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1. Why is property taxed in Kansas?

Your tax dollars are used by local government to provide funding for roads, parks, fire protection, police protection, health and other services. Property taxes also fund public school districts. All property tax dollars received by the state are redistributed to public school districts or to educational building funds.

2. What does the County Appraiser do?

By law the county appraiser is responsible for listing and valuing property in a uniform and equal manner. The appraiser determines the appropriate value of your property. The amount of taxes you pay depends on the budgets set by local government, special assessments and an amount collected by the state and redistributed to public schools.

3. How does the county's appraisal affect my taxes?

If your property value goes up, it does not necessarily mean you will pay more taxes. Likewise, if your property value goes down or does not change, it does not automatically mean you will pay less or the same amount of taxes. Changes in property taxes are based in large part on how much your local government decides to spend on services each year.

4. Will the value of my home change every year?

The value of your home may change each year, it depends on market conditions, improvements to your property, etc. The county appraiser continually reviews and records sale prices and other information on homes all over the county.

5. What is property appraised at?

Homes, commercial real property and certain other property categories are appraised at "market value" as of the first day of January each year. Market value is the amount of money a well-informed buyer would pay and a well-informed seller would accept for property in an open and competitive market without any outside influence. Land devoted to agricultural use, light passenger motor vehicles, and commercial and industrial machinery and equipment are appraised using a value based method, however it is not "market value".

6. How does the county appraiser determine market value?

When valuing your home, the appraiser determines the age, quality, location, condition, style and size of your property. The appraiser then uses 1 or more of the following 3 methods to value real property:

• The Cost Approach: the cost to replace your property is adjusted for age and condition. This approach works well for new and unique properties.
• The Income Approach: in general terms, income from rent is used to value property. This method works well for income producing properties (for example, apartment buildings and malls).
• The Market Approach: sales of similar property are compared to each other. The appraiser then adjusts for differences (for example, 1 house may have more square footage than another). This method works well for valuing homes.

7. Does the county appraiser visit my home?

State law requires the county appraiser to view and inspect all property in the county once every 6 years. Your county appraiser may view and inspect your property more than once every 6 years due to market conditions and for quality control.

8. If I bought a house last year, should the value be the same as what I paid for it?

One sale by itself does not determine market value. A single sale may not represent the open market. The price you paid for your house is verified by the county appraiser and then considered along with sales of similar properties. The appraiser uses this information to appraise your home.

9. When will I be notified of the value of my property?

Notices of value are sent to the property owner by March 1st for real property and by May 1st for personal property.

10. How can I determine if the appraisal of my home is accurate?

You can visit the County Appraiser's Office to review information on similar properties and verify that the information the Appraiser's Office has on your home is correct. If a neighbor has a similar house which recently sold, the sale price may also give you an indication of the value of your house. In addition, real estate professionals can provide information about market conditions in your area.

11. What can I do if I believe the value of my property is incorrect?

Use 1 of 2 ways to challenge the value of your property:

• You may appeal the "notice of value" of your property by contacting the county Appraiser's Office by phone or in writing by 30 days from the date the notice was mailed and by 15 days from date of notice for personal property
• You may fill out a "payment under protest" form with the County Treasurer at the time you pay your taxes

Whether you pay half or all of your taxes, you must file by December 20, unless an escrow or tax service agent pays your property taxes, then no later than January 31.

You cannot appeal using both methods for the same property in the same tax year. So, if you start to appeal your "notice of value," be sure that you follow through with the appeal. You will not be allowed to "pay under protest" later.

If you are not satisfied with the results of your appeal at the county level, you may take your case to the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals. For more information on appeals, please contact your local County Appraiser's Office at 785-457-3500.

12. What is the mill levy and how is it set?

The mill levy is the tax rate that is applied to the assessed value. In general terms, the mill levy is determined by dividing the dollars needed for local services by the assessed property value in the service area. An additional amount is then added for public schools. After the local government budgets are published and hearings are completed, the County Clerk computes the final mill levies for each tax unit and certifies the tax roll to the County Treasurer for collection.

