Communities › Franklin County › Wellsville, KS
Wellsville, Kansas
Wellsville is a Franklin County town of about 1,950 people on K-33 between US-56 and I-35, which the city describes as less than an hour from Kansas City. Main Street holds City Hall, a medical clinic, two dental offices and a vet, so a lot of errands can be done without moving the car very far.
Homes for saleProperty taxesPrice per sq ftSales taxFAQWhat’s newCity rulesUtilitiesLocal guide
Homes for sale
Wellsville homes for sale right now
Live from the MLS. First, the lowest-priced home for sale (and what is for rent) in Wellsville right now; it changes on its own as listings come and go. Then what is coming soon, and every listing on the map below.
Updated live from the MLS
Lowest-priced home for sale in Wellsville
The lowest-priced Wellsville listing shows here, updated automatically.
Updated live from the MLS
Homes for rent in Wellsville
See them before they hit the market
Coming soon in Wellsville
Map view
Every Wellsville listing on the map
Start with a Wellsville search:
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What’s new in Wellsville
What the city is approving, building and planning
Pulled from council and planning agendas, city news and local reporting, checked November 5, 2026. Older items move to our Update Archive.
Parks
July 2026
New playground finished at the city park
Wellsville’s public works superintendent told the City Council on July 29, 2026, that the park playground project is finished. At the same meeting, the council awarded a $2,800 HVAC maintenance contract to A & H Heating and Air covering the Police/EMS building, Fire Department, City Hall and Community Building, the lowest of three bids.
Source: City of Wellsville (July 29, 2026 council minutes) →
Building code
July 2026
City weighs adopting the 2018 residential building code
Building official Guy Price told the council on July 13, 2026, that staff is reviewing a new state Senate bill with building-code effects, including whether to adopt the 2018 International Residential Code as Wellsville’s standard. Staff also said permits for Casper’s Crossing could be submitted soon. No council action on the code was recorded.
Source: City of Wellsville (July 13, 2026 council minutes) →
Road work
October 2026
KDOT’s $11 million K-33 widening north of town stays on track
KDOT’s K-33 project covers about 3.5 miles from 6th Street in Wellsville north to the U.S. 56 junction. It replaces the 11-foot lanes with 12-foot lanes and adds 8-foot shoulders, with about $11 million budgeted for construction. As of October 2026, KDOT lists the project in final design and funded, and it expects bids around 2030.
Your taxes
August 2026
Franklin County holds its 2027 budget at revenue neutral
At the August 12, 2026 council meeting, Franklin County Commissioner Don Stottlemire said the county stayed revenue neutral for 2027. Under Kansas law, that means the county’s levy should bring in about the same property tax dollars as the year before. Wellsville’s own 2027 budget was approved for publication at the same meeting.
City code
August 2026
Council plans study session on cemetery rules
At its Aug. 12, 2026 meeting, the Wellsville City Council heard requests about the city cemetery, including removing a rack, moving slabs and whether future ledgers will be allowed. Council members said the cemetery rules should be updated before those decisions are made, and a study session on the rules will be scheduled for a later date.
Source: City of Wellsville (Aug. 12, 2026 council minutes) →
New homes
July 2026
Work underway at Casper’s Crossings and Fairview
City building staff reported on July 29, 2026 that a home pad has been set at Casper’s Crossings, the former trailer park site, and that land clearing is underway at Fairview. The same report said more construction is starting on the ICON townhomes.
Source: City of Wellsville (July 29, 2026 council minutes) →
Road work
August 2026
Street work and high-visibility crosswalk signs
At the August 12, 2026 council meeting, the interim public works superintendent reported on the city’s 2026 chip and seal street project, and the police chief said crosswalk signs were being replaced with high-visibility yellow signs before the school year started. The city’s building and codes official also reported meeting with surveyors on phase 3 of the KDOT project.
Council vote
August 2026
Council approves public works truck lease
On August 12, 2026, the council voted 5-0 to buy and lease a public works truck, which was already in the budget, through Kansas State Bank. In the same meeting it voted 5-0 to authorize the mayor to sign a police radio lease.
Your taxes
August 2026
Council publishes 2027 budget
At its August 12, 2026 meeting, the Wellsville City Council voted 5-0 to publish the city budget. The council also voted 5-0 to buy a budgeted Public Works truck and lease it through Kansas State Bank. The minutes do not list a dollar amount or mill levy.
