Zoning Frequently Asked Questions
What is zoning?
Zoning is the classification of land into districts for the purpose of regulating the use of land, placement and size of buildings. A zoning law consists of two parts: (1) A zoning map that shows the boundaries of the various districts and (2) A written text setting forth the regulations applicable to each district. Zoning regulations must be reasonable and can be imposed only to protect and promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the public. Zoning is the primary means of trying to assure that nearby land uses are compatible with each other.
How many zoning districts are there?
There are 19 different base zoning classifications or districts and seven special purpose and overlay districts. All property in Wichita and unincorporated Sedgwick County is within one of these districts. Not all zoning districts are used in the County. Parts of Sedgwick County have had zoning regulations since 1958. In 1985, zoning was established in the balance of Sedgwick County. In 1996, the separate Wichita and Sedgwick County Codes were combined into one United Zoning Code.
How do I find out what my property is zoned?
The official zoning maps for the unincorporated areas of Sedgwick County are on file in the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department (MAPD), and the Department of Code Enforcement. You may view these maps during normal business hours (8:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday) or you may access these maps through the interactive web site GIS. This web page is easy to navigate.
How do I know what my property can be used for?
The complete text for zoning regulations is available for purchase at Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department (MAPD). This text list the uses permitted in each district and the restrictions on the location of buildings on a lot. The maximum height of buildings, the minimum lot size allowed and the density of development permitted. The text also gives requirements for parking, screening and lighting. A four page Table of Uses and a one page Site Development Standards are available free at the MAPD office at Wichita City Hall, 455 N. Main.
How do I apply for a zone change?
Contact Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department at 455 N. Main, Wichita, Kansas 316-268-4421.
How much does rezoning cost?
Contact Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department at 455 N. Main, Wichita, Kansas 316-268-4421.
What happens in the rezoning process?
A public hearing by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission is scheduled and a notice of this meeting is published in the newspaper. Notice of the hearing is also sent by first class mail to the property owners on the certified ownership list filed with the application. These notifications are provided by the Metropolitan Area Planning Department office. If the property is in the unincorporated area near one of the 17 small cities in Sedgwick County, that city’s planning commission will consider the request at one of its meetings and make recommendation to the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and County Commission. The applicant or agent should attend these meetings to present the rezoning request and respond to questions from the various boards and the public.
After the public hearing recommendation by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, the rezoning request is sent to the Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners for final approval or disapproval.
How long does rezoning take?
Contact Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department at 455 N. Main, Wichita, Kansas 316-268-4421.
How long do I protest a zone change request?
Anyone who owns property within 1,000 feet of a zone change request site may protest the zone change request by filing a protest with the County Clerk within 14 days following the public hearing by the MAPC. To be valid, a petition must be signed by all owners of the protesting property. Protest petition forms are available in the MAPD office at 455 N. main, 316-268-4421. If owners of 20% of the land within the protest area file valid petitions within the 14-day protest period, more than a simple majority of the governing body is required for the zone change to be approved.