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Neglected Building Ordinance

Neglected buildings are a major source of blight in both residential and non-residential neighborhoods, which discourage economic development and retard appreciation of property values. Because such neglected buildings can be the core and source of spreading blight, the Wichita City Council adopted an ordinance (Title 30) to address the problem of neglected buildings within the City.

Buildings, which fall within this designation, are required to be registered as provided by the provisions of this ordinance.

The following informational brochure and forms are available for download, or you can call our office, at 268-4481, for more information.

Neglected Building Ordinance Brochure

Neglected Building Registration Form

Statement of Intent for Unoccupied Neglected Buildings

The following instructions are intended to help guide you through the process of registering your neglected building, and, if the building is vacant, the required statement of intent.

Both forms should be filled out fully. If a section does not apply, please write N/A in that area of the form.

If you live outside of Sedgwick County, you must list a local agent in section D of the registration form.

If your building is vacant, you are required to complete the Statement of Intent. A complete Statement of Intent should list all actions you plan to take to bring the building into compliance, along with timeframes within which various actions will occur. The following are some examples of information required on the Statement of Intent:

1. The plan is to rehabilitate the structure for occupancy. A new roof will be completed by (date); siding will be installed by (date); new windows and doors will be installed by (date), etc. The project will be completed by (date). We plan to check the property to make sure the buildings remain secured and that the exterior premise (yard area) is kept clean. During the growing season, we will mow the property and cut weeds at least once every 2-3 weeks.

2. The plan is to sell the property. We have listed the property with a real estate company (name) and expect to have the property sold by (date). While trying to sell it, we plan to check the property to make sure the buildings remain secured and that the exterior premise (yard area) is kept clean. During the growing season, we will mow the property and cut weeds at least once every 2-3 weeks.

3. The plan is to demolish the structure. We are obtaining bids and plan to have the structure demolished by (date). Until demolition begins, we plan to check the property to make sure it remains secured and that the exterior premise (yard area) is kept clean. During the growing season, we will mow the property and cut weeds at least once every 2-3 weeks.

Timeframes should be realistic, but open-ended timeframes will not be approved. Please also be aware that if your property is already the subject of other, previous code action, compliance dates given by the inspector should be adhered to, or an agreement worked out with the inspector for additional time.

If you still have questions or need assistance completing the forms, please call 268-4481 and ask to speak to Julie Irvin or Deb Legge.

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