Your taxes
August 2026
Change of control approved for industrial revenue bonds
On August 12, 2026, the council passed Resolution 01-0812-2026 by a 5-0 vote. The resolution approves a change of control relating to the city’s taxable industrial revenue bonds. The minutes do not name the project or give further details.
New homes
July 2026
More East Village buildings finished as ICON townhomes expand
The city’s building and codes official reported on July 29, 2026 that two more East Village buildings had passed final inspection, with occupants moving in that weekend. Additional construction was starting at the ICON townhomes, a pad had been set at Casper’s Crossings (the former trailer park) and clearing was underway at Fairview.
Utilities
May 2026
K-33 water line and sidewalk design approved
The city council approved a PEI design for K-33 from 6th Street to 1st Street, including a new water line on the east side and a sidewalk on the west side. Council members also asked about a cul-de-sac or opening 3rd Street to K-33.
Historical property tax
Wellsville property taxes: 10 years of real bills
The typical Wellsville home that sold in 2025 carried an annual property tax bill of about $4,884, or 0.82% of its sale price. In 2017 it was $1,997 (0.97%). Appraisals tend to rise faster than anyone budgets for, so check the actual bill on any home you like.
10 years of real tax bills
Median property tax on Wellsville homes that sold, 2017–2025
What buyers actually inherited: the full annual tax bill (city, county, school and all other levies) on single-family homes sold each year. Effective rate = tax ÷ sale price.
See the numbers
| Year sold | Median annual tax | Median sale price | Effective rate | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | $1,997 | $175,000 | 0.97% | 5 |
| 2018 | $2,928 | $319,000 | 0.97% | 7 |
| 2019 | $2,474 | $275,000 | 1.04% | 4 |
| 2020 | $2,036 | $235,000 | 0.87% | 7 |
| 2021 | $2,887 | $535,000 | 0.56% | 3 |
| 2022 | $3,032 | $412,050 | 0.82% | 4 |
| 2023 | $2,845 | $535,000 | 0.79% | 3 |
| 2025 | $4,884 | $625,000 | 0.82% | 4 |
Source: Heartland MLS closed single-family sales with a Wellsville address filed in Miami County only (homes inside Franklin County, including the city itself, are not in our export), DataMaster SLIM export of October 25, 2026, compiled by Wingman Real Estate – The Shopper Team. Tax figures are as reported in MLS at sale and may reflect the prior tax year; bills under $300 (land-only or missing) are left out. Not a tax quote.
10-year lookback
Price per square foot, subdivision by subdivision
Median sale price per finished square foot for single-family homes in the 1 busiest Wellsville subdivisions, by year sold. Darker gold means pricier per foot. Scroll sideways on a phone.
| Subdivision | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellsville9 sales | $137 | $148 | · | $204 | · | · | · | · | · | · | +49%2017–20 |
Source: Heartland MLS closed single-family sales with a Wellsville address filed in Miami County only (homes inside Franklin County, including the city itself, are not in our export), DataMaster SLIM export of October 25, 2026, compiled by Wingman Real Estate – The Shopper Team. A year is shown only when at least two homes sold; subdivisions with fewer than 8 sales in these years are left out. Small neighborhoods can swing a lot year to year. Methodology.
City rules
Can I do that in Wellsville?
The questions buyers ask before the fence goes up, from Wellsville code, permit pages and local reporting. Rules change and HOA covenants can be stricter, so confirm with the city before you build.
Burning
Open burning requires a Wellsville burn permit. Sign it with your phone number and fax it to 785-883-4797 or email it to the city clerk. Carry the permit while burning, and call the police non-emergency line before each burn.
Pets
Dog tags are due April 1 each year: $5 for spayed or neutered dogs and $10 for unaltered dogs. Bring a copy of a current rabies vaccination.
Trash
Trash must be at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on pickup day. Don’t bag recyclables in plastic bags. The dumpster on the city lot takes branches and yard waste only.
Recycling
Curbside recycling is voluntary and runs through Ottawa Sanitation. Sign up at City Hall; the $13 monthly charge is added to the water bill. Plastic, aluminum and paper are accepted, but glass is not.
Building permits
The city requires building permits and separate reroofing permits. Applications are on the city’s Forms and Permits page.
