City Building Permits

Wichita / Sedgwick County (Unincorporated Area), KS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Wichita / Sedgwick County (Unincorporated Area), Kansas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Kansas Sedgwick County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

MABCD provides building and housing code enforcement for the City of Wichita and unincorporated Sedgwick County. Several smaller cities contract with MABCD for inspections while issuing their own permits.

Department
Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD)
Address
271 W. 3rd St. N., Suite 101, Wichita, KS 67202
Phone
316-660-1840
Website
https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/mabcd/

Online Permit Portal

Open MABCD Portal

Platform: DynamicPortal • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Determine whether a permit is required using the 'Do I Need a Permit?' page.
  2. Create an account at the MABCD Portal.
  3. Submit permit application online with all required documents, site plan, and project description.
  4. Pay permit fees online through the portal or in person at the MABCD office.
  5. Receive permit (issued electronically or picked up in person).
  6. Post permit on job site before beginning work.
  7. Schedule and pass all required inspections via the MABCD Portal or IVR phone system.
  8. Upon final inspection approval, certificate of occupancy is issued for applicable projects.

Typical processing time: Residential permits may be issued same day or within a few business days. Commercial plan review varies; complex projects may take several weeks.

Source: Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD)

General Requirements

Required for new construction of dwellings, commercial structures, additions, renovations, accessory structures over 200 sq. ft. (Wichita) or 400 sq. ft. (unincorporated county), swimming pools, mobile homes, and most trade work (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, wastewater, well).

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site/plot plan showing property boundaries and setbacks
  • Construction drawings (scale not required for simple projects but required for commercial)
  • Legal description or tax key number for unplatted properties
Permit validity
Permits are valid for 180 days; work must begin within 180 days of issuance and inspections must occur within 180 days of the last inspection. Extensions available upon request.
Building code
2024 IBC (International Building Code), 2024 IEBC (Existing Buildings), 2018 IRC (International Residential Code), 2018 IFC (International Fire Code), 2023 NEC (National Electrical Code), plus International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, and Kansas Energy Code.
Owner-builder
Homeowners may pull permits for work on their own primary residence. Contact MABCD for specifics.
Contractor requirements
All contractors must hold a valid MABCD contractor license. License requirements include: Certificate of Liability Insurance (minimum $300,000 General Liability) naming MABCD as certificate holder, Workers Compensation certificate or notarized waiver, Auto insurance certificate or notarized waiver. General Contractor licenses expire Dec. 31 of every even year; Trade Contractor licenses expire Dec. 31 of every odd year.

Fees

Plan check fee
Commercial projects require plan review; fees based on project valuation. See MABCD Fees page for Table B.
Permit fee formula
Square footage-based for residential. For finished living area: $0.38 per sq. ft. For unfinished basements, attached garages, covered porches, and decks: $0.30 per sq. ft. For other unfinished space: $0.20 per sq. ft. Commercial fees based on project valuation (Table B on the MABCD fee schedule). Annual Operating Permit fee: $25.00.
Reinspection fee
Work started without a permit may be subject to double permit fees. Contact MABCD for current reinspection fee amounts.
Payment note
Fees paid online via MABCD Portal or in person at the MABCD office.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 sq. ft. within Wichita jurisdiction (a location permit from MABCD is still required prior to installation)
  • One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 400 sq. ft. within unincorporated Sedgwick County jurisdiction
  • Repair or replacement of roofing and/or siding not exceeding 100 sq. ft. within any 12-month period, provided no framing, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing changes are made
  • Replacement of windows or doors with same size or smaller units that do not involve removal, cutting, alteration, or replacement of any structural member
  • Low-voltage structured cabling operating at 50 volts or less (generally), unless the installation penetrates fire-rated assemblies or connects to line-voltage power systems
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/footing, framing, rough-in (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), insulation, final inspection. Specific sequence depends on project type.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita / Sedgwick County (Unincorporated Area) Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Wichita / Sedgwick County (Unincorporated Area), KS?
Required for new construction of dwellings, commercial structures, additions, renovations, accessory structures over 200 sq. ft. (Wichita) or 400 sq. ft. (unincorporated county), swimming pools, mobile homes, and most trade work (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, wastewater, well).
How much does a building permit cost in Wichita / Sedgwick County (Unincorporated Area), KS?
Fees are calculated as: Square footage-based for residential. For finished living area: $0.38 per sq. ft. For unfinished basements, attached garages, covered porches, and decks: $0.30 per sq. ft. For other unfinished space: $0.20 per sq. ft. Commercial fees based on project valuation (Table B on the MABCD fee schedule). Annual Operating Permit fee: $25.00.. Plan check fee: Commercial projects require plan review; fees based on project valuation. See MABCD Fees page for Table B..
How do I apply for a building permit in Wichita / Sedgwick County (Unincorporated Area), KS?
1. Determine whether a permit is required using the 'Do I Need a Permit?' page. 2. Create an account at the MABCD Portal. 3. Submit permit application online with all required documents, site plan, and project description. 4. Pay permit fees online through the portal or in person at the MABCD office. 5. Receive permit (issued electronically or picked up in person). 6. Post permit on job site before beginning work. 7. Schedule and pass all required inspections via the MABCD Portal or IVR phone system. 8. Upon final inspection approval, certificate of occupancy is issued for applicable projects.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Wichita / Sedgwick County (Unincorporated Area), KS?
Typical processing time is Residential permits may be issued same day or within a few business days. Commercial plan review varies; complex projects may take several weeks..
What work is exempt from building permits in Wichita / Sedgwick County (Unincorporated Area), KS?
The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 sq. ft. within Wichita jurisdiction (a location permit from MABCD is still required prior to installation); One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 400 sq. ft. within unincorporated Sedgwick County jurisdiction; Repair or replacement of roofing and/or siding not exceeding 100 sq. ft. within any 12-month period, provided no framing, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing changes are made; Replacement of windows or doors with same size or smaller units that do not involve removal, cutting, alteration, or replacement of any structural member; Low-voltage structured cabling operating at 50 volts or less (generally), unless the installation penetrates fire-rated assemblies or connects to line-voltage power systems; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Wichita / Sedgwick County (Unincorporated Area), KS?
Inspections can be scheduled via: MABCD Portal, IVR phone system.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Wichita / Sedgwick County (Unincorporated Area) can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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