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.
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last update:
02/05/04
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