Wichita gutter code and permitting guide: What homeowners need to know

Gutters do an important job. They move rain away from your house. This helps protect your basement, yard, and sidewalks. In Wichita, there are rules about how gutters and downspouts should work. Some jobs are simple, like swapping old gutters for new ones. Other jobs need a permit, like running a pipe underground or cutting the curb to drain water.

This guide explains the basics for Wichita homeowners. You’ll learn:

• What the local rules say
• When you need a permit
• How to point water the right way
• Who to call for help



Follow this guide, and you’ll avoid problems like water in your basement, ice on the sidewalk, or angry neighbors.

Local code basics: What rules apply in Wichita

Wichita uses building and plumbing codes, plus city rules about stormwater. You don’t need to memorize them. Just know the big ideas:

• Don’t make a hazard. Your downspouts should not dump water on a sidewalk, alley, or your neighbor’s yard.
• Send water away from your home. Use splash blocks or extensions so water lands about 5–10 feet from your foundation.
• Keep a gentle slope. The ground near your house should slope down so water flows away.
• No sewer hookups. Roof water should never go into the sanitary sewer.
• Some work needs a permit. Simple gutter swaps often don’t. But adding underground drain pipes, roof drains on flat roofs, or drilling the curb usually does.
• Special areas have extra rules. Homes in historic districts may have limits on gutter style, color, or materials.

Who handles permits and questions?

• MABCD  (the Wichita/Sedgwick permitting office) handles building permits and inspections.
• The City’s Stormwater team answers questions about curb cuts or tying into a storm inlet.
• Historic Preservation staff can help if your home is in a historic district.

Permits and inspections: When you need one in Wichita

Some gutter jobs are simple. Others need a permit and an inspection. Knowing which is which saves time and trouble.

When you usually do NOT need a permit

• Replacing old gutters with the same size and style
• Swapping damaged downspouts like-for-like
• Adding splash blocks or above-ground extensions

When you usually DO need a permit

• Adding underground drain pipes for downspouts
• Coring or cutting the curb to let water out to the street
• Tying into a storm inlet or approved yard drain
• Adding roof drains or scuppers on flat roofs
• Changing fascia/soffit framing to support gutters

How the permit process works

• Apply: Go to the Wichita/Sedgwick permitting office (MABCD) online portal.
• Submit: Simple sketch of your lot showing downspouts, pipe routes, and discharge points.
• Pay: Small fee based on the job. Ask for the current amount. They do offer their prices on the MABCD fees page as well.
• Schedule: If you trench, you’ll need an inspection before you cover the pipe.
• Final: Inspector checks discharge direction, extensions, and safety.

Inspections you might get

• Underground (before backfill): Pipe type, slope, fittings, and location.
• Final: Water goes away from the house, not onto sidewalks or neighbor yards.

Tips to pass the first time

• Call Kansas 811 before you dig.
• Keep water 5–10 feet away from your foundation.
• Don’t send water across a sidewalk or into the sanitary sewer.
• Be home for your inspection window and have plans/permit handy.

Technical specs: Sizing and setup for Wichita weather

Wichita gets big downpours, hail, and freeze-thaw cycles. Build your system to handle it.

Gutter and downspout sizes

• Common sizes: 5" K-style with 2x3 downspouts for small/average roofs.
• Go bigger when needed: 6" K-style with 3x4 downspouts for steep roofs, long runs, or large roof areas.
• Rule of thumb: More roof area = more water = larger gutters/downspouts or more downspouts.

Hanger spacing and slope

• Hangers: Space about 24–36 inches apart. Closer if you get heavy ice or long runs.
• Slope: About 1/16"–1/8" drop per foot toward the downspout so water flows.

Discharge and extensions

• Use splash blocks or extensions to carry water 5–10 feet from the house.
• Pop-up emitters work for underground drains (if allowed by the city).
• Aim water to your yard, not a neighbor’s, and not across public walkways.

Materials that hold up here

• Aluminum (0.027" or 0.032"): Light, won’t rust. Thicker holds up better to hail.
• Galvanized steel: Strong, but can rust if the coating is damaged.
• Copper: Long-lasting and pretty, but pricey and may need approval in historic areas.
• Fasteners: Use corrosion-resistant screws and sealed hangers for freeze-thaw cycles.

Weather-smart add-ons

• Gutter guards: Choose types that handle cottonwood fluff and small leaves common in south-central Kansas.
• Ice help: Improve attic insulation and ventilation to prevent ice dams. Heat cables can help on problem spots.
• Hail: Thicker metal and sturdy guards resist dents better.

Safety and common mistakes

• Don’t dump water onto sidewalks or alleys—icing is a hazard.
• Don’t connect roof water to the sanitary sewer—against the rules.
• Don’t hang gutters on rotten fascia—fix wood first.
• Don’t back-pitch gutters—water will pond and overflow.

