Quick read: Here’s the latest on Wichita suburbs adopting rules for new duplexes

Two Wichita-area suburbs moved to regulate duplex construction after community pushback over neighborhood density and design. Goddard just adopted new rules, and Derby approved its own in May. Maize is still planning to ask the City Council to consider changes, but no details have been announced.

Here are key takeaways:

• Goddard became the second Wichita suburb to impose regulations on future duplex developments, with the City Council voting 5-0 July 6 to require tree plantings, neighborhood amenities and varied design standards, among other things.
• Goddard’s new rules also cap duplexes at 40% of units in future developments, require at least five different building designs and mandate that each newly constructed duplex built without a basement include a storm shelter or safe room.
• Derby’s City Council approved its own duplex regulations in May, allowing the two-family homes in R-1A districts but requiring them to be built in “self-contained units” of no more than two blocks, with front entries and garage doors limited to 50% of the front facade.
• Maize is eyeing similar rules as duplex construction surges — 70% of new home permits pulled this year in the city are for something other than single-family homes, and City Manager Nick Gregory said Maize may model its approach after Goddard’s proposal.
• The Wichita Area Builders Association warned Goddard officials that the combined effect of the rules would make the city less attractive for development, with CEO Tyler York telling the council that “we foresee substantial challenges” in meeting all the mandates together.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.