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Wichita, KS Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing rule
Sec. 24.04.040(7) exemption
Permit required
None for private-property decorations
Definition section
Sec. 24.04.045(56)
Contrast
Balloon Sign over 5 sq ft needs permit
Enforcing agency
MABCD (sign code)

Summary

Inflatable Santas, snowmen, and other seasonal yard displays on private property in Wichita are exempt from the city's sign code entirely: no sign permit, size limit, or duration cap applies to them as Temporary Decorations.

The provisions of this Title shall not apply to: ...7.Temporary Decorations or displays on private property;... 'Temporary Decoration(s)' means displays erected on a seasonal or temporary basis that are not intended to be permanent in nature and that do not constitute Commercial Signs.

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

Wichita's sign code carves 'Temporary Decorations' completely out of Title 24 regulation: Sec. 24.04.040 lists them among items the sign provisions 'shall not apply to,' alongside flags and traffic devices. Sec. 24.04.045 defines a Temporary Decoration as any seasonal or temporary display that isn't intended to be permanent and doesn't count as a Commercial Sign, covering inflatable Santas, snowmen, and similar holiday yard displays on private property. That's distinct from a 'Balloon Sign,' an inflated advertising sign over five square feet, which does need a Balloon Sign Permit under Sec. 24.04.235.

Violations & Fines

No permit, fine, or violation applies to seasonal yard inflatables on private property: they're outright exempt. An advertising Balloon Sign over five square feet displayed without a permit is a code violation enforceable by MABCD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for an inflatable Santa or snowman in my yard in Wichita?
No. Wichita's sign code exempts 'Temporary Decorations' on private property, seasonal, non-permanent displays that aren't Commercial Signs, from all sign permitting under Sec. 24.04.040(7).
Is there a size limit on holiday inflatables in Wichita?
Not under the sign code. Temporary Decorations carry no size or duration cap. A large advertising Balloon Sign is different: over five square feet, it needs a permit.

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 RestrictionsWindow SignsSignificant RestrictionsFreeway-Facing SignsSignificant RestrictionsDigital BillboardsSome RestrictionsPolitical SignsSignificant RestrictionsGarage Sale SignsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions

All Wichita rules

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