The City of Wichita is starting a program this fall to encourage more home construction in the city’s core area.
The program follows a strategy for infill housing an area that has aging homes, vacant lots and homes that need to be demolished. Interim assistant city manager Kathy Sexton recently told the City Council that the area has had only 91 permits for new construction over a three year period. She said some neighborhoods are in decline and there are opportunities to invest.
The two-year-program begins October 3rd and it will waive building permit fees for all residential projects. A multi-family project that would be categorized as a commercial permit would qualify for a maximum waiver of $10,000 in building permit fees. All permits will continue to be required, but only building permit fees will be waived. The program also has a reimbursement of up to $5,000 in fees from the Brooks Landfill for material from the demolition of an old home.
This is part of an effort to meet a critical demand for homes for working families. The City Council adopted a Places for People plan that includes an infill strategy, the creation of a land bank, and the creation of an affordable housing fund. City Council member Jeff Blubaugh is supporting the program, saying there is a critical need for affordable, quality housing.