13. Who pays the taxes due on property I sold or purchased?

Except for certain motor vehicles and watercraft, property tax due on personal property is the responsibility of the owner of record January 1 of each year. For real property, if not addressed in private contract, the buyer is responsible for the property tax if the property is sold on or after January 1 and before November 1. The seller is responsible for the property tax if purchased on or after November 1 and prior to January 1. (KSA 79-1805) Private contracts between buyer and seller will often specify who pays the taxes.

14. Are property taxes prorated between buyer and seller?

Property is not prorated on the tax roll when acquired and is not prorated off the tax roll when disposed of (KSA 79-309). However, private contracts between buyers and sellers will often prorate the property tax. The only exceptions to this are for motor vehicles and watercraft, and when taxable property becomes exempt or exempt property becomes taxable.

15. How do I calculate the property taxes for real property?

1. Looking at your notice of value, find the "appraised value" of your property. Multiply the appraised value by the "assessment percentage" for your property.
   __________ (appraised value) times _______% (assessment percentage) = assessed value
2. Multiply the assessed value by your "mill levy" and then divide by 1,000 to estimate the property tax you owe.
   _________ (assessed value) times ________ (mill levy) divided by 1,000 = taxbill

   
   Assessment Rates are as follows:
   Residential = 11.5%
   Farm Home Site = 11.5%
   Ag Land = 30%
   AG Building = 25%
   Vacant Lot = 12%
   Not for Profit = 12%
   Commercial and Industrial = 25%
   Other = 30%

County mill levy information
If you know your taxing unit click the above link for mill levy information.

If you do not know your taxing unit check your most recent tax statement or call the Pottawatomie County Appraiser's Office at 785-457-3500 for assistance.

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1. I have a Manhattan address. Does that mean I live in the city of Manhattan?

This area has a Manhattan address, though it is not within the city limits of Manhattan. It is sometimes referred to as Blue Township, but Blue Township is a much larger area that extends from the Kansas River to past the Tuttle Creek Dam. Green Valley is the area loosely defined by the Blue Township Sewer District. 

2. How do I find out if my neighborhood has restrictive covenants?

You can find out about restrictive covenants by contacting the Register of Deeds Office.

3. Where can I find out how much my special assessments are?

For information about payments and time remaining on special assessments contact the Administration Office. 

4. Does Green Valley have building codes?

Yes, as of January 1, 2020 Green Valley is subject to building codes and inspections. The inspections are conducted by the Manhattan Division of Risk Reduction, but all building permit applications start with the Pottawatomie County Office of Planning and Zoning. However, Green Valley does not have any adopted nuisance codes. Things like overgrown grass, excessive noise, or bad smells are not covered by any Pottawatomie County resolutions.

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1. What constitutes a noxious weed?

A weed that's considered a noxious weed is out of place or detrimental to agricultural production and declared noxious by state legislative action.

2. What are the criteria to determine whether a weed is noxious?

A weed can be considered noxious if the economic return does not exceed the cost of treatment, it is poisonous to livestock or humans, its spread is uncontrolled and it is a perennial plant.

3. What weeds are declared noxious in Pottawatomie County?

These weeds have been declared noxious in Pottawatomie County: bindweed, bur ragweed, Canada thistle, hoary cress, Johnson grass, kudzu, leafy spurge, musk thistle, pignut, quackgrass, Russian knapweed, sericea lespedezia.

4. Which noxious weeds are known to be present in Pottawatomie County?

Bindweed, Johnson grass, leafy spurge, musk thistle and sericea lespedezia are known to be present in Pottawatomie County.

5. How do noxious weeds spread to Kansas?

All but 2 of the noxious weeds are plants brought in from other countries. They have no natural enemies to check their spread. Pignut and Bur ragweed are native to Kansas.

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1. When is a building permit needed?

A building permit is needed for all site built dwellings and accessory structures, as well as manufactured homes, moved in homes and all additions to structures. However, a building permit is not needed for small storage sheds 120 square feet or less, fences, play houses and play equipment. Agricultural structures need to obtain a permit in order to make sure they are not being placed in any floodplain and that they have the proper setbacks. There is no fee for any agricultural structure on 40 acres or more.

