Sign Regulations in Wichita, Kansas
Wichita, Kansas has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Directional On-Site Sign, Permanent Subdivision Marker, Identification Sign (Carved Architectural). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: February 6, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Wichita, Kansas
Sample Sign Requirements in Wichita
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional On-Site Sign | — | 6 square feet | — |
| Permanent Subdivision Marker | Limited by location and design | Limited by location and design | — |
| Construction Sign | — | 32 square feet in SF-5, SF-10, TF-3 districts; 128 square feet in all other districts | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for WichitaFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
27
- Directional On-Site Sign
- Permanent Subdivision Marker
- Identification Sign (Carved Architectural)
- Construction Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Wichita
Other Cities in Kansas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Wichita vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Wichita, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Wichita, regulated sign types include Directional On-Site Sign, Permanent Subdivision Marker, Identification Sign (Carved Architectural), Construction Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Wichita vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Wichita are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Wichita has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Wichita, Kansas Sign Rules at a Glance
Wichita, Kansas regulates 27 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Political Signs in the LC Limited Commercial District zoning district are capped at 5 feet tall and 8 square feet, with a ≥8 linear feet to side property line setback (Sec. Sec. 24.04.190(10)). Most commercial signs in Wichita require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Wichita, Kansas
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Wichita (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 17 | 30 feet max; 10 feet min at lowest | 200 square feet | — |
| SF-5, SF-10, TF-3 | 15 | 20 feet | 200 square feet | — |
| MF-18, MF-29, B Residential | 18 | 20 feet | 200 square feet | — |
| U University District | 20 | 30 feet max; 10 feet min at lowest | 200 square feet | — |
| NO Neighborhood Office, GO General Office, NR Neighborhood Retail | 20 | 30 feet max; 10 feet min at lowest | 200 square feet | — |
| G Manufactured Home District | 18 | 30 feet max; 10 feet min at lowest | 200 square feet | — |
| LC Limited Commercial District | 22 | 45 feet on roof; 25 feet on ground | 400 square feet individual | — |
| GC General Commercial, LI Limited Industrial | 23 | 45 feet on roof; 25 feet on ground | 825 square feet | — |
| CBD Central Business District | 21 | 45 feet on roof; 25 feet on ground | 400 square feet individual | — |
| GI General Industrial | 23 | 45 feet on roof; 25 feet on ground | 825 square feet | — |
| OW Office/Warehouse, IP Industrial Park Districts | 21 | 30 feet max; 10 feet min at lowest | 200 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Wichita(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
LC Limited Commercial District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Subdivision Marker | Limited by location and design | Limited by location and design | — | — | As needed | on private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(2) |
| Development/Construction Marketing Sign | 20 feet | 200 square feet | — | — | Up to 2 +1 per 40 acres; up to 2 off-site | at or near entrances to tract sections; off-site on vacant lot 500 ft to 1 mile from project | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(6) |
| Political Sign | 5 feet | 8 square feet | — | ≥8 linear feet to side property line | 1 per 15 ft frontage | on private property with permission | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(10) |
| Pennant Sign | 30 feet max; 10 feet min at lowest | 24 square feet per pennant; total 24 sq ft per pole | — | ≥50 ft separation; ≥50 ft to res if applicable | As specified per pole | attached to permanent pole/post; ≥50 ft horizontal separation; ≥50 ft setback if adj res on undesignated street | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(16) |
| On-Site Ground or Pole Sign | 25 feet (up to 35 if unused signs) | 100 sq ft (1 sign on art/exp), 50 (coll), 25 (undes) | — | ≥15 ft or 1/3 frontage to adjacent; 150 ft between | 1 + every 150 ft frontage | Not over ROW; ≥1/3 frontage or 15 ft to adjacent; 150 ft sep between signs | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.195(1); Sec. 24.04.221 |
| Off-Site Sign | 30 feet | 300 square feet on arterial; 825 otherwise | — | Building setbacks; ≥660 ft to rivers/parks; ≥150 ft frontage min | 1 per 500 ft in GC/LI/GI; 1-2 in LC based on zoning length | In LC, GC, LI, GI; ≥300 ft sep same direction; ≥300 ft to res (150 if screened) | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.195(3); Sec. 24.04.222 |
