Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions About GSS
Questions About Parcels of Land and Real Estate
Questions About Surveys, Rights-of-Way, Easements
Miscellaneous Questions About  Maps and Aerial Photographs
Questions About Tax Sales and Land Bank
Other Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I contact your office?
  GeoSpatial Services
  710 North 7th Street
  Suite 70
  Kansas City, Kansas   66101
  Call: (913) 573-2941
  Email:GSS@wycokck.org
  
• What services do you provide?
  We have a variety of mapping information available:
  • tax parcel maps
  • subdivision plats
  • current and historical aerial photos
  • owner and parcel information
  • digital data available on request
  • maps of undermined areas
  • section corner ties
  • benchmark information
  • topographic information
    
• What products do you provide?
  We can provide photocopies of most of our map and parcel information. We also have a select number of countywide maps available for purchase on a first come first serve basis.  If you have a custom map or data request that is not immediately available we can probably provided it within a few days. Charges are dependent on the number of copies provided and the size of a printed map product. Fees for digital data requests vary depending on the type of information and the size of the request.
  
• What method of payment do you accept?
  Cash or check. Make checks payable to “Unified Government Treasurer” or “UG Treasurer.”
  
• What information do you have available online?
  The Unified Government has two online sites that may assist you.
  • DotMaps,http://www2.wycokck.org/dotmaps/ is the Unified Government’s online mapping application. Dotmaps is an interactive web mapping tool which allows you to choose map layers to display, perform a search on addresses and parcel number, or pan and zoom to different locations.
  • The County Appraisers office has the Appraisal Search tool,http://appr.wycokck.org/ which contains some parcel information and a recent photo of the property where possible. 
    NOTE: Ownership information is not available online.
    
• How do I request a custom map or GIS data?
  You can visit our office, call GeoSpatial Services at (913) 573-2941, or email your request as follows.
  • To request custom printed maps:
    Email:GSS@wycokck.org. A staff member will work with you to publish a map with the content that you need. Printed maps can then be picked up in our office.
  • To request GIS digital data:
    Email:GetGISdata@wycokck.org. A staff member will assist you with information about the types of data we have and the formats we can provide. Digital data can be copied to disk, FTP’d to a customer site, or emailed if file sizes allow. For digital information you will need to fill out a GIS Digital Data Order Form, followed by signing a GIS Data Transmittal and Confidentiality Agreement.

• How do I determine the owner of a certain piece of property? What if I do not have the address?
  Call: County Clerk, (913) 573-2874
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  If you have the property address you can call the County Clerk’s office. If you have an adjacent address, the nearest intersection, or some other landmark that will help us locate the property on a map, call GeoSpatial Services.
  
• I want to combine two adjacent tax parcels in order to receive one tax bill. How do I do this?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  If you own two adjacent parcels and wish to have them combined into one tax bill you may request that this be done in our office. In rare situations we may not be able to accommodate the request based on factors such and school and tax district boundaries. Note that we can only combine tax parcels. This will have no impact on you properties title work. If you have a mortgage on one parcel, but not the other, this combination of tax parcels may affect your escrow and mortgage payments. You can visit our online public mapping site, DotMaps,http://www2.wycokck.org/dotmaps/ to see how we currently have your parcel mapped.
  
• I want to divide an existing tax parcel. How do I do this?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  We may be able to divide your tax parcel based on several factors. We need a legal property description in order to know how and where to divide your parcel. We also may need to check whether the division would violate platting or zoning restrictions in the area. This is typically a case by case basis. You should check with our office, citing the specific parcel you wish to divide, to find out if dividing the record is possible.
  
• The address on my tax bill is incorrect. How do I fix it?
  Call: County Clerk, (913) 573-2874
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  For mailing address corrections call the County Clerk.
  For property address corrections call GeoSpatial Services.
  
• I think you have my parcel mapped incorrectly. What can I do to fix it?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  Bring us any documents or materials you have that could help us correct the issue. If you believe a mapping error has led to a valuation error by the County Appraiser you can also protest your property valuation.

• How can I find out what my tax parcel’s dimensions are? How many acres do I own?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  For most properties we have dimensioning, acreage, and square footage information. If your property is uniquely shaped (more than 4 sides, over 5 acres etc.) we may only have acreage and square footage. If your property is platted we will have the subdivision plat of your area with dimensions on it.
  