Pro tip

• Check local rainfall data (NOAA Atlas 14) when sizing. If in doubt between sizes, choose the larger gutter or add another downspout. This prevents overflow during Wichita’s big summer storms. [NOAA Atlas 14 precipitation data]

Stormwater and environmental rules: Keep it clean and legal

Wichita cares about where rainwater goes. Follow these simple rules to protect your home and the city’s system.

What to do

• Keep roof water out of the sanitary sewer. It belongs in your yard or the storm system, not the toilet drain.
• Control erosion when you dig. If you trench for pipes, backfill and seed quickly. Use straw or mats on bare soil.
• Point water to grass or garden, not bare dirt. This slows flow and keeps soil from washing away.
• Use clean materials. Solid PVC or HDPE pipe for underground drains; tight fittings; no leaks.
• Ask before connecting. Curb cores or storm inlet connections usually need city approval and a permit. This would be the City of Wichita Stormwater Management Division

What to avoid

• Letting water pond and breed mosquitoes.
• Washing sediment into the street or storm inlets.
• Aiming downspouts at a neighbor’s fence or driveway.
• Sending sump pump water across sidewalks where it can ice up.

Extras that can help

• Rain barrels: Store water for gardens. Add an overflow hose that drains away from the house.
• Rain gardens: Shallow, planted areas that soak up downspout flow.
• Permeable paths or dry wells: Let water soak into the ground on your lot.
• Floodplain checks: If you live near the Arkansas River or a creek, talk to the city’s floodplain staff before you dig or add drains.

Quick checklist

• No sanitary sewer connections
• Control dirt and mud during work
• Direct water to pervious areas
• Get approval for curb/inlet ties
• Plan safe overflows for rain barrels

Property lines, HOAs, and being a good neighbor

Good drainage helps everyone on the block. A few simple steps can prevent fights and fines.

Property lines and setbacks

• Don’t discharge onto a neighbor’s lot. Keep water on your property.
• Aim downspouts so water flows to your yard, not across shared fences.
• Keep outlets away from sidewalks and alleys to avoid icing and slime.
• Watch for easements. Utilities may cross your yard. Call Kansas 811 before you dig.

HOA and historic rules

• HOAs may require certain colors, styles, or materials. Get written approval before you install.
• Historic districts may ask for half‑round gutters, certain metals, or hidden downspouts on front facades.

Neighbor-friendly tips

• Use extensions or underground lines to carry water 5–10 feet from the house.
• Add splash pads so soil doesn’t wash onto sidewalks.
• If your yard slopes toward a neighbor, consider a swale or French drain on your side to catch and spread water.
• After big storms, check for overflow spots and adjust.

Red flags to avoid

• Pipes that dump right at the fence line
• Outlets that cross the sidewalk
• Trenching without utility locates
• Loud color changes without HOA sign‑off

Who to call

• Kansas 811: Mark utilities before any digging.
• Your HOA or property manager: Get approvals.
• City stormwater staff: Questions about curb cores, inlets, or drainage complaints.

Contractors and licensing: Who should do the work

Some gutter jobs are easy DIY. Others are better for a pro. Here’s how to choose and what to check.

When DIY is okay

• Replacing a short section of gutter or a simple downspout
• Adding splash blocks or clip-on extensions
• Cleaning and basic guard installs on single-story homes (use safe ladders)

When to hire a pro

• Two-story homes or steep roofs
• Long runs that need proper slope and seams
• Underground drain lines, curb cores, or storm inlet ties (permits needed)
• Fascia/soffit repair or framing changes

What to check before you hire

• License and registration: Ask if they’re licensed with MABCD for the work they’re doing.
• Insurance: Get proof of liability and workers’ comp.
• Permits: The contractor should pull required permits in their name.
• Experience: Ask for Wichita addresses you can drive by, and photos of similar jobs.
• Warranty: Get a written warranty for materials and labor (at least 1 year; longer is better).

Smart questions to ask

• What size gutters and downspouts do you recommend, and why?
• How far will you carry water from the house?
• How will you handle hail and ice here in Wichita?
• Will you prime/paint cut edges and seal seams?
• What inspections are needed, and who schedules them?

Red flags

• “Cash only” with no permit
• No local references or a new phone number every few months
• Low bids that skip hangers, sealant, or proper pipe depth
• Refuses to provide insurance or license info

Money tips

• Get 2–3 written bids with the same specs
• Don’t pay in full up front; set clear milestones
• Keep final payment until you pass inspection and punch list

Conclusion: Keep water moving, keep it safe

Good gutters protect your home and your block. Point water away from your foundation, keep it off sidewalks, and follow Wichita’s permit rules when you add pipes or curb cuts. When you’re not sure, call MABCD (316-660-1840) or the Stormwater team (316-268-4498) . A little planning now prevents big repairs later.



If you need work done, or someone to come out and let you know what you need, give us a call or text! (316) 350-7115