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Permits surge: Dickinson County reports 71 permits this month, 18 new homes; county addresses unpermitted construction
Summary
Dickinson County planning staff reported 71 permits this month — including 18 new single-family home permits — and said they are stepping up outreach after discovering some buildings erected without permits.
County planning and building staff reported an unusually high volume of permits this month, with 71 permits issued so far and 18 new single-family home permits among them. Planning staff said the average new-home value observed so far is about $200,000, with lows near $70,000 and highs approaching $500,000.
"So far, we're at 71 permits. It's the most permits I think I've seen since I've been here," the planning staff member said. The remainder of the month's permits were characterized as accessory structures — garages, agricultural buildings and similar outbuildings — which staff estimated at roughly 53 permits.
Commissioners and staff discussed economic implications: more construction means work for builders, suppliers and labor, and increases in taxable valuation when projects are completed. Staff cautioned that newly started projects may not appear on valuation rolls until they are completed and that completed construction will be reflected in the following year's valuation process.
Planning staff and the appraiser reported discovering several substantial structures built without permits; in one case, an owner paid a $1,000 fee after appraisers identified an additional 16,000 square feet added without permits. Officials urged residents and out-of-town contractors to check county requirements and obtain necessary permits before starting work.
Staff also said they will present zoning options related to hydrogen wells to the planning commission in coming weeks; the Kansas Corporation Commission advised that hydrogen is currently regulated in a manner similar to natural gas but jurisdictions may add explicit language for clarity. Planning staff noted upcoming work to monitor FEMA and floodplain funding changes.
The county suggested adding 'building permits required' messaging to existing county right-of-way signage and the digital signboard to improve public awareness; staff said a phased update to signs is feasible as signs are replaced.