• I’m having a dispute with my neighbors over the property line.  How do I determine where the property line is located?
  Call a licensed Surveyor
  Call: Dispute Resolutions, (913) 573-5225
  Only a licensed surveyor can determine exactly where your property lines are located. Property disputes between neighbors are a civil matter that can end up in expensive litigation. The Unified Government has the Dispute Resolutions office that may be able to provide a mediator between two parties. The most affordable and cordial solution would be to come up with some sort of agreement with your neighbor.
  
• How do I determine where my property lines are?
  Call a licensed Surveyor
  We cannot help you locate exactly where your property lines are. Depending on the location and nature of your real estate we might have map and dimension information that will help you find the approximate location of your property lines, but only a state licensed surveyor can determine the exact location of your property boundaries. Surveyors are listed in the phone book under “Surveyors Land.”  We recommend calling several in order to compare prices/availability and to find a surveyor that is familiar with your area.
  
• Do you have copies of surveys?
  We do not have survey copies. There is no requirement that surveys are to be recorded or filed with the county. General land surveys are occasionally recorded and filed in the Register of Deeds office but that is a rare exception and they can be difficult to find.
  
• Do I need a survey or permit in order to put up a fence?
  Kansas City, Kansas residents call Urban Planning: (913) 573-5750
  Bonner Springs residents call Planning Department: (913) 667-1708
  Edwardsville residents call City Hall: (913)441-3707
  Surveys and permits are not required in order to build a fence 6ft tall or less. Further fence restrictions are available from the Planning and Zoning office for your local Jurisdiction. If you are unsure of where your property lines are be aware that you are building a fence at your own risk and you may be encroaching on your neighbor’s property.
  
• The Building Inspection office says I need a plot plan in order to receive a building permit. How do I obtain a plot plan?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  Call a licensed Surveyor
  A plot plan can only be drawn up by a licensed surveyor. We can provide some useful supplemental information to help you know how your property is mapped, including tax parcel maps, tax roll property listings, old engineering maps, and subdivision plats covering your property. However, it is the property owner’s responsibility to  determine if they need to hire a surveyor to perform an plot plan survey for their intended building purposes (we have a handy list of local licensed surveyors on this website for your convenience).
  
• I have a problem with a deed; can you help me with it?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  We can offer whatever materials or maps we have on file in our office to aid in your research. We cannot offer legal advice or suggest corrective measures regarding land title. You may need to enlist the services of a title company or an attorney that specializes in real estate.
  
• Where can I find my property’s legal description? How do I write a new one?
  Call: Register of Deeds, (913) 573-2841
  A property’s legal description is contained within the recorded deeds of record for your property. A licensed surveyor, title company, or attorney, are typically the only parties qualified in the skills needed to research or create property descriptions.
  
• How do I find the easements on my property?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  Call: Kansas City Kansas Engineering Division, (913) 573-5700
  Call: Bonner Springs: (913) 422-1020
  Call: Edwardsville City Hall: (913)441-3707
  Call your local utilities
  Call: Kansas One-Call, (316) 687-2470 or 1-800-DIG-SAFE
  If your property is platted in a subdivision plat the plat may have easement information. GeoSpatial Services can provide copies of those plats. The Engineering Division may have information on sewers and drainage. Other easements such as access easements or utility easements may be discovered by title research or a call to the relevant utility. If you need easement information prior to digging call Kansas One-Call at (316) 687-2470 or 1-800-DIG-SAFE.
  
• How do I find out where utility lines are buried in my yard?
  Call: Kansas One-Call, (316) 687-2470 or 1-800-DIG-SAFE
  
• How wide is the Right-of-Way in front of my house? Where does my front yard begin? Do I have to maintain the area within the Right-of-Way?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  Call: Kansas City, Kansas Engineering Division, (913) 573-5700
  Call: Bonner Springs: (913) 422-1020
  Call: Edwardsville City Hall: (913)441-3707
  Plats, deeds, road records, and other materials can be researched in order to find Right-of-Way width. Typically the Right-of-Way is wider than the actual street, and the street may not run down the exact center of the Right-of-Way. The only way to know exactly where the Right-of-Way line meets your property line is with a survey, but we can provide materials that may give you a general idea. The property owner is responsible for maintaining the landscaping from the property line to the curb. For other problems, such as deteriorating sidewalks or curbs, contact the Engineering Division.
  
