than 10 feet to another adjacent unit, structure, or roadway.
- The 10 feet nearest the development property line must be permanently maintained as a sodded or landscaped area.
- All spaces must have direct access to the roadway.
minimum setback from development property lines: >= 30 feet · minimum separation from adjacent unit, structure, or roadway: >= 10 feet
“No unit shall be placed closer than 30 feet to any of the development property lines”
goodlandks.gov ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)
Recreational vehicle parks in the City of Goodland.
- The site must be well drained.
- The park must be primarily designed for short-term occupancy by the traveling public.
- The site must be directly accessible to a major roadway by private or public road frontage.
- Short-term occupancy may exceed 30 days only if approved by the Building Official.
- Minimum tract size is two acres in one ownership.
- Maximum density is 20 recreational-vehicle spaces per acre.
- Each space must meet width, separation, access, landscaping, and area standards.
short-term occupancy limit: <= 30 days (except as approved by the Building Official) · minimum tract size: >= 2 acres (one ownership) · maximum RV spaces: <= 20 spaces per acre · minimum RV space width: >= 25 feet · minimum setback from development property lines: >= 30 feet
“Short-term occupancy shall not exceed 30 days, except as approved by the Building Official.”
Ordinance 1791 – Amending Section 19-502 of City Code ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
City of Goodland building permits.
- Residential fences and roofing are listed at $15.
- Other building permit fees vary by total valuation according to the schedule.
- The page also contains separate electrical, mechanical, and plumbing fee tables.
residential fence permit fee: 15 USD · residential roofing permit fee: 15 USD · building permit fee for valuation $1-$500: 15 USD · building permit fee for valuation $501-$2000: 15 for first $500 plus 1.50 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof USD (up to and including $2,000) · building permit fee for valuation $2,001-$25,000: 37.50 for first $2,000 plus 6.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof USD (up to and including $25,000)
“The building permit fee schedule is as follows: Building permit fees Residential Fences [...].. | $15.00 Residential Roofing [...].. | $15.00 Total Valuation | $1.00 to $500.00 | $15.00 $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $15.00 for the first $500.00 plus $1.50 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof, up to and including $2,000.00. $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $37.50 for the first $2,000.00 plus $6.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, up to and including $25,000.00.”
Building Permit Fee Schedule ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor-area or other minimum-size requirements for dwellings in Sherman County.
Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Sherman County.

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

Water rights & wells in Sherman 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

Kansas Dept of Agriculture, DWR — Water Law Basics ↗

Northwest Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 4 (GMD4)majority of county
Closed to new appropriations; district LEMAs cap and reduce existing Ogallala pumping. Domestic use exempt.
KDA-DWR — Local Enhanced Management Areas / GMD4 ↗

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 Sherman County, Kansas

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

Sherman County scores 41/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 5,325 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.8″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

How much does land cost in Sherman County, Kansas?

Land in Sherman County runs about $1,965 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Sherman County?

Sherman County gets about 18.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 27.4% of years. On water rights, Sherman County lies in the Northwest Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 4 (GMD4) — Closed to new appropriations; district LEMAs cap and reduce existing Ogallala pumping. Domestic use exempt..

How remote is Sherman County?

A typical private-land location has about 5,325 people within 15 miles and 169,435 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

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