Shawnee County announces creation of new department: Land Use & Development.
As of January 1, 2026, the former Planning Department and Environmental Health division will combine into one department, Land Use & Development, under the direction of Joni C. Thadani. All unincorporated county building permits, floodplain management, wastewater and water services, nuisance and zoning complaints, solid waste and landfill inspections, as well as annual Fireworks Stand permits, annual school inspections, and rabies animal quarantines will be handled out of one office. Staff from all affected department(s) and division(s) will remain the same.
To make contact with staff within Land Use & Development please call 785.251.5410, email [email protected], or stop by the service window located at the Shawnee County North Annex, 1515 NW Saline St, Topeka, Kansas 66618. You may also continue to contact Environmental Health division staff at their respective desk phones and/or cell phones, if provided.
We look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Shawnee County!
Joni Thadani, Director
Service and Responsibilities
- Develops, implements and enforces County land use policies and regulations.
- Processes and issues related to building, zoning, and other development permits.
- Administers County floodplain regulations.
- Completes long-range community planning.
- Supports the Shawnee County Planning Commission, the Shawnee County Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Shawnee County Commission.