Wichita, KS Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Under the Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Zoning Code, livestock animals including cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, llamas, and alpacas are not permitted on standard residential lots. These animals are restricted to agricultural districts (RR Rural Residential, AG Agricultural) and may be allowed on SF-20 single-family lots provided minimum acreage and setback requirements are met (typically 1 acre per large animal, with stables and corrals at least 50 feet from property lines and 100 feet from neighboring dwellings). Manure management and odor control are required to prevent nuisance complaints. Slaughter on residential or non-agricultural property is prohibited. Kansas right-to-farm law (K.S.A. 2-3201 et seq.) protects existing agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits when newer residential development encroaches on previously agricultural land, provided the operation has been in existence for one year or more and is not negligently or improperly operated. Backyard chickens (up to 6 hens) are permitted on residential lots under a separate Backyard Chicken Permit and are not classified as livestock for zoning purposes. Miniature animals (mini horses, mini goats, mini pigs) are still treated as livestock regardless of size and require appropriate zoning. Annexation of formerly rural land into Wichita may grandfather existing livestock operations.