Zoning Guide

Wichita Building Permits — Cost, Timeline & Process

Last updated: Verified:

Building permitting and code enforcement for Wichita and Sedgwick County are administered through the Metropolitan Area Building & Construction Department (MABCD).

Current Adopted Codes

MABCD's current adopted-code page lists, among others:

  • 2024 International Building Code (IBC)
  • 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
  • 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
  • 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)
  • 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
  • 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)

These editions have local City/County amendments. The correct code for a project depends on the building type and scope, so older statements that Wichita simply uses the "2018 IBC" are no longer accurate.

MABCD Current Adopted Codes

Plan Review

MABCD provides plan-review services and publishes current submittal information through Sedgwick County.

MABCD Plan Review

This guide does not state a fixed review time. Review duration depends on project type, completeness, workload, and correction cycles.

Building and Permit Services

The City of Wichita directs building and permit users to MABCD services.

City of Wichita — Licenses and Building & Permit Services

Typical Workflow

  1. Confirm parcel zoning with Wichita-Sedgwick County Planning.
  2. Identify the applicable building and trade codes.
  3. Prepare the required plans and supporting documents.
  4. Submit the permit/plan-review package through the current MABCD process.
  5. Address review comments when required.
  6. Obtain the issued permit before beginning regulated work.
  7. Request required inspections.
  8. Complete final inspection and any required certificate process.

Zoning Lookup

Use the official Wichita GIS map for zoning, zoning cases, city limits, overlays, and related planning layers:

Wichita Map Search — GIS

Disclaimer: Code editions, amendments, fees, and permit procedures change. Verify the current MABCD pages before submitting a project.

More about Wichita Zoning

ADU Rules & RegulationsSetbacks & Height Limits

Sources

  1. City of Wichita — Building & Permit Services·wichita.gov·Accessed 2026-09-19·Direct link
  2. MABCD — Current Adopted Codes, Resolutions & Ordinances·sedgwickcounty.org·Accessed 2026-09-19·Direct link
  3. MABCD — Plan Review·sedgwickcounty.org·Accessed 2026-09-19·Direct link
  4. Wichita Municipal Code·library.municode.com·Accessed 2026-09-19·Direct link

FAQ

Who issues building permits in Wichita — the city or the county?
Building permits for both the City of Wichita and unincorporated Sedgwick County are issued by the Metropolitan Area Building & Construction Department (MABCD), a joint city-county department. You submit one application through MABCD regardless of whether your project is inside Wichita city limits or in the surrounding county.
How do I apply for a building permit in Wichita?
Most applications are submitted online through the MABCD Citizen Access portal at wichita.gov. You create an account, upload plans and supporting documents, pay fees, and track your permit status and inspections in the same system. In-person walk-in service is also available at the MABCD office.
How much does a building permit cost in Wichita?
MABCD permit fees are calculated based on the project's declared construction valuation. A plan review fee is charged in addition to the base building permit fee. The current fee schedule is published on the MABCD website; always verify rates there before budgeting, as fees are subject to change.
Which building code does Wichita use?
MABCD's current adopted-code page lists the 2024 IBC and 2024 IEBC, the 2018 IRC, 2023 NEC, 2024 IMC, and 2021 UPC, with local City/County amendments. Use the current MABCD code page for the governing edition for your project.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Wichita?
MABCD administers inspections for the Wichita-Sedgwick County system. Use the current MABCD online services/contact information to request an inspection; timing depends on current scheduling and should not be assumed from a fixed turnaround estimate.