County adopts amendments to zoning code requiring pre-hearing property signs and affidavit

The Sedgwick County Commission voted 5–0 to adopt amendments to the Wichita–Sedgwick County Unified Zoning Code that formalize public-notice sign requirements for zoning cases in both city and county jurisdictions.

Scott Whittle of the Planning Department said the changes mirror a long-standing MAPC policy for city cases but would expand that practice to county cases: under the revision, applicants must post a notice sign on the property at least 13 days before the MAPC public hearing and submit a signed and notarized affidavit confirming the sign installation. The amendment also clarifies that “substantial conformance” will be deemed achieved when a sign is installed and the affidavit is submitted, a change staff added after the MAPC hearing.

The board considered the version the MAPC recommended and an alternative version that staff revised after that hearing. Approving the alternative text required an override of MAPC’s recommendation; commissioners voted to adopt the alternative language that includes the affidavit clarification and clarifies enforcement by the planning commission and governing bodies.

Commissioners and staff said the requirement will improve transparency and provide a clear measure for determining whether on-site notice was provided. Some commissioners raised concerns about sign size, placement and legibility; Planning Department staff said those technical specifications can be handled administratively in a sign instruction document and do not require immediate code changes.

The commission approved the change and authorized signatures; staff said the amendment will be incorporated into the Unified Zoning Code and the Planning Department will publish guidance on sign placement and the affidavit process.