Please visit our Licensing and Permitting Guide for more information.

2. What is the cost of a building permit?

For most new accessory buildings or additions, the fee is $50. For new dwellings outside of a sewer district, the fee is $200. For more detailed information visit our Licensing and Permitting Guide. 

3. How many acres do I need to build a house?

As a general rule, you need a minimum of 3 acres if you will be served by a rural or city water district and have a private septic system. You need 5 acres if you have a private well and private septic system. However, there are other considerations for whether or not a house can be built on a particular tract. Always contact Planning and Zoning prior to purchasing a tract in the rural area to determine if a house could be built there.

4. Where can I place a mobile or manufactured home in the county?

Any type of mobile or manufactured home may be placed on an operating farm of 40 acres or more for either the owner, a blood relative or an employee of the farm. Manufactured homes 1976 and newer may be placed in zoned mobile home parks. Residential designed manufactured homes (ones with pitched roof and shingles, wood or vinyl siding and on a permanent foundation) may be placed on single tracts (under 40 acres) that are zoned agriculture and are not in an area of the county planned for residential development. These manufactured homes must not be more than 5 years old at the time the permit is applied for.

Residential designed manufactured homes with a minimum width of 22 feet (commonly referred to as a double wide), and with a pitched roof with shingles and wood or vinyl siding may be placed anywhere a site built home is permitted, as long as there are no private restrictive covenants prohibiting them. If you have any questions, please contact Planning and Zoning.

5. What do I need to apply for a building permit?

Please reference our Licensing and Permitting Guide for questions on how to apply for a building permit. Applications are now all online, and can be access via our new Permitting Portal. If you are building a new house, always contact Planning and Zoning prior to purchasing a tract to ensure that a new house can be located on the tract.

6. Will I have to rezone the property?

That depends on what you wish to do and the current zoning of the property. When countywide zoning was established in 1972, the entire county was zoned A1 (agriculture), with a few exceptions. If you are wanting to establish a commercial or manufacturing use, then most likely the land would need to be rezoned. If you are wanting to build a single family home, rezoning of the property may be required.

Please check with our office for details. If you plan to develop a subdivision, then rezoning and platting is required. If you have any questions, please contact Planning and Zoning.

7. What do I need to do to rezone?

You must first check with our office to see if the zoning classification you are seeking conforms to the master plan of the county. If it does, then you need to fill out an application, pay the appropriate fee and appear before the planning commission at the scheduled hearing. All requests for rezoning must be published in the official county paper and all property owners within 1000 feet of the proposed zoning must be notified at least 20 days in advance of a hearing, of the date, time and place of said hearing. Please allow 60 to 90 days for the zoning process.

If you have any questions, please contact Planning and Zoning.

8. What is a plat and who can prepare one?

A plat is a scaled drawing on a permanent piece of paper (Mylar, linen) that shows the boundary of the tract or lots, distance measurements, building setbacks, utility and road easements and any other pertinent notes required by the planning commission. The plat has signature blocks for the owners, staff and county commissioners. An up to date Certificate of Title Commitment must accompany all plats.

Once a plat is approved, it is the responsibility of the applicant to record said plat in the Register of Deeds Office. A plat must be done by a Licensed Land Surveyor, and must also be reviewed by a separate Licensed Land Surveyor. See Plats for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact Planning and Zoning.

9. Does the county have building codes?

At this time, with the exception of ADA requirements for commercial buildings, the county has not adopted any building codes. It is the responsibility of the buyer to check the quality of construction and to make sure proper codes have been followed. If you have any questions, please contact Planning and Zoning.

10. What are restrictive covenants?

Many developers file what is called restrictive covenants with their plats. These are private agreements between the developer and buyer and can require stricter regulations than what the county requires. i.e. minimum square footage of dwellings, minimum design control, architectural approval, prohibition of livestock etc. It should be noted that the county does not enforce these regulations: enforcement is done in court through a private attorney.If you have any questions, please contact Planning and Zoning.