Snow route parking
During periods of snow, all vehicles must be off Wellsville’s posted emergency snow routes between midnight and 6 a.m. The routes include First Street (Hunt Street to Highway 33), Main Street (First to Tenth), Fourth and Sixth Streets (Walnut to Highway 33), part of Seventh Street, and Walnut Street (Third to Seventh). Vehicles left in place can be fined and towed at the owner’s expense; the notice dates to 2019, so confirm with City Hall.
Lawn height
Grass taller than 10 inches is a code violation in Wellsville, and yards must be kept clear of trash, salvage and inoperable, wrecked or unregistered vehicles, which can bring fines, tow charges or both. This comes from a City clean-up notice from about 2021, so confirm with City Hall at 785-883-2296.
Reroofing permits
Reroofing in Wellsville uses a separate reroofing permit with a $25 fee, and the work must be done by a contractor with a Kansas registration and county license listed on the application. Three inspections are required: the roof decking (if new decking is installed), the felt and flashing while shingles go on, and a final check of roof venting. The form dates to 2020 and cites the 2012 IRC, so confirm with City Hall.
Fences
Fences in Wellsville can be up to 4 feet tall in the front yard and up to 8 feet in side and rear yards (zoning Section 18.513). You need a building permit and a plot plan before building any fence or wall (Section 18.1806). Barbed wire is allowed only with an agricultural use.
Sheds and accessory buildings
Sheds and detached garages go in the rear yard (side yard if district setbacks are met), at least 7 feet from side lot lines and 10 feet from the rear lot line, and no taller than 20 feet (Section 18.1403). Total accessory floor area cannot exceed the size of the house and is capped by lot size, from 375 square feet on lots up to 6,000 square feet. A building permit is required first (Section 18.1401).
Fireworks
Fireworks may be discharged in Wellsville from 8 a.m. to midnight, July 1 through July 4 (City Code Section 7-303). Bottle rockets and similar self-propelled fireworks cannot be sold or set off in the city, and fireworks are not allowed on streets, alleys, parks or other public places (Sections 7-307 and 7-308). The Fire Chief can ban all discharge in hazardous weather.
Home businesses
Home businesses are allowed with limits: no more than one outside employee, no more than 25 percent of the home’s floor area or 600 square feet, and no change to the home’s exterior (Section 18.1413). Customer visits are limited to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and no more than 10 round-trip vehicle trips per day.
RV and boat parking
On lots under 1 acre, boats, campers, trailers and motor homes may be stored only in the side or rear yard, meeting accessory building setbacks (Section 18.1406). They cannot be used for living purposes.
Swimming pools
Pools, hot tubs and spas cannot be larger than the house and cannot sit in the front yard (Section 18.1417). Private pools must meet Appendix G of the 2003 International Residential Code as amended by the city, plus building code requirements.
Solar panels
Ground solar energy systems may be placed in side or rear yards if setbacks are met, but not closer to the front lot line than the front of the house (Section 18.1416). Wind energy systems are allowed only on lots larger than 1 acre.
Garage sales
Wellsville zoning allows occasional or seasonal yard or garage sales, but no more than two per calendar year (Section 18.1413).
ADUs and guest houses
Accessory buildings may not be used as living quarters unless they meet the city’s guest house rules (Section 18.1403). A guest house is defined as an accessory structure used for quarters with no kitchen or cooking facilities (Section 18.2809).
Livestock and farm animals
Wellsville city code makes it unlawful to keep horses, mules, cattle, sheep, goats, swine or other non-domesticated animals, or a stable or pen for them, on property inside the city. Exceptions cover dogs and non-vicious animals and fowl commonly kept as household pets (Sec. 2-109).
Exotic animals
No one may keep poisonous reptiles, dangerous wild animals or vicious animals in the city. The banned list includes constrictor snakes 6 feet or longer, crocodilians 30 inches or longer, bears, big cats, wolves and raccoons (Sec. 2-301).
Short-term rentals and bed and breakfasts
A bed and breakfast needs a special use permit in any zoning district. It must be in a home the owner or manager lives in permanently, guests may stay no more than 14 nights in a row, and it needs 2 off-street parking spaces plus 1 for each guest room, screened from neighboring lots (Zoning Regulations Sec. 18.517(A)(1)). The zoning code doesn’t mention other short-term rentals, so check with City Hall before listing a home.
