Wichita, KS Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Unlike many cities, Wichita does not issue a discrete home-occupation permit. Compliance is achieved by meeting the standards in the Unified Zoning Code (25 percent floor area cap, one non-resident employee, no prohibited uses, no signage, customer traffic limits) and obtaining the standard business registrations. Every business operating within Wichita must obtain a city Business Tax Certificate from the Finance Department, even if home-based. Certain regulated activities require additional licenses. Daycare needs a KDHE license. Cosmetology and barbering require Kansas Board of Cosmetology licensing. Massage therapy requires city licensing under Wichita Code Chapter 3.39. Food businesses other than cottage food require KDA inspection. Handgun and firearms dealers require federal FFL plus city licensing. After registering, the operator must collect Kansas state and Sedgwick County retail sales tax (where applicable) and remit through the Kansas Department of Revenue. If using a name other than the legal owner name, file a fictitious business name with the Kansas Secretary of State. Failure to obtain required licenses can lead to operational shutdown by the Office of Central Inspection and back-tax assessments.