Wichita, KS Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice before citation
- 48 hours to vacate
- Immediate removal zones
- bridges, schools, bus shelters, MAC
- Property hold period
- 30 days impounded
- Max penalty
- $200 fine / 30 days jail
- Shelter-bed exception
- no citation if no beds available
Summary
Camping on any Wichita street, sidewalk, park, or other public property is a public nuisance, with a 48-hour notice to vacate before citation or property removal.
It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person or persons to Camp in or upon any public property or public right-of-way, unless such person or persons have been granted a temporary permit allowing such activity as set forth in Section 5.20.040 of this Chapter. Unless otherwise specified by this Chapter, a person found camping on Public Property or Public Right-of-Way shall be given 48 hours' notice to vacate the property. Such notice shall be served on such person, if present, or be posted near or upon the property in a visible location. A change in location of the Camp and/or Personal Property within the line of sight from the Camping location will not require a new 48-hour notice be given.(b)A person may be cited with violation of this Section if the individual refuses to leave and/or remove all Personal Property within the period contained in the notice or has previously been provided notice that Camping on such Public Property or Public Right-of-Way is prohibited.(c)A person may not be cited with violation of this Section if the individual is deemed homeless and there are no appropriate shelter beds available for such individual. (Ord. No. 49-515, § 2, 6-18-13; Ord. No. 52-600, § 3, 1-7-25)
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 Chapter 5.20 makes it unlawful to camp on public property or public right-of-way without a City Manager-issued temporary permit. Camping covers sleeping, laying down bedding, storing camping gear, cooking, or using a tent or vehicle as a living space. A person found camping gets 48 hours' notice to vacate before citation; unclaimed personal property left behind can be impounded and held 30 days. Near bridges, playgrounds, schools, bus shelters, the Multi-Agency Center, and similar sensitive sites, camping can be abated immediately without notice under Sec. 5.20.022. A person cannot be cited if they are homeless and no appropriate shelter bed is available.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor: fine up to $200 and/or up to 30 days in jail; indigent defendants may perform public service instead. City Attorney may also pursue a civil nuisance abatement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Wichita cite a homeless person for camping outside?
What happens to belongings left at a cleared camp?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita
Compare Wichita to another location·View the Kansas homelessness & encampment rules overview
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