Golf carts and UTVs
Golf carts, low-speed vehicles, micro utility trucks and work-site utility vehicles may use city streets only from sunrise to sunset. Each needs an annual permit from the Wellsville Police Department, and the owner and driver both need a valid Kansas driver’s license. The owner must show liability insurance, and the vehicle must have turn signals, mirrors, seatbelts and a slow-moving-vehicle emblem. They may not drive on state highways except to cross them (City Code Sec. 14-206(n), Ord. 913).
Street trees
Property owners care for the trees on their lot and in the abutting right-of-way, including pruning and removing dead trees and stumps at their own expense. Limbs must clear streets by at least 15 feet and sidewalks by at least 9 feet, and they may not block traffic signs, signals or street lights (City Code Sec. 13-307, Ord. 934).
Chickens
Wellsville’s zoning regulations count chickens, turkeys, game birds, peafowl and ostriches as poultry under animal husbandry, and on property of less than 20 acres keeping them requires a Use Permitted Upon Review approved by the City Council (Sec. 18.1603). Any shelter for livestock must be at least 50 feet from side and rear lot lines (Sec. 18.516).
Sidewalk snow removal
Owners or occupants must clear snow and ice from sidewalks next to their lot within 12 hours after a snowfall ends (or within 12 hours after sunrise for overnight snow), and may not push snow from private property onto streets, alleys or sidewalks. Violations carry a $25 fine, and the city may clear the walk and bill the cost to the property (City Code Secs. 13-401 to 13-405).
Inoperable and junk vehicles
Keeping a junked, wrecked, inoperable or unregistered vehicle on private property is a nuisance; a missing current plate or a car on jacks or blocks is presumed inoperable. Exceptions include vehicles kept inside a garage or building, vehicles out of service 30 days or less, and vehicles fully screened from public view (City Code Secs. 8-302 and 8-303).
Barking dogs and animal noise
Keeping an animal whose loud, frequent and habitual barking disturbs the neighborhood is prohibited; the owner must stop the noise, or the city may impound the animal at the owner’s expense. Dogs may not run at large and must be on a leash no longer than 15 feet when off the owner’s property (City Code Secs. 2-101, 2-112 and 2-116).
Driveways and off-street parking
Each dwelling unit needs 2 off-street parking spaces (Zoning Regulations Sec. 18-1706), and new driveways and parking must be concrete, asphalt or asphalt-concrete before an occupancy permit is issued (Sec. 18-1710). Existing gravel drives in R-1 and R-2 districts may stay gravel in limited cases (Sec. 18-1707(C)).
Yard, real estate and political signs
Real estate and construction signs up to 9 sq. ft. need no permit (Sec. 18-1911). Political signs on a residential lot may total 10 sq. ft., go up six weeks before an election and must come down within seven days after; they are not allowed on public property, utility poles or trees (Sec. 18-1910(A)(6)). Garage sale signs are limited to 5 days (Sec. 18-1910(A)(7)).
Antennas and satellite dishes
Satellite dish antennas are a permitted accessory use (Sec. 18-1401.A.17). Other antennas, aerials and communication structures may be up to 60 feet tall (Sec. 18.511(A)(2)); taller ones need Planning Commission approval as a use permitted upon review.
Cemetery markers and decorations
Grave markers in the city cemetery must be granite or marble, set within a 5-foot by 2-foot area at the head of the grave on a concrete foundation at least 4 inches thick, and need a permit from City Hall with 72 hours’ notice before setting. Holiday decorations placed outside the monument are removed seven days after the holiday, winter decorations are allowed November 1 to March 1, and glass containers, fences, edging, gravel and mulch are not allowed (City Code Ch. XII, Art. 3; the council said in August 2026 that it plans to review these rules).
Utility deposits
The city may require a deposit to start utility service, capped at the expected average bill for three months; deposits earn interest and are refunded, less any amount owed, when service ends. An application for service is not accepted while the applicant still owes a utility balance (Wellsville City Code Sec. 15-105, 15-105a and 15-106).
Rental property utility bills
Property owners are liable for delinquent city utility bills at their premises even when a tenant applied for service, and the city must notify the owner or agent in writing within 10 days when a tenant’s bill goes delinquent. Unpaid bills are shut off after a written notice with 10 days to pay and a right to a hearing (Wellsville City Code Sec. 15-103 and 15-107).
