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Fire Services - Code Services

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1. What Building and Property Maintenance Codes have been adopted by the City of Manhattan?

The City of Manhattan has adopted the International Codes series, 2009 International Building, Residential, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Existing Buildings, Property Maintenance Codes and the 2008 National Electrical Code. Various City Ordinances relating to nuisances and property maintenance are also enforced by the Code Services Section. Additional general information on these Codes may be found in the Fire Department Document Center . If you have specific questions concerning adopted Codes, please call (785) 587-4506.

2. What permits are issued by the Code Services Section of the Department of Fire Services?

Code Services issues the following permits: Building Permit, Demolition Permit ,Moving Permit ,Plumbing Permit, Mechanical Permit, Electrical Permit, Mobile Home Permit and Curb Cut Permit. Additional general information on these permits may be found in the Fire Department Documents section. If you have specific questions concerning these permits, please call (785) 587-4506.

3. Who issues building permits?

Code Services section of the Department of Fire Services issues all building permits. Call (785) 587-4506 for more information or e-mail claussen.ci@manhattan.ks.us.

4. Do I have to be a certified tradesperson to work on my own home?

You may perform construction activities without having a trades certificate provided that you are both the owner and occupant of the home. Howerver, you must still obtain a permit, if required, and have inspections completed during construction. Please call the Code Department for permits and inspections at (785) 587-4506.

5. What is required to obtain a building permit for one- or two-family residential construction?

A building permit application, construction plan and site plan with erosion control, must be submitted to Code Services for review. The building permit must be completed and include all contractors performing work on the project. Please allow 3-5 working days for issuance of permit. Work cannot begin until permit has been issued.

6. Do I need a permit to finish my basement?

Yes. A building permit application, with names of all contractors working on project, shall be submitted to Code Services along with scaled floor plan of the basement, showing room sizes and room uses. The floor plan should show the location of walls, stairs, and egress windows.

7. Do I need a permit for new construction or replacement of a deck?

Yes, a building permit is required for new construction or replacement of an existing deck more than 30" above ground level. A building permit application shall be submitted to Code Services along with a site plan indicating property dimensions and a construction plan. The same requirements also apply to constructing new or replacing a cover over a deck, porch or patio.

8. Do I need a permit to install a swimming pool?

If the swimming pool is capable of holding more than 24 inches (2 feet) of water, a pool permit is required. This applies to above ground seasonal pools (taken down and stored during fall/winter), above ground permanent pools and in-ground pools. There are also code requirements related to the electrical connections serving a pool and the enclosure (fencing) of a pool.

9. What is required to obtain a building permit for a commercial building?

A building permit application and plans, shall be submitted to Code Services. The building permit application form must be completed to include all contractors performing work on the project. Submittal of plans can be electronic or hard copy. Plans must be stamped by an architect or engineer licensed to practice in Kansas as per state statute. 4 sets are required if submittal is not electronic. The plans are reviewed by Code Services, Fire Prevention, and Zoning. One set will be reviewed by the Health Department if building a restaurant. One set of plans will be kept on site and one set will be kept with the Code Services Department. For additional information, please call Code Services at (785) 587-4506

10. What contractor licenses are issued by the Code Services Section of the Department of Fire Services?

The following licenses are issued by the Code Services Section. Sign Contractor, General Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Plumbing Contractor, Drainlayer Contractor, Gasfitting Contractor, Mechanical Contractor and Plumbing/Mechanical Contractor.

11. What Certificates does the Code Services Section of the Department of Fire Services issue to Tradespersons?

The Code Services Section issues Certificates for the following trades, upon successful completion of the Block and Associates exam: Journeyman Plumber w/Gas, Master Plumber w/Gas, Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Journeyman Mechanical, Master Mechanical, Journeyman Drainlayer, Master Drainlayer, Master Pipefitter, Journeyman Pipefitter, Journeyman Sheetmetal, Master Sheetmetal, Journeyman Refrigeration and Master Refrigeration.

12. What code applies to unsafe or existing buildings?

The City of Manhattan has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code, 2009 Edition, with amendments which includes these provisions. Click here to view the adopted ordinance. Ordinance 6190

13. Can owners of buildings request that their building be inspected?

YES!! In fact, we strongly encourage owners to have their buildings inspected. When an inspection finds that an existing building meets all of the requirements of the International Property Maintenance Code, a compliance sticker will be issued to the owner indicating that the building met the minimum requirements of the codes as of the date of inspection.

14. How can a property owner obtain a compliance sticker for their property?

The owner may request an inspection of their property by calling (785) 587-4506. If the property meets all requirements of the code, a compliance sticker will be issued. If violations are found, a compliance sticker will be issued after all corrections have been completed and a re-inspection verifys compliance.

15. How can I go about getting an inspection done on my rental apartment?

If you believe there is a code violation on your rental property you may call the Code Services Office at (785) 587-4506 to schedule an inspection of your apartment.