Development Guide

Before submitting applications for residential or commercial development projects, applicants are encouraged to research the property to verify existing conditions and obtain accurate submittal information that will be required throughout the process. The information obtained should then be submitted along with the appropriate application and plans to the City. This will minimize delays, and make the development process smoother so the project can begin as quickly as possible

Property information can be obtained by using the city's GIS mapping portal. A tutorial on the use of the webmap can be found within the webmap in the top header bar.

Pre-Development Review (Optional)

Call the Community Development Office at (316) 775-4505 to set up a pre-development review with your preliminary development plan.

Is your property located within Augusta's city limits, or is it within the growth area?

If the property is located within the growth area boundary outside of Augusta's city limits, your development process will be handled by Butler County, not by the City of Augusta.  However, the City of Augusta does maintain zoning authority within the growth area.

• If the property is located within the growth area and you are requesting to be annexed to receive city services and utilities, Skip to Step 3 of the development guide.

• If you are not requesting annexation Skip to Step 4 of the development guide.

If the property is located within the corporate city limits of Augusta, Skip to Step 4 of the development guide.

Does the property require annexation?

• If the property is located within existing city limits, Skip to Step 4 of the development guide. 

• If the property is outside the city limits and needs city services and utilities, it must be annexed into the City. See the Annexation Application for more information.  Now, Skip to Step 4 of the development guide.

Does the current zoning district allow the proposed use?

Use the GIS mapping portal to determine which zoning district your project parcel is in.  Once you have determined how your property is currently zoned, then review Augusta's Zoning Regulations to determine whether your proposed use for the property is allowed.

• If the current zoning district explicitly allows your use, Skip to Step 6 of the development guide.

• If the current zoning district does not explicitly allow your proposed use, a rezoning or conditional use permit must be requested. See the Rezoning Packet for more information.  Alternatively, your property may be eligbile to apply for a Conditional Permit if certain conditions are met.  Now, Skip to Step 6 of the development guide.

Variances

If the property is unable to comply with the zoning or subdivision regulations, a variance can be requested pursuant to K.S.A. 12-759(e). Certain conditions must be met for a variance to be granted. The Board of Zoning Appeals hears variance cases. Contact the Zoning Administrator to discuss a request for variances.

Conditional Use Permits (CUPs)

Some uses, though not explicitly allowed by the zoning regulations, may be permissible as a conditional use if certain conditions outlined by the Planning Commission are met.  The Planning Commission will review your Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to determine what conditions would be required to make your proposed use of the property acceptable and legal if the zoning regulations do not currently allow the use by right.  Prior to submitting a CUP application, it would be advisable to contact the Zoning Administrator to inquire about your proposal.  

Property Ownership List

Any zoning action requiring a public hearing (i.e. CUP, variances, zoning district reclassifications, etc.) must have a property ownership list produced by a licensed abstractor and submitted to the Community Development Office at the time of application.  If subject project is within city limits, the list shall include all property owners within 200 feet.  If subject property abuts city limits or is located in the growth area, the list shall include all property owners within 1,000 feet.

What if I disagree with the Zoning Administrator findings?

If you feel the Zoning Administrator has misinterpreted the regulations, you can file an appeal before the Board of Zoning Appeals. See the Zoning Case Appeal Packet for more information.

Are there any existing special districts (including Historic Districts, Main Street districts, overlay districts or other restrictions?) 

Special Districts carry extra regulations and guidelines. The City of Augusta has three special districts: Main Street District, Airport Hazard Overlay, Flood Fringe (FF) and Floodway (FW).  Projects located in the Main Street District are subject to review by the Main Street Design Committee if exterior work (including painting, awnings, windows, facade work, etc.) beyond basic maintenance is proposed.

The best way to determine if your property is in the Historic District or listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places is to check the Kansas Historic Resources Inventory. If you discover your project is in a Historic District or is individually listed, there are financial incentives to help you. There are state income tax credits and federal income tax credits as well as grants that can help.

Does my parcel need to be platted?

K.S.A. 12-752 (state law) requires that property owners who own land governed by Subdivision regulations must have a valid plat before the City is able to issue building and/or zoning permits.  

Is my parcel already platted?

Verify whether your parcel has previously been platted using the following steps:

Step 1: Visit Butler County's GIS mapping website.

Step 2: Review the terms of service and press the "Accept" button for either Desktop Version (if you are on a laptop or desktop) or Mobile Version (if you are on a smartphone).

Step 3: Zoom in to the Augusta city limits and find the parcel you are wanting to develop.  Click on the parcel to make the parcel data dialog box appear.

Step 4: In the parcel data box, scroll down until you see the heading "Tract_Desc".  If the verbiage that follows does not include the words "Block" or "Lot" or an abbreviation "LT" or "BLK," then the property has not been platted.

Platting Process

If the property is not currently platted, you will need to contract with a licensed engineer to plat the property.  Utilize the workbooks below to complete your platting process.

       Step 1:  Preliminary Plat (workbook)
                 →   Preliminary Utility Plan

       Step 2:  Final Plat (workbook)
                 →   Preliminary / Final Master Drainage Plan
                 →   Final Utility Plan

       Step 3:  Site Plan (workbook)

Lot Split

If the current property is already platted and you want to subdivide it further, a simple lot split can be obtained under certain conditions:

• A lot split shall be required when the division of land creates no more than one additional lot or tract of land which 1) does not involve any new streets or access easements, 2) is not located in a flood plain (see Step 7), 3) meets the standards set by the subdivision regulations for the disposal of sewage and for water supply including lot side, and 4) conforms to the zoning regulations.     Apply for a Lot Split

• If the property needs to be split into more than two (2) lots or is otherwise more complex than what is allowed by a lot split, a plat will be required. Begin Platting Process

Is the project in a floodplain?

If yes, an elevation certificate may be required from a licensed surveyor who can also assist with any additional floodplain permits that may be required.

Kansas Floodplain Viewer
View online map of floodplains and flood hazard areas in the City of Augusta and surrounding growth area.

The 1 percent annual chance flood zone (also known as the 100 year floodplain) is included on the Zoning Map as the Flood Fringe (FF) and Floodway (FW) overlay district.

Do I Need a Permit?

Short answer: Most likely, yes!

Homeowners are allowed to work on the home they reside in once they have obtained the proper working permits through the Community Development Department located at the southeast corner of 113 E 6th St. in City Hall.  Building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and fencing are all examples of construction and trade work that require permits from the City.  Learn More about Building Permits

If you are not doing the work yourself, but will hire someone for the job, the person or company you hire to do the work must be a licensed contractor with the City of Augusta.  

The homeowner is not allowed to obtain a permit for a project and then hire a contractor or an individual to do work that requires a permit to perform. It is the responsibility of the contractor to obtain the permits through the Community Development Department before the contractor starts work on the job.

Search Licensed Contractors Database

Search licensed contractors by visitng the City's contractor database.  Click "View" option next to Filters and select license type from the drop down menu to narrow your selection.  Click "Apply Filter" button on the right.