Drought water restrictions
The City Council can declare a water watch, water warning or water supply emergency by resolution; in an emergency it can make limits on lawn watering, car washing and filling pools mandatory. Violations can bring a shutoff with a reconnection fee and a mandatory $100 fine for a first conviction, $200 after that (Wellsville City Code Sec. 15-601 to 15-610).
Manufactured homes
Residential-design manufactured homes are a permitted use in the R-1 single-family district, while manufactured home parks are allowed only in R-3 (Zoning Regulations Sec. 18.609). A manufactured home built before June 15, 1976 cannot be moved into the city (Sec. 18.517(G)(2)).
Corner visibility (sight triangle)
At street intersections, nothing may be built, placed, planted or allowed to grow so it blocks vision between about 2 to 2.5 feet and 8 feet above the street, measured 90 feet each way along the street centerlines; driveway and sidewalk access points need at least 25 feet of visibility (Zoning Regulations Sec. 18.507).
Door-to-door solicitors
Solicitors, canvassers and peddlers need a license from the city clerk, with the fee set by the city fee resolution, and may sell door to door only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Sellers of their own farm or orchard products, vendors at city, county or state-sponsored fairs and celebrations, and nonprofit or charitable groups approved by the council pay no license fee (City Code 5-202 and 5-207).
Noise
Under Wellsville code Sec. 11-205, sound measured at a residential property line may not exceed 55 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or 50 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and amplified music plainly audible across a property line is not allowed between midnight and 6 a.m. Construction noise heard across a property line is only a violation between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., and property owners or tenants are responsible for noise on their property (Sec. 11-206).
Sewer hookups and septic systems
A written city permit and fee, plus a sewer impact fee for new connections, are required to connect to the public sewer (Sec. 15-403), and the owner pays all costs of installing the building sewer (Sec. 15-405). Homes within 140 feet of a public sewer must connect within 90 days of official notice (Sec. 15-402); a septic absorption system cannot be permitted on a lot under one acre, and septic tanks must be abandoned once public sewer becomes available (Sec. 15-416).
Downspouts and foundation drains
Wellsville code Sec. 15-424 makes it unlawful to connect roof downspouts or building foundation drains to the city’s sanitary sewer. That water may be directed to the street gutter or storm drains as long as it does not create a nuisance.
Moving in
Wellsville utility providers
Who to call to turn things on. Providers can vary by address, so confirm before closing.
City of Wellsville
City-operated. Pay online or at the City Hall drop slot at 411 Main. A water service contract is required to start service.
City of Wellsville Public Works
City-operated treatment plant. The city asks residents not to flush wipes.
Ottawa Sanitation (curbside recycling); trash through the City of Wellsville
Recycling is $13 a month on the water bill. Trash must be out by 6:00 a.m. on pickup day.
Kansas Gas Service
Holds the natural gas franchise under Ordinance 946, approved in May 2026.
Local guide
Where to eat, shop and see a doctor
Named places in and near Wellsville. Hours and ownership change, so call ahead. (Nobody paid to be on this list; we just like to eat.)
Where to eat
- Blu Taco — Tacos inside the TA Wellsville travel center, 1021 Poplar St., at the I-35 interchange.
- A&W All American Food — Burgers and root beer at the TA Wellsville travel center, 1021 Poplar St.
- Hunt Brothers Pizza — Pizza counter inside the TA Wellsville travel center, 1021 Poplar St.
Where to shop
- Auburn Pharmacy — Local pharmacy at 1012 Poplar St., Suite A. 785-883-2462.
- Wellsville Farmers Market — Seasonal market on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m., through September.
- Wellsville City Library — Public library at 115 W. 6th St. 785-883-2870.
Doctors & clinics
- AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Wellsville — Family medicine clinic at 424 Main St.
- Wellsville Family Dental — Dental office at 501 Main St. 785-883-2222.
- Dental Elements of Wellsville — Dental office at 616 Main St. 785-883-2117.
- Wellsville Animal Hospital — Veterinary clinic at 403 Main St. 785-883-4774.
Living in Wellsville
Wellsville history, jobs and parks
A little history
Wellsville was platted in 1870 and got its first post office that October. It is named for D.L. Wells, a railroad construction engineer, and was incorporated in 1884. In 1894, major league catcher Charlie Bennett lost both legs in a train accident at the Wellsville station, which ended his baseball career.
