Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Wichita

Wichita, KS Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Wichita Municipal Code Sec. 20.04.030(13)
Core requirement
Working locks on all exterior doors
Also covers
Ground-floor window locking devices
Enforcing agency
MABCD Director
First-offense fine
$300 to $1,000

Summary

Wichita's housing code requires every dwelling unit to have safe, functioning locking devices on all exterior doors and ground-floor windows, a baseline landlords and owner-occupants must maintain under Chapter 20.04.

(13)Every dwelling or dwelling unit shall be equipped with safe, functioning locking devices on all exterior doors and ground floor windows of the dwelling or dwelling unit; and(14)All existing installations and/or repairs made to conform to this and all other applicable city codes, must be installed in a workmanlike manner. (Ord. No. 44-967 § 2; Ord. No. 47-302, § 2, 11-21-06; Ord. No. 52-863, § 5, 12-16-25)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).

Full Breakdown

Wichita Municipal Code Sec. 20.04.030(13) sets a minimum-equipment standard for every dwelling and dwelling unit in the city: safe, functioning locking devices on all exterior doors and on ground-floor windows. The rule sits inside the Housing Code's basic-equipment list alongside plumbing, heat and egress requirements, so a landlord or owner-occupant who won't install or repair a broken exterior lock is out of compliance the same way a missing water heater would be. The Director of the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) enforces the chapter and can order repairs after inspection.

Violations & Fines

Violating the Housing Code is a misdemeanor: fines run $300-$1,000 for a first conviction up to $2,000-$2,500 for a fourth, plus up to 12 months imprisonment (Sec. 20.04.200).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wichita require locks on dwelling doors?
Yes. City housing code Sec. 20.04.030(13) requires safe, functioning locking devices on every exterior door and ground-floor window in any dwelling or dwelling unit, rented or owner-occupied.
What happens if a landlord ignores a broken exterior lock?
MABCD can cite the violation under Chapter 20.04; a conviction is a misdemeanor carrying a fine starting at $300 and rising with repeat offenses, plus possible jail time up to 12 months.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wichita

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsChildcare Center RulesSignificant RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSignificant RestrictionsFire Sprinkler RequirementsSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions

All Wichita rules

Compare Wichita to another location·View the Kansas building safety overview

Get notified when Door Locking Hardware in Wichita, KS changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.