City of The Highlands, Kansas
The First New City in 65 years
The Highlands, Kansas became Reno County’s 15th city of the third class on July 18, 2017 – the first one since Willowbrook, Kansas was incorporated on July 10, 1952.
The city consists of 21 platted subdivisions surrounding the Crazy Horse Sports Club and Golf Course complex. The city is largely regulated by property owner covenants as well as city ordinances.
The city development plan is to remain a family oriented, R1, low density, residential-only community and grow in a way that maintains and preserves the peaceful character of the special and unique "sand hills" setting.
Building and Zoning
All building and construction require a permit issued by the City Council. The Highlands may be in a rural setting but it is a city with laws and codes. Those laws and codes shall be enforced per the Kansas State Statutes. Zoning and regulations for all allowed construction types are defined by Ordinance No. 2020-18. Zoning violations are civil in nature and can result in penalty and sentencing by district court.
Covenants
Many of the subdivisions within The Highlands have covenants on file with the Reno County Records and Deeds office.
Due Diligence
Fire, Utilities and Law Enforcement
The fire district is partially volunteer and partially Reno County. Public utilities are provided by Reno County Public Works. Public water, and waste sewer systems must be incorporated into all residential constructions by City Ordinance.
Law enforcement is a service of the Reno County Sheriff's Office.
Governing Body
The Highlands is a city of the third class per Kansas Statutes. The Governing Body consists of an elected Mayor and five elected Council Members.
Council meetings are designated to be held on the 2nd and the 4th Monday of each month but may be rescheduled as necessary from time to time.
Schools
The Highlands is in the USD#309 - Nickerson school district and the elementry, middle and high school facilities are located throughout the district.
City Ordinances are required to be enforced by State Statutes but due diligence should be done prior to construction or activities that may also violate provisions of an ordinance or covenant. Due diligence would include: research of existing covenants for any applicable, non-expiring covenant; easements; absolute building setbacks on plat maps of record for each subdivision; property deed consolidations or restrictions; all City ordinances; and legal counsel if there is question or doubt. The most restrictive of any provision in effect and not in conflict with Kansas State Statutes shall apply.