• How do I find the right-of-way width/road record for a particular road?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  We can find right-of-way information either in our subdivision plat files, or the county road records. Note that some road record and plat information may be out of date. Individual right-of-way takings may also be located in the register of deeds office or the district court. A professional title researcher or surveyor may be required to find all road information for a given area.
  
• How far back are the building and fence setback lines for my property?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  Kansas City, Kansas residents call Urban Planning: (913) 573-5750
  Bonner Springs residents call Planning Department: (913) 667-1708
  Edwardsville residents call City Hall: (913)441-3707
  We may have some of this information depending on the nature of your property. Otherwise you will have to speak to the Planning Department for your city.
  
• How do I get an alley or right-of-way vacated if it is not being used?
  Kansas City, Kansas residents call Urban Planning: (913) 573-5750
  Bonner Springs residents call Planning Department: (913) 667-1708
  Edwardsville residents call City Hall: (913)441-3707
  Residents need to petition in order to vacate right-of-way that is not being used for public access. Typically any resident with property adjacent to the right-of-way has to agree to the vacation. In most cases once right of way is vacated it is divided down the middle and properties on each side of the alley or street receive half of the vacated area.
  
• When was my home built?
  Call: Appraisers Office, (913) 287-2641
  Speak with a residential property appraiser.
  
• What is the square footage of a commercial or residential building?
  Call: Appraisers Office, (913) 287-2641
  Ask to speak with a commercial or residential property appraiser. They should be able to give you information about the structures on the property.
  
• Do you have aerial photos of my property? Do you have historical aerial photos of my property?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  We have aerial photos of Wyandotte County dating back to 1941. Recently we have acquired new aerial photos every other year for the entire county. Older photos are more sporadic in their coverage. We may or may not have older historical aerials of your specific location.
  
• Do you have historical aerial photos available for Phase One environmental studies?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  We have aerial photos of some Wyandotte County areas dating back to 1941. Recently we have acquired new aerial photos roughly every other year for the entire county (2001, 2004, 2006 are online). Older photos are more sporadic in their coverage. We may or may not have older historical aerials of the specific location for specific years, but we tend to have at least one good source for each decade.
  
• Do you have maps of mines or undermined properties?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  GeoSpatial Services has maps of undermined areas. However the information on these maps is dated and specific site accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
  
• What kind of historical maps do you have?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  Call: Wyandotte County Museum, (913) 271-1078
  Call: Strawberry Hill Museum, (913) 371-3264
  Call: Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, (913) 551-3280
  Other then aerial photos and subdivision plats we do not function as a historical warehouse. For historical information try Wyandotte County museums or the public library.
  
• Where can I find historical land information?
  Call: Wyandotte County Museum, (913) 271-1078
  Call: Strawberry Hill Museum, (913) 371-3264
  Call: Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, (913) 551-3280
  The Wyandotte County Museum and public library may be good resources for genealogical and historical research. The Register of Deeds office contains all land title records, but abstracting land title records is best left to professionals and those that know how to research land title.

• What is a tax sale? When is the next tax sale?
  Call: Delinquent Real Estate, (913) 573-2817
  The Delinquent Real Estate office can give you information about the next county tax sale and the tax sale process in general.
  
• What is the Land Bank? How do I purchase property from the Land Bank?
  Call: Wyandotte County Land Bank, (913) 573-2828
  The Land Bank office has information about land bank parcels and how to acquire land bank property.

• Do you have Section Corner ties?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  Yes we have land survey reference reports with section corner information.
  
• Do you have Benchmark information?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  Yes we have a surveyor’s benchmark file that was created in 1981.
  
• What tax district/school district/commissioners district am I in?
  Call: County Clerk, (913) 573-2874
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  The County Clerk handles the majority of political district requests. Our office has political and educational district maps available. You can also call the Count Clerk or GeoSpatial Services to answer your questions about a specific property. We also have political jurisdictions on out public online mapping site, DotMaps,http://www2.wycokck.org/dotmaps/.
  
• Do you have levy and tax unit maps?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  Yes, we can provide maps of taxation boundaries.
  
• Do you have maps of NRA areas?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  Yes, we can provide geographic information related to Neighborhood Revitalization Areas.
  
• Do you have maps of TIF areas?
  Call: GeoSpatial Services, (913) 573-2941
  Yes, we can provide geographic information related to Tax Increment Financing areas.

• How can I get information about other Unified Government services?
  Call: The Service Request and Information Center, (913) 573-5190
  The Service Request and Information Center is the central contact for service requests and complaints. They will route your service request to the appropriate department.