Where people work
Local employers include Wellsville USD 289, the TA Wellsville travel center at the I-35 interchange, the Main Street banks and medical offices, and City Hall. Because the town sits between US-56 and I-35, many people commute up I-35 into Johnson County and the Kansas City area, which the city describes as less than an hour away.
Parks & outdoors
The Wellsville community pool is run by the city; in 2026 the council kept the baby pool open while the turtle slide and fountain were closed for a leak repair. Recreation programs run through the Wellsville Joint Recreation Commission at 320 Pendleton. A community park is planned in the new ICON Valley subdivision.
Sources for the city news, rules, utilities and local guide (checked October 27, 2026)
- ksdata.ku.edu
- en.wikipedia.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- wellsvillechamber.org
- wellsvillechamber.org
- adventhealth.com
- ta-petro.com
- travelks.com
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- kshb.com
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- ksdot.gov
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- kshb.com
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- franklincoks.org
- franklincoks.org
- ottawaherald.com
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- franklincoks.org
- davids.house.gov
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
- franklincoks.org
- franklincoks.org
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- wellsvilleks.citycode.net
- cityofwellsvilleks.org
Sales tax
How Wellsville’s sales tax compares
Wellsville’s combined state, county and city sales tax is 9.5% inside city limits, and 3.0% on groceries (Kansas dropped its state tax on food in 2025, so only local tax is left on groceries). Here is how that stacks up against nearby cities, lowest to highest. Same sandwich, different zip code, different receipt.
| City | County | Sales tax | Groceries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bucyrus (no city sales tax) | Miami | 8.0% | 1.5% |
| Fontana | Miami | 8.5% | 2.0% |
| Lane | Franklin | 9.0% | 2.5% |
| Baldwin City | Douglas | 9.25% | 2.75% |
| Paola | Miami | 9.25% | 2.75% |
| Lawrence | Douglas | 9.35% | 2.85% |
| Eudora | Douglas | 9.5% | 3.0% |
| La Cygne | Linn | 9.5% | 3.0% |
| Lecompton | Douglas | 9.5% | 3.0% |
| Louisburg | Miami | 9.5% | 3.0% |
| Wellsville | Franklin | 9.5% | 3.0% |
| Osawatomie | Miami | 9.75% | 3.25% |
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue city rate file, October 2026. Homes outside city limits pay the county rate instead. Rates can differ by address, so check the KDOR address lookup before you budget. This is sales tax; property tax is in the tax history above.
Wellsville FAQ
Wellsville, KS: the questions people ask most
What county is Wellsville, KS in?
Wellsville is in Franklin County, Kansas, near the Miami and Douglas county lines.
How far is Wellsville from Kansas City?
The City of Wellsville describes the town as less than an hour from Kansas City. It sits on K-33 between US-56 and I-35, with direct access to I-35.
Is Wellsville growing, and is there new construction?
Yes. The population rose from 1,857 in 2010 to 1,953 in 2020. In 2025 the city approved industrial revenue bonds for the ICON townhomes project, and ICON Valley is planned for duplexes, 4-plexes, a community park and commercial space. The first 10 buildings at East Village were reported as coming soon in November 2025.
Who provides water and trash service in Wellsville?
The city runs water and sewer, billed through City Hall at 785-883-2296. Curbside recycling through Ottawa Sanitation costs $13 a month on the water bill, and Kansas Gas Service holds the natural gas franchise.
What is there to do in Wellsville?
Wellsville Days is held each September, along with a car show. In season there is a twice-weekly farmers market, and the town also has a community pool, the city library and a historical museum.
Do I need a permit to burn in Wellsville?
Yes. Burning requires a city burn permit, and you must call the police non-emergency line before each burn.
What school district serves Wellsville?
Wellsville is served by Wellsville USD 289, which operates Wellsville Elementary School, Wellsville Middle School and Wellsville High School.
Can I keep horses or goats on a lot inside Wellsville city limits?
No. Under Section 2-109 of the Wellsville city code, horses, mules, cattle, sheep, goats and swine cannot be kept on property inside the city, and neither can a stable or pen for them. Common household pets are allowed. For livestock, look at acreage outside city limits in Franklin County.
When do the Wellsville City Council and Planning Commission meet?
