Like many states, the tiny home revolution has taken Kansas by storm. It is one of the friendliest states in the country for building a tiny house. The state is more open to tiny houses on a foundation than on wheels, and the minimum square footage for a tiny house on a foundation is 170.  

Tiny houses are rapidly gaining popularity as a viable alternative for people who want a minimalistic lifestyle. Like traditional houses, tiny homes are bound by certain state and local zoning laws. If you are thinking of a tiny home, you must be careful not to break any of these regulations that can land you in legal trouble. 

In this article, we will talk about the legality of tiny houses in Kansas and the rules and regulations involved in building them in the state. So, if you are considering building your own tiny home in Kansas, keep reading. 

Are tiny homes legal in Kansas? 

Yes, tiny homes are legal in Kansas. However, the state is more accepting of tiny houses on a foundation than on wheels. Specific regulations are defined for these houses at the county level, but some rules are prevalent throughout the state. 

Kansas allows citizens to build tiny houses on their property, but the regulations for houses on foundation and wheels vary greatly. For instance, the laws allow you to park your tiny house on approved campgrounds only. There is no code permitting the use of private land to park a tiny mobile home in the state.

In some cities in Kansas, like Topeka and Shawnee County, the regulations require you to have a permanent foundation for your residence, making it illegal to live in a tiny house with wheels. You must also meet additional requirements regarding connections to the sewer, water, and electric utilities.

Some cities also impose a minimum size for bathrooms and living rooms. The state also does not allow permanent occupancy in an RV home. In most cases, a tiny home is considered by the state legislature as a single-family dwelling, so like any other home in the state, it will require a permanent foundation. 

Some counties are more welcoming of tiny houses than others in Kansas. For instance, Jefferson County does not have restrictions on minimum room sizes. 

What  Kansas counties allow tiny houses?

Kansas has 105 counties, and most of them allow tiny houses. While the local zoning regulations can vary, all Kansas counties do allow residents to build a tiny house with certain requirements. 

For instance, homes with foundations in most counties are legal, but mobile homes on wheels are not. Also, the regulations regarding the minimum areas for specific rooms in the tiny house vary greatly between counties in the state. 

While you have to make sure that you are following the local zoning laws, there is no county in the state that prohibits the building of tiny houses.

That said, some of the best counties in Kansas to build a tiny house include:

• Shawnee county
• Jefferson county
• Greenwood county
• Harper county
• Gary county

Can you permanently live in a tiny house in  Kansas?

Yes, you can permanently live in a tiny home in Kansas state. There is no state-wide restriction on the size of your home either. As long as you meet the local zoning requirements, you should be able to live in a tiny house permanently in Kansas. 

The city and county regulations might change significantly, so it is always best to check with your local building department before finalizing your small home project. 

How tiny can a house be in  Kansas?

Kansas is one of the most friendly states regarding tiny houses. With the increasing tiny house movement, many people in Kansas want to build small houses. In most counties, a home must have a minimum area of 170 square feet.  

While there are no state-wide regulations regarding the size of rooms in your house, you must follow the regulation of the zoning boards when considering a tiny house in Kansas. 

In most counties, your tiny house must have one room of at least 120 square feet, with the other room being at least 50 square feet. 

Moreover, to construct a tiny home in an RS3 district, you need a minimum of 3000 square feet of lot area. 

You should also keep in mind that composting toilets are not allowed in tiny homes in Kansas yet. So, you will have to go the traditional route for now. 

If you are considering a tiny home on wheels, keep in mind that Kansas state does not allow you to park your mobile home on any residential lot. You must park your mobile home only on permitted camping grounds. It is illegal in Kansas to park your tiny house on wheels in your front or backyard. 

In other words, as a long-term residence, tiny homes on wheels are not legal in Kansas. That said, as each county has different rules and regulations, it is best to enquire with your zoning board regarding the permits required for building tiny houses with wheels and on a foundation. 

Rules and regulations for tiny houses in Kansas

Although Kansas is not as friendly to tiny homes as other states, some clear rules and regulations can make it easy for you to build a small house here. You must keep in mind that while there are state-wide rules, you also must comply with the local regulations made by the county and local administration. 

Let’s take a look at some of the rules that Kansas state has in place for tiny houses of all kinds. 

Rules for permanent structures

Permanent structures refer to tiny houses built on a foundation. In Kansas, the rules are very clear regarding these types of dwellings. Although some rules may change from county to county, here are some important regulations that remain largely uniform throughout the state.

