Wichita, KS Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 12 inches
- Enforcing office
- MABCD Director
- Covers
- lot plus abutting street/alley
- Exception
- planned sustainable landscape areas
Summary
Wichita bans uncultivated grass, weeds, or vegetation over twelve inches on any lot, vacant or occupied, plus the street and alley frontage abutting it.
Uncultivated or unkept grass, weeds, vines or other vegetation over twelve inches in height or length upon any lot or piece of land or upon the streets and alleys in front of and abutting is unlawful for the owner of any such lot or piece of land to permit uncultivated or unkept grass, weeds or other vegetation in excess of twelve inches in height or length to exist and remain on said owner's land or upon the streets and alleys in front of and abutting upon any such lot or piece of land owned by said owner.(b)Upon a determination by the Director, that a nuisance such as is described in subsection (a) of this section exists and such nuisance has not been abated following a notice of violation pursuant to Section 8.01.060, such officer shall proceed to abate the nuisance.(c)In lieu of giving notice as provided by Section 8.01.060 of the Code of the City of Wichita, the Director, for the initial notice or any subsequent notice, may send a one-time yearly written notification by mail or personal service. Such notice shall include the same information required above. In addition, such notice shall include a statement that no further notice shall be given prior to removal of weeds. If such a one-time notice is sent pursuant to this subsection, no additional notices are required to be sent prior to removal of weeds for one calendar year from the date of that notice.(d)Exception. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to:
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
Under Wichita Municipal Code Sec. 8.01.130, letting grass, weeds, vines, or other vegetation grow past twelve inches in height or length on a lot or on the adjoining street/alley frontage is a nuisance. MABCD's Director can order abatement after a notice-of-violation under Sec. 8.01.060 goes unanswered, and the city may send one yearly written notice instead of repeat notices, after which no further notice is required before crews cut it for the rest of that calendar year. A carve-out exists for maintained 'planned sustainable landscape' areas that meet defined setback and edging standards.
Violations & Fines
First conviction: fine up to $1,000. Second: $200-$1,000. Third: $500-$2,000. Fourth or later: $1,000-$2,500, plus up to 12 months imprisonment possible under Sec. 8.01.180.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 12-inch weed rule apply to vacant lots in Wichita?
How much notice does Wichita give before cutting weeds itself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita
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