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Wichita, KS Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing sections
Sec. 8.01.050 & 8.01.130
Height trigger
Vegetation over 12 inches
Enforcing agency
MABCD Director
Penalty
Abatement costs plus tax lien
Exception
Controlled planned sustainable landscapes

Summary

Wichita's municipal code lists invasive plants, brush, and woody vines as unlawful "weeds" whenever they aren't properly controlled, putting them in the same nuisance category as noxious weeds and overgrown grass.

1.Noxious weeds;2.Invasive plants, brush and woody vines when not properly controlled;3.Plants which are likely to cause environmental harm or harm to human health including, but not limited to, plants which are deemed a fire hazard and plants which harbor animal pests; or4.Lawn grasses and other vegetation more than twelve (12) inches in height.

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

The city's nuisance code (Sec. 8.01.050) defines "weeds" to include noxious weeds, invasive plants, brush, and woody vines that go unmanaged, plus any vegetation over twelve inches tall. Sec. 8.01.130 makes that growth unlawful on any lot, sidewalk, alley, or right-of-way and lets the Director of Metropolitan Area Building and Construction issue a notice to abate. A narrow exception exists for a documented "planned sustainable landscape", but only if it contains no invasive plants, brush, or woody vines left uncontrolled, no turf grass, and meets required setbacks from lot lines and streets.

Violations & Fines

Ignoring a notice to abate lets the city enter the property, remove the growth, and bill the owner; unpaid costs become a tax lien, and violations are prosecutable in municipal court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wichita ban specific invasive plant species?
No. The code doesn't name species: it treats invasive plants, brush, and woody vines as unlawful "weeds" whenever they're not properly controlled, alongside noxious weeds and tall grass.
Can I keep invasive plants in a garden bed?
Only inside a documented "planned sustainable landscape" that contains no uncontrolled invasive plants, brush, woody vines, turf grass, or noxious weeds, and meets the required lot-line setbacks.

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 RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions

All Wichita rules

Compare Wichita to another location·View the Kansas invasive plant rules overview

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