Yes, the City of Wichita has a Development Assistance Center. If you would like to use this service, contact Terry Cassady at (316) 268-4371.

Get more information on the plan review, permitting and inspection process!

When is a permit required?

No building or structure regulated by this code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from Central Inspection.

Work Exempt from Permit

A building permit shall not be required for the following:

1. (a). One-story detached accessory buildings classified as a Group U Occupancy, provided the floor area does not exceed 150 square feet (13.94 m2), and a location permit is obtained from the Office of Central Inspection prior to installation.

   (b). Playhouses or tree houses having single or multi-level floors with or without roofs and playground equipment.

2. Concrete or masonry fences not over 4 feet (1219 mm) and other fences not over 8 feet (1753 mm) high.

3. Oil derricks.

4. Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) high.

5. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.

6. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.

7. (a). Interior platforms not over 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, nor more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the adjacent floor.

   (b). Exterior decks, stoops, and porches not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade without overhead structures and not over any basement or story below.

8. Replacement of floor covering, painting, papering, paneling and similar finish work.

9. Temporary interior platforms, motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.

10. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group U Occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches (1372 mm).

11. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18 927 L) or the depth is less than 2 feet (610 mm).

12. Emergency board-up or the securing of a building and installing temporary bracing after a fire, storm, vehicle damage or other disaster which caused the building to be open or unsafe. The building owner or his/her agent may cause such.

13. Repair or replacement roofing and/or siding materials not exceeding 400 square feet (37.16 m2) within any 12 month period.

14. Repair or replacement of interior gypsum board on non-fire rated walls or ceiling when the total area does not exceed 100 square feet (9.29 m2) within any 12 month period and provided that no framing, electrical, mechanical or plumbing changes are made.

How long do I have before my permit expires?

Every permit issued shall become null and void if work has not started within 180 days, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. (Work shall be considered to have been suspended or abandoned if it has been 180 days since the last required inspection). For information on how to renew or extend a permit, call the Office of Central Inspection (316) 268-4461.

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