The City Council meets at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 411 Main. Upcoming meetings on the city calendar are November 10 and November 25, 2026. The Planning Commission meets at 6:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, with the next meeting on November 18, 2026.
Can I drive a golf cart on Wellsville streets?
Yes, with an annual permit from the Wellsville Police Department. Both the owner and the driver need a valid Kansas driver’s license, and the owner must show liability insurance. The cart needs the required safety equipment, such as turn signals, mirrors, seatbelts and a slow-moving-vehicle emblem. You may drive it only from sunrise to sunset, and not on state highways except to cross them.
Who takes care of the trees between the sidewalk and the street?
The owner of the adjoining property. Under City Code Sec. 13-307, owners must water, prune and remove dead limbs, trees and stumps in the abutting right-of-way at their own expense. Branches must clear the street by 15 feet and the sidewalk by 9 feet.
What is the sales tax rate in Wellsville?
9.5% inside city limits as of October 2026 (state, Franklin County and city combined), and 3.0% on groceries (local tax only; Kansas dropped its state sales tax on food on Jan. 1, 2025). Nearby, rates run from 8.0% in Bucyrus to 9.75% in Osawatomie. Rates can differ by address. Look up any address with the Kansas Department of Revenue rate locator. Source: Kansas Department of Revenue, October 2026.
Do I need to license my dog in Wellsville?
Yes. The City of Wellsville requires annual dog tags, which were due April 1 for 2026. Tags cost $5 for a spayed or neutered dog and $10 for an unaltered dog, and you must show a copy of a current rabies vaccination. Tags are available at City Hall, 411 Main (785-883-2296).
How much is curbside recycling in Wellsville?
The city lists curbside recycling at $13.00 a month, including one 96-gallon cart. Recyclables must go in the cart loose, not in plastic bags.
How do I pay my water and utility bill in Wellsville?
Utility bills can be paid online through the City of Wellsville website, and City Hall at 411 Main has a drive-thru drop slot for water payments. City Hall can be reached at 785-883-2296.
Can I keep backyard chickens in Wellsville?
Only with City Council approval on most lots. Wellsville’s zoning regulations treat chickens as poultry under animal husbandry, and on property under 20 acres a Use Permitted Upon Review from the City Council is required (Sec. 18.1603). Call City Hall at 785-883-2296 before buying birds.
How can I serve on the Wellsville Planning Commission?
The City of Wellsville is accepting letters of interest for a Planning Commission vacancy from residents who live inside city limits. Letters can be mailed to PO Box 455 or dropped off at City Hall, 411 Main. The commission meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
When is the Wellsville Farmers Market?
The City lists the Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m., with the season running through September.
Where can I get rid of branches and yard waste in Wellsville?
The City keeps a dumpster at the City lot for branches and yard waste only. Don’t put trash or other materials in it.
Who provides natural gas service in Wellsville?
Kansas Gas Service, a division of ONE Gas, holds Wellsville’s natural gas franchise under Ordinance 946. The franchise runs 20 years and includes a 5% franchise fee on gas sold within city limits, which appears on customer bills.
Do I have to shovel the sidewalk in front of my house in Wellsville?
Yes. City code requires the owner or occupant to clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within 12 hours after the snow stops (or 12 hours after sunrise for overnight snow). If the city has to clear it, the cost is billed to the property, and violations carry a $25 fine.
Is K-33 north of Wellsville going to be widened?
Yes. KDOT has funded an $11 million project on about 3.5 miles of K-33, from 6th Street in Wellsville north to the U.S. 56 junction. It will replace the 11-foot lanes with 12-foot lanes and add 8-foot shoulders. The project is in final design, and KDOT expects to let it for construction around 2030.
How do I report a property code violation in Wellsville?
Fill out the Code Compliance Complaint Form on the city’s Forms & Permits page, or contact City Hall at 411 Main, 785-883-2296. Building permits, reroofing permits and burn permits are on the same page.
Do I have to pave my driveway in Wellsville?
For new construction, yes. Wellsville’s zoning regulations require off-street parking, including driveways for single-family homes and duplexes, to be concrete, asphalt or asphalt-concrete before an occupancy permit is issued, with 2 spaces per dwelling unit. Some existing gravel drives in R-1 and R-2 districts may remain gravel.
How big can a for-sale sign be in Wellsville?
