Permits are a clue to plans in your area

Each Monday, The Eagle highlights a government record that is available to the public. Open records help people keep government in check and help them better understand how government affects their lives.

For a complete list of You Oughta Know columns, go to www.kansas.com/oughta.

The record: Planning documents related to conditional use permits and planned developments in Wichita.

Why you'd want them: To learn more about planning in your area.

Where you get the records: Go to http://wichita.gov/CityOffices/Planning. Click on the "CUPs and PUDs" link. Then click on any file in which you are interested.

How much it will cost: The information is free.