| Portable Sign | 10 feet | 60 square feet | — | Per ground/pole regs | 1 per business | Per ground/pole spacing; from ROW and driveways | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.195(4) |
| Balloon Sign | 45 feet on roof; 25 feet on ground | 160 square feet | — | ≥100 ft to res; ≥500 ft heli; ≥ height+10 ft power lines | 1 | ≥100 ft to SF/TF districts; ≥500 ft to heli pads | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.195(5); Sec. 24.04.235 |
GC General Commercial, LI Limited Industrial
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Subdivision Marker | Limited by location and design | Limited by location and design | — | — | As needed | on private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(2) |
| Development/Construction Marketing Sign | 20 feet | 200 square feet | — | — | Up to 2 +1 per 40 acres; up to 2 off-site | at or near entrances to tract sections; off-site on vacant lot 500 ft to 1 mile from project | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(6) |
| Political Sign | 5 feet | 8 square feet | — | ≥8 linear feet to side property line | 1 per 15 ft frontage | on private property with permission | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(10) |
| Portable Sign (Institution) | — | 60 square feet per side | — | ≥150 ft from other signs; from ROW and driveways | 1 | on zoning lot ≥150 ft from other ground/portable signs | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(13) |
| Pennant Sign | 30 feet max; 10 feet min at lowest | 24 square feet per pennant; total 24 sq ft per pole | — | ≥50 ft separation; ≥50 ft to res if applicable | As specified per pole | attached to permanent pole/post; ≥50 ft horizontal separation; ≥50 ft setback if adj res on undesignated street | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(16) |
| On-Site Ground or Pole Sign | 25 feet (up to 35 if unused signs) | 100 sq ft (1 sign on art/exp), 50 (coll), 25 (undes) | — | ≥15 ft or 1/3 frontage to adjacent; 150 ft between | 1 + every 150 ft frontage | Not over ROW; ≥1/3 frontage or 15 ft to adjacent; 150 ft sep between signs | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.196(1); Sec. 24.04.221 |
| Off-Site Sign | 30 feet | 825 square feet | — | Building setbacks; ≥660 ft to rivers/parks; ≥150 ft frontage min | 5 per mile in GC/LI; 8 in GI | In LC, GC, LI, GI; ≥300 ft sep same direction; ≥300 ft to res (150 if screened) | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.196(2); Sec. 24.04.222 |
| Balloon Sign | 45 feet on roof; 25 feet on ground | 160 square feet | — | ≥100 ft to res; ≥500 ft heli; ≥ height+10 ft power lines | 1 | ≥100 ft to SF/TF districts; ≥500 ft to heli pads | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.196(6); Sec. 24.04.235 |
GI General Industrial
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Subdivision Marker | Limited by location and design | Limited by location and design | — | — | As needed | on private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(2) |
| Development/Construction Marketing Sign | 20 feet | 200 square feet | — | — | Up to 2 +1 per 40 acres; up to 2 off-site | at or near entrances to tract sections; off-site on vacant lot 500 ft to 1 mile from project | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(6) |
| Political Sign | 5 feet | 8 square feet | — | ≥8 linear feet to side property line | 1 per 15 ft frontage | on private property with permission | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(10) |
| Portable Sign (Institution) | — | 60 square feet per side | — | ≥150 ft from other signs; from ROW and driveways | 1 | on zoning lot ≥150 ft from other ground/portable signs | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(13) |
| Pennant Sign | 30 feet max; 10 feet min at lowest | 24 square feet per pennant; total 24 sq ft per pole | — | ≥50 ft separation; ≥50 ft to res if applicable | As specified per pole | attached to permanent pole/post; ≥50 ft horizontal separation; ≥50 ft setback if adj res on undesignated street | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.190(16) |
| On-Site Ground or Pole Sign | 25 feet (up to 35 if unused signs) | 100 sq ft (1 sign on art/exp), 50 (coll), 25 (undes) | — | ≥15 ft or 1/3 frontage to adjacent; 150 ft between | 1 + every 150 ft frontage | Not over ROW; ≥1/3 frontage or 15 ft to adjacent; 150 ft sep between signs | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.198(1); Sec. 24.04.221 |
| Off-Site Sign | 30 feet | 825 square feet | — | Building setbacks; ≥660 ft to rivers/parks; ≥150 ft frontage min | 8 per mile | In LC, GC, LI, GI; ≥300 ft sep same direction; ≥300 ft to res (150 if screened) | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.198(2); Sec. 24.04.222 |
| Balloon Sign | 45 feet on roof; 25 feet on ground | 160 square feet | — | ≥100 ft to res; ≥500 ft heli; ≥ height+10 ft power lines | 1 | ≥100 ft to SF/TF districts; ≥500 ft to heli pads | — | Unlock | Sec. 24.04.198(6); Sec. 24.04.235 |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Wichita — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Wichita — start freeProhibited Signs in Wichita
- No sign shall obstruct windows, doors, exits, entrances, fire escapes, or transoms.