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1. Why do County Appraisers appraise property?

Each year, the cost of local services is spread across the value of taxable property. Local budgets / assessed value of taxable property = mill levy. The statewide school mill levy is 20 mills ($20 for every $1000 assessed value). County appraisers are responsible for uniformly and accurately valuing all property each year. That way, all citizens fairly share in supporting the cost of local services. Local services include police and fire protection, roads, parks, public health services, and schools.

2. How is property valued for tax purposes?

All property is valued annually on January 1. Most property is valued based on its fair market value. Exceptions are land devoted to agricultural use valued based on its income or productivity; commercial and industrial machinery and equipment valued based on formula set forth in Kansas laws.

3. What is fair market value and how is it determined?

Fair market value is the amount an informed buyer is willing to pay, and an informed seller is willing to take for property in an open market without undue influences. The 3 approaches to value are the sales, the cost and the income approach. The County Appraiser considers all 3 when determining value.

The Sales Approach
The County Appraiser reviews similar properties that have sold, compares them to your property and may make adjustments for differing characteristics. This approach is typically applied to residential property in an area with a substantial number of sales.

The Cost Approach
In the cost approach, the county determines replacement cost new of the property less depreciation. This approach is used when property is new or unique, with few sales in the area.

The Income Approach
In the income approach, the value of the property is estimated using the income the property is expected to produce in the future. It is used to value commercial property and apartments when sufficient market rent information is available.

Documentation of Value
County Appraisers can provide documentation showing how property was valued. For example, the comparable sales sheet shows similar properties that have sold, adjustments, and the estimated value of your property. The Property Record Card (PRC) shows the data collected on your property (includes measurements, rooms, condition, date of construction, etc).

4. Should I appeal the value of my property?

If you believe that the county's value does not reflect the fair market value of your property on January 1, you should appeal. The appeals process is an opportunity to review a property in more detail. We all want values to be accurate so we have a fair basis for sharing the cost of local services.
You are welcome to request information about how your property was valued from the County Appraiser's Office in order to determine whether you should appeal.

5. How do I appeal my Notice of Value?

The first opportunity you have to appeal is when you receive the written notice of your property's value in the spring. To appeal, contact your County Appraiser within 30 days from the date the notice was mailed.

Once you appeal your notice of value, be certain that you pursue it to your satisfaction. You will not be allowed to Pay Under Protest later for the same property and tax year.

Informal Meeting
The appeal process begins with an informal meeting with the County Appraiser. At the informal meeting the County Appraiser must provide you with documentation supporting his or her value. This is also your opportunity to explain why you believe the county's value is incorrect.

Small Claims Division
If you are not satisfied with the results of the informal meeting, you may appeal to the Board of Tax Appeal's Small Claims Division if:

• the property is a residential property; or
• the property has a value of less than $3 million and is not agricultural land

To appeal, file the proper form with BOTA within 18 days from the date the county mailed your notice of informal meeting results. The appeal form should be part of the notice. Contact your County Clerk or Appraiser for the appeal form if necessary.

Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA)
If you are not satisfied with a Small Claims, you may appeal to BOTA. If your property is a single-family residential property, you must appeal to the Small Claims Division before proceeding to BOTA. To appeal, file the proper form with BOTA within 30 days from the date you were mailed notice of:

• the Small Claims Division decision;or
• the County Hearing Officer decision

6. How do I appeal by Paying Under Protest?

The 2nd opportunity you have to appeal is when you receive your tax statement. If you did not appeal the notice of your property's value in the spring, you may later pay under protest. This is done by filing a payment under protest form with the county treasurer when you pay your taxes. Whether you pay half or all of your tax, you must file by December 20. If your taxes are paid in half or in full by an escrow or tax service agent on or before December 20, you have until January 31 of the next year to file.

Informal Meeting
The appeal process begins with an informal meeting with the County Appraiser. At the informal meeting the County Appraiser must provide you with documentation supporting his or her value. This is also your opportunity to explain why you believe the county's value is incorrect.

