Sedgwick County, KS Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- Inoperable vehicles on private property, unless enclosed
- Exception
- Agricultural use or screened storage exempt
- Screening height
- 6 ft minimum, 8 ft maximum fence
- Setback limit
- Screened behind 100 ft of ROW line
- Penalty
- Class F violation, $50 first offense
Summary
Leaving an inoperable vehicle parked or stored on private property anywhere in unincorporated Sedgwick County is a public nuisance under Sec. 19-22(a)(2), unless it's fully enclosed in a building or needed for a lawful business. Code enforcement can cite violators for a Class F offense under Sec. 19-23(c).
It is unlawful for any person to maintain, or permit to be maintained, any activity or condition described in this section, in the county. ... Inoperable vehicles parked or stored or left on any private property in the county, unless such vehicles are completely enclosed within a building, unless the parking or storing of such vehicles is necessary to the operation of a lawful business or commercial enterprise.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 22 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 19-21 defines an "inoperable vehicle" broadly: any vehicle unable to operate or move under its own power, or one that is abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, scrapped, junked or partially dismantled, including vehicles with uninflated tires, missing wheels, or missing other parts needed for normal operation, or that can't be operated in a normal, safe manner because of mechanical defects or a wrecked frame; a vehicle needing only a battery or fuel to run doesn't count. Sec. 19-22(a)(2) makes it unlawful to maintain an inoperable vehicle parked or stored on private property in the county unless the vehicle is completely enclosed within a building or the storage is necessary to a lawful business or commercial enterprise.
Sec. A. ), and are screened so they aren't visible at ground level from the street or a neighboring property. That screening must be a fence, wall, evergreen vegetation or landscaped earth berm at least 6 feet tall, no fence or wall taller than 8 feet, with no more than 5 percent open cracks, built of standard materials in a neutral color, and positioned behind the front setback, capped at a maximum of 100 feet from the street right-of-way line. Sec. 19-23 lets any code enforcement or law enforcement officer issue a uniform complaint and notice to appear in county court, classifies violations of Sec.
19-22(a) as Class F offenses under Sec. 8-5(a), and Sec. 19-24 preserves the county's ability to pursue any other civil remedy on top of a citation.
Violations & Fines
A code enforcement or law enforcement officer can issue a uniform complaint and notice to appear in county court for any violation of Sec. 19-22(a), classified as a Class F offense under Sec. 8-5(a): $50 for a first offense within 12 months, $100 for a second, $150 for a third. Sec. 19-24 preserves the county's right to pursue any other civil remedy on top of that citation, including nuisance abatement action against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an "inoperable vehicle" under county code?
Can I keep a broken-down car in my yard if it's fenced?
Does the rule apply to farm vehicles?
What's the fine for an unscreened inoperable vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sedgwick County
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