- No sign shall interfere with public safety, convenience, or Fire Department operations.
- No sign shall be suspended or constructed across any street or alley except as provided.
- No sign shall be supported by public property; projections over public Right-of-Way limited to specific conditions (e.g., Projecting Signs on buildings within 8 feet of ROW, minimum heights specified).
- No sign shall interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic or obstruct traffic signals/devices.
- No Off-Site Sign within 50 feet of a residential structure.
- No Off-Site Sign closer than 660 feet to Big Arkansas or Little Arkansas Rivers, parks, or recreation areas (exceptions for athletic facilities).
- No Off-Site Sign closer than 660 feet to State Highway K-96 between I-135 and east City limits.
- No Ground Sign exceeding 3 feet in height within driveway sight triangles (25 feet along property line, 6 feet behind property line).
- No signs, notices, posters, or devices posted on lampposts, utility poles, or traffic control devices in public Right-of-Way except Official Signs or utility Temporary Signs.
- No Flashing Signs, Rotating Signs, Moving Signs, animated signs, or signs creating illusion of movement in Residential, NO, GO, NR, OW, or IP Districts (Sec. 24.04.220(q)).
- No Roof Signs except by variance in certain districts (e.g., GC, LI, GI, CBD).
- Abandoned signs are prohibited and must be removed within 30 days of notice.
- No signs on public property or in Right-of-Way except authorized ones; unauthorized Temporary Signs declared nuisance.
Exempt Signs in Wichita
- Flags, symbols, or emblems displayed by owner on private property.
- Official Signs as defined.
- Address numbers not exceeding 3 square feet.
- Window Displays and On-Site Signs in or on windows.
- Signs integral to vending machines, dispensing equipment, merchandise displays (not on public ROW).
- Traffic control devices compliant with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
- Temporary Decorations or displays on private property.
- Signs on trucks, buses, trailers, or vehicles not primarily for sign display.
- Scoreboard structures in Athletic Stadiums not visible from residences or public streets.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Wichita
- Alternative or additional sign requirements may be established by Planned Unit Development (PUD), Community Unit Plan (CUP), or Zoning Overlay District per Sec. 24.04.220(v).
- Special review approval required for new or enlarged Off-Site Billboard Signs closer to residential zones than 300 feet, involving public hearing by MAPC and possible City Council action per Sec. 24.04.225.
- Variances from sign regulations may be granted by Board of Zoning Appeals for unnecessary hardship, following UZC procedures per Sec. 24.04.250.
- Sign Code Adjustments (e.g., height, size, spacing increases up to specified percentages) approved by Planning Director with Zoning Administrator concurrence per Sec. 24.04.251; appeals to Board of Zoning Appeals or PUD/CUP/PO amendments as applicable.
- Directory Signs for planned unit developments, master plan developments, shopping centers require compliance with on-site sign regulations.
Source: municode municipal code