Small Claims Division
If you decide to appeal the informal meeting results, you must appeal to Small Claims before proceeding to the Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) if your property is a single-family residential property. You may appeal to the Small Claims Division if:

• the property is a residential property other than a single-family residence; or
• the property has a value of less than $3 million and is not agricultural land

To appeal, file the proper form with BOTA within 30 days from the date the county mailed your notice of informal meeting results. The appeal form should be part of the notice. Contact your county clerk or appraiser for the appeal form if necessary.

Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA)
If you decide to appeal a Small Claims decision, you may appeal to BOTA. You may also appeal your informal hearing results directly to BOTA, if your property is not a single-family residential property.
To appeal, file the proper form with BOTA within 30 days from the date you were mailed notice of:

• the Small Claims Division decision; or
• the County Appraiser's informal meeting results. Again, the appeal form should be part of the notice

7. What are the burdens of proof on appeal?

Small Claims Division
The county must show that its value is correct.

Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA)
The county must show that the value of residential or commercial property is correct. However, if commercial real property is leased, the owner must provide income / expense information (up to 3 years) or the county's value is presumed to be correct.

Increases in Value
If real property increased in value from the prior year, the county must review the record of the property's last physical inspection and have documentation supporting the increase. If the value increased following a year when the value was reduced by appeal, the County Appraiser must also show substantial and compelling reasons for increasing the value.

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1. What can I do if I believe the value of my property is too high?

Appealing Your Notice of Value
Appeal the "notice of value" for your property that you receive in the spring by contacting the County Appraiser's Office within 30 days from the date the notice was mailed. Once you appeal your notice of value, be certain that you pursue it to your satisfaction. You will not be allowed to Pay Under Protest later for the same property and tax year.

Appealing by Payment Under Protest
Complete and file a payment under protest form with the county treasurer at the time you pay your taxes. Whether you pay half or all of your taxes, you must file this form by December 20. If your taxes are paid in half or in full by an escrow or tax service agent on or before December 20, then you have until January 31 of the next year to file.

2. What Information from the County Appraiser's Office should I request and review in advance?

Ask your County Appraiser for a copy of the Property Record Card (PRC) on your property. This sheet will show the information the county has about your home - the number of bedrooms, baths, square footage, etc. Review it and make sure the information is accurate.

The county can also provide you with a comparable sales sheet. This report will list the data on your property and the data and sale prices of up to 5 homes the county considers similar to yours. If not, take pictures of them to your meeting or hearing to show how they differ.

If you are aware of recent sales of homes in your neighborhood that are similar to yours, request and review the PRC and comparable sales sheets for those properties as well. Take pictures of these homes with you to your meeting or hearing to show how they are similar.

3. What facts should I bring to a meeting or hearing?

The county's value is not presumed to be correct; the county must show how they determined the value of your property. However, don't take for granted that you will win your appeal because the county must support its value. Be ready to show why your value is more accurate. You will want to provide information that supports your request for a lower value. Some examples are:

• Recent sales information about property similar in condition, quality, style, age and location. The Appraiser's Office will provide you with a comparable sales sheet for your home or similar homes upon request. Allow several days for processing and mail time.
• A Sales contract for your property if it was purchased within the last 2 to 3 years.
• Photos and contract / engineering estimates of the cost to repair any structural damage the county did not fully consider.
• A recent appraisal report for your property prepared by a fee appraiser.
• Rent income and expense information if the property is an income-producing investment (example: apartment building).

4. What can I expect during an informal meeting with the County Appraiser?

During the informal meeting, the appraiser will show how the appraised value was determined for your property. Review the record (PRC) to be sure all the information (age, style, and size) is correct. The appraiser also will provide you recent sales information used to value your property. Make certain all properties used to value your property are similar.

5. What is a BOTA Small Claims Division hearing?

The small claims hearing officer is appointed by the State Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA), rather than by the county.

The hearings are held in the county where the property is located, or an adjacent county. The hearing must be scheduled within 60 days after the appeal is filed in the small claims division and decided within 30 days after the hearing.