• A tiny house in Kansas must have a minimum of 170 square feet of floor space. 
• Unless otherwise mentioned in a local ordinance, one of the rooms in your house must be at least 120 square feet, and other rooms, except the bathroom and kitchen, must be at least 50 square feet. 
• You can build your tiny house in the RS3 residential district with a minimum lot size of 3000 square feet. 
• Single-dwelling small houses categorized as additional dwelling units are permitted on RS7, RS10, RS20, and RS40 but not on RS5 or RS3 districts. 
• You can use solar panels to generate electricity for your tiny home in Kansas. However, there is a 35-foot height limit for the solar panels. Propane for cooking is also allowed in your small house.  
• Composting toilets are not allowed in tiny homes built on foundations. You will have to use bathrooms with traditional plumbing in Kansas.

Rules for tiny temporary houses

Temporary tiny houses that can be classified as additional dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed in certain Kansas districts. However, there are strict rules regarding ADUs. Some of the regulations include the following:

• An ADU is permitted only in single-dwelling zoning areas, including RS40, RS, RS10, and RS7.
• ADUs are not permitted in zoning districts RS3 or RS5
• You can build a tiny prefabricated home in your backyard in Kansas if you abide by the two rules above

Rules for transitional structures

Transitional structures classified as tiny houses have wheels and can be moved from one place to another. Kansas has some strict rules regarding tiny houses on wheels. If you are planning to buy or build a small house on wheels, keep the following rules in mind:

• A tiny house on wheels can’t be used as a permanent residence
• These houses are only allowed on approved campgrounds 
• You can’t park them on your residential property or public parking places. That means it is illegal to have a tiny mobile home in your backyard in Kansas

As the rules in each zoning district and county can differ greatly, we advise you to go through all the regulations before settling on the idea to begin building a tiny house in Kansas. 

Where can I build a tiny house in Kansas?

As long as you are planning to construct a tiny house on a foundation, you can make them in several zoning districts in the state. Tiny houses classified as backyard additional dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed in RS10, RS20, RS30, and RS7 single-dwelling residential districts.

However, you can’t build an ADU in RS5 and RS3 single-dwelling residential districts in the state. You can even equip your ADU with solar panels and propane. 

If you consider building a tiny house on wheels, you can’t park them anywhere on your property according to state laws. You can only use this type of tiny dwelling as temporary camping facilities and only on approved campgrounds. 

Some of the best cities in Kansas for building tiny houses include:

• Topeka
• Eureka
• Wichita
• Shawnee
• Lawrence
• Kansas City
• Overland Park

Do I have to pay property taxes for my tiny house?

If you are planning to construct a tiny house in Kansas, you will have to pay property taxes on your dwelling. Assuming that your tiny home sits on a permanent foundation, you will end up paying an annual property tax of 1.37% of the value of your home. 

So, if your tiny home costs about $50,000, you should expect to pay $685 toward property tax in Kansas. Your taxes may vary depending on additional taxes levied by local administrations and zoning districts. 

Some additional local taxes that you might end up paying include:

• District levies for street lighting, flood control, and sidewalks
• Parcel tax to fund K-12 public schools
• Additional levies to run cities, including water and community colleges, etc. 

Remember that your taxes can go up if connected to public utilities like the electric grid and sewer. 

Apart from paying taxes for your tiny house, you must ensure that your home meets all the safety codes and zoning requirements. 

Where can I park a tiny home in Kansas?

Kansas is quite strict regarding tiny houses on wheels. The rules state that a small mobile home can be parked only in designated camping areas. It is prohibited to park your mobile home in any other place within the state. 

It means you will not be able to park your home in your backyard or an empty lot within a residential district. 

Are there tiny home communities in Kansas?

Unfortunately, there are no dedicated tiny house communities in Kansas. However, the tiny house culture is rising in the state, with several hundred tiny houses being constructed yearly. 

One of the reasons for the lack of a tiny house community in the state is the strict laws regarding mobile tiny homes. However, with interest in small homes on the rise, it is just a matter of time before you see thriving little house communities in the state. 

Conclusion

Tiny homes are revolutionizing the way we live. They are eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and pack in all modern home amenities. Tiny homes can be a great option if you consider downsizing or reducing your carbon footprint. 

Like most states in the United States, tiny homes are perfectly legal in Kansas. Kansas is considered one of the most tiny-house-friendly states in the country. However, you must abide by certain rules and regulations, zoning laws, and other ordinances while building your tiny home in the state. 

Are you interested to learn more about tiny homes? We will help you understand regulations and design and build your tiny house on a foundation or small house on wheels. Start your consultation today to begin your journey into the fascinating world of tiny living!