Real estate signs in residential districts may be up to 9 square feet and do not need a sign permit. A single subdivision sales sign may be up to 100 square feet and must come down after 3 years or once 75% of the lots are sold, whichever comes first.
How do I buy a cemetery lot in Wellsville?
The city cemetery is run by the City of Wellsville, and lots are conveyed by deed through City Hall at 411 Main (785-883-2296). Lots can be transferred if the City Clerk is notified, and every burial needs a burial permit from the City Clerk.
Where can I find Wellsville’s water quality report?
The city posts its annual Consumer Confidence (water quality) Report on its website; the 2026 report is available at cityofwellsvilleks.org, or you can request a copy from City Hall at 785-883-2296.
Where can I read Wellsville City Council minutes?
Approved council minutes are posted as PDFs by year on the city website under City Government > City Council Meeting Minutes. Council meets at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 411 Main; upcoming meetings are November 10 and November 25, 2026.
Do I need to pay a deposit to start water service in Wellsville?
The city may require one. Under city code, a utility deposit can’t exceed the expected average bill for three months, it earns interest, and it is refunded, less anything owed, when service ends. The city won’t accept a new service application while the applicant has an unpaid utility balance. Call City Hall at 785-883-2296 for the current amount.
If I rent out a house in Wellsville, am I responsible for my tenant’s unpaid water bill?
Yes. Wellsville city code makes the property owner liable for delinquent utility bills at the property even when the tenant signed up for service. The city must notify the owner or agent in writing within 10 days when a tenant’s bill becomes delinquent (City Code Sec. 15-107).
Can I put a manufactured home on a lot in Wellsville?
Residential-design manufactured homes are permitted in the R-1 single-family district, and manufactured home parks are allowed only in R-3. Homes built before June 15, 1976 cannot be moved into the city. Check with the Building and Codes office at City Hall (785-883-2296) before buying or placing a home.
How tall can a fence be in Wellsville?
Under Zoning Regulations Sec. 18.513, fences can be up to 4 feet in a front yard and up to 8 feet in side and rear yards. The Planning Commission can approve a taller fence or other materials in some cases, and corner lots must also keep the street-intersection sight triangle clear.
Where can I see Wellsville’s zoning rules and zoning map?
The City of Wellsville posts its zoning regulations and zoning map on the city website under City Info > Zoning Regulations & Map (cityofwellsvilleks.org/city-info/zoning-regulations-and-map/). The full city code is linked from the City Information page as the Wellsville City Code.
Where is Wellsville City Hall and how do I reach it?
Wellsville City Hall is at 411 Main, Wellsville, KS 66092, and the phone number is 785-883-2296. City Council and Planning Commission meetings are held at City Hall at 6:00 p.m.
Do door-to-door salespeople need a permit in Wellsville?
Yes. Wellsville’s city code requires solicitors, canvassers and peddlers to get a license from the city clerk, and door-to-door sales are allowed only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. You can call City Hall at 785-883-2296 to check whether a seller is licensed.
Does Wellsville have a public swimming pool?
Yes. The City of Wellsville runs a public swimming pool, including a separate baby pool, during the summer. In 2026 the pool’s season ended in mid-August, according to the August 12, 2026 City Council minutes.
Can a home in Wellsville use a septic system instead of city sewer?
Only in limited cases. Under city code Sec. 15-402, a home within 140 feet of a public sewer must connect at the owner’s expense within 90 days of official notice. Where no public sewer is available, a private system is allowed, but a septic absorption field cannot be permitted on a lot smaller than one acre (Sec. 15-416), and a septic tank must be abandoned once public sewer becomes available.
Can I run my gutters or foundation drain into the sewer in Wellsville?
No. Wellsville code Sec. 15-424 prohibits connecting roof downspouts or building foundation drains to the city sanitary sewer. That water can go to the street gutter or storm drains instead, as long as it does not create a nuisance.
What are the quiet hours in Wellsville?
Wellsville’s noise code (Sec. 11-205) caps sound at a residential property line at 55 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dB(A) overnight. Amplified sound that can be heard across a property line is not allowed from midnight to 6 a.m., and construction noise heard next door is only a violation between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Sources: adventhealth.com, cityofwellsvilleks.org, en.wikipedia.org, ksdata.ku.edu, ta-petro.com, travelks.com, wellsvillechamber.org, wellsvilleks.citycode.net
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