You and the County Appraiser each have the opportunity to present documentation that supports your opinions of value.

The meeting is informal; no records of the proceedings are kept. All copies of documentation are generally returned to you before you leave the meeting.

6. What is a Kansas Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) hearing like?

The Board of Tax Appeals hearings are more formal. One or more of the 3 BOTA members will hear your appeal.

BOTA is located in Topeka, but its members travel to regions throughout the state. Your hearing may be held in Topeka or a city in your area.

BOTA keeps a record of the proceedings. Both you and the county may present testimony and exhibits at the hearing. This is the record that is used for any subsequent appeals.

Generally, the property owner and the County Appraiser must exchange exhibits and a list of witnesses several days prior to the hearing, so each side knows what to expect.

BOTA will provide more specific instructions prior to your hearing. Be certain to follow BOTA 's rules. You may contact BOTA at 785-296-2388 or by email.

7. Can another person attend hearings on my behalf?

Someone else may attend the informal meeting with the County Appraiser. However, if the person representing you is not an attorney, you must complete a Declaration of Representation Form (PDF) provided by the County Appraiser.

At a Small Claims Division hearing, the owner of the property under appeal may appear personally or be represented by an attorney. In Addition, the owner may be represented by a certified public accountant, certified appraiser, member of the owner's immediate family, tax representative or an authorized employee by filing a Declaration of Representation form with BOTA.

Generally, BOTA requires that the property owner appear at its hearings, unless represented by an attorney. You may contact BOTA for more information.

8. If I bought this property last year, shouldn't the value be the same as what I paid for it?

Your property will not necessarily be valued at its recent purchase price. One sale by itself does not determine market value, although it is generally given a great deal of weight. The County Appraiser must first determine whether the sales price reflects the market. That is, whether the sales price is the result of an arm's length transaction, between a knowledgeable, willing seller and buyer. The sale is then considered along with sales of similar properties. Market conditions sometimes change between the time a property is purchased and its appraisal date, each January 1.

9. The county must satisfy certain burdens of proof on appeal.

BOTAs Small Claims Division
The county's value is not presumed to be correct; the county must prove that it is.

Board of Tax Appeals
The county must show that the value of residential or commercial property is correct. However, if commercial real property is leased, the owner must provide income / expense information (up to 3 years) or the county's value is presumed to be correct.

Increases in Value
If real property increased in value from the prior year, the county must review the record the property's last physical inspection and have documentation supporting the increase. If the value increased following a year when the value was reduced by appeal, the County Appraiser must also show substantial and compelling reasons for increasing the value.

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1. What do I need to do to build a house?

You need to contact the Planning and Zoning Office regarding a building permit and addressing.

If the property does not currently have a driveway installed and you will be accessing your property from a County road, you will need to complete a New Entrance Application (PDF).

If you will be installing your own private wastewater system (i.e., lagoon, septic tank or lateral field) you will need to complete a Health Permit (PDF). Please see the Sanitation Codes (PDF) for more information.

2. Who do I contact to establish water and sewer service now that I've moved here?

For water, if you live in the Timber Creek Subdivision, please contact the Finance Office at 785-457-3455.

For all other unincorporated areas of the county, review the rural water district Map (PDF) to determine which rural water district serves your area.


For sewer, please review the Pottawatomie County Utility Service Area Map (PDF) to see area the county provides sewer service to. If served by the county, call the Finance Office at 785-457-3455.

All other unincorporated areas generally have a private wastewater system installed.

3. How do I widen my driveway?

You must complete the Existing Entrance Modification Application (PDF).

4. Why is there a pile of gravel on the side of my gravel road?

The windrow serves as a stockpile of gravel for the motor grader operator to drag across the road as conditions necessitate. You may see openings in the windrow, especially on hills, which are designed to let the water run off the road and into the ditch.

5. Can I drag the extra gravel on the side of the road up into my driveway?

The gravel on the side of the road belongs to the county and is for use on county roadways only. Please see Kansas State Statute 68-545 for more information.

6. Can I still get dust control if I missed the deadline for dust control applications?

It is a coordinated effort to plan routes and order the right quantities of product. The process does not allow for additions after the deadline. To be added to next year's mailing list, please call our office at 785-457-3631.

For more information on dust control please contact the Public Works Road and Bridge Division.

7. Can I get a "Children Playing" sign in front of my house?

Federal standards actually discourage the use of "Children Playing" signs. Studies have shown that many types of signs attempting to warn of normal conditions in residential areas have failed to achieve the desired safety benefits.

Specific warnings for schools, playgrounds, parks, and other recreational facilities are available for use where clearly justified. Special situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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1. What is the Pottawatomie County Register of Deeds Office?

The Pottawatomie County Register of Deeds Office is the repository for most of the records pertaining to real estate in Pottawatomie County. This includes deeds, mortgages, releases and assignments of mortgage, liens, plats, oil and gas leases, articles of incorporation, death certificates, and powers of attorney. Most liens on personal property (UCC’s) are also recorded in the office.

In addition to records on real estate and personal property; the Pottawatomie County Register of Deeds Office maintains records of military discharges, old school records, and information on county cemeteries. If you have any questions, please contact the Register of Deeds.

2. How can I get copies of instruments filed in the Pottawatomie County Register of Deeds Office?

Our filing system requires us to have a name, legal description, or property address in order to retrieve records archived in the office. Some instruments are not subject to the Kansas Open Records Act or require special search documents to retrieve; at the time of your request the Register of Deeds staff will inform you if any of these circumstances apply to the requested document. Requests may be made by telephone, fax, mail, email or in person at the Register of Deeds Office.

We are able to satisfy most document requests by the same methods in which they can be requested. Please remember that we are dealing with records that date back as far as 1856 so it can often take time to locate some of the older records. All of your records are in a digital database for faster retrieval. The Register of Deeds offers a monthly or annual subscription for online access to these records. Please contact the Register of Deeds Office for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact the Register of Deeds.

3. How long does it take to record a document?

Documents are recorded on the same day that they are received in the office. Each document goes through a multi-step process when it is filed. The document is evaluated on the basis of completeness, compliance with state statutes; and then scanned for obvious errors. The proper fee is then assessed and no document is filed until the fee has been paid. (Please refer to the Fee Schedule and Instrument Filing Guidelines for more information fees and document preparation.)

After these steps are completed the documents are recorded in the proper reception books and indices. When the indexing is completed the document is reproduced digitally and as a hard copy; the original documents may then be sent back to their place of origin. If you have any questions, please contact the Register of Deeds.

4. Where do all the fees go?

All of the fees collected by the Pottawatomie County Register of Deeds office are deposited in the Pottawatomie County General Fund daily. The exceptions to this rule are the money collected for the Kansas Heritage Trust Fund and the Technology Fund, which are generated by a registration tax on mortgages. If you have any questions, please contact the Register of Deeds.

5. Are there any liens against my property?

Some liens (mortgages, tax liens, etc.) filed against property will be listed in the indices. To obtain specific information about the lien it is always best for you to look at the actual document. The Deeds office also handles personal property liens; commonly referred to as UCC’s. (Uniform Commercial Code Filings) Federal and State Tax Liens against real and personal property may also be on file in the Deeds office. However all liens are not handled by the Register of Deeds. You should also check with the Pottawatomie County Clerk of the District Court, Motor Vehicles Department, Kansas Department of Human Resources, etc. for other lien filings.

If you have any questions, please contact the Register of Deeds.

6. Will someone do research for me?

The staff of the Register of Deeds Office can assist you in researching our archives. We are unable to do in-depth searches of the archives. In-depth searches are the realm of Title Companies, Attorneys, and privately contracted researchers. Our staff will answer simple questions concerning our records to inquiries made in person, by telephone, by fax, or by e-mail. Remember not all county records are filed in the Register of Deeds office. If you have questions, which are beyond our scope, we will refer you to another office or a professional to insure the best results to your queries. If you have any questions, please contact the Register of Deeds.