Risk Reduction

Risk Reduction, a Division of Manhattan Fire, administers city ordinances relating to health, safety and protection of residents and their property. Code officers also review plans and issue building permits for new construction, additions and alterations. Building, moving permits, curb cut permits, mobile home permits, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits, as well as all contractor and trade licenses, are also issued by the Risk Reduction Division.

Announcements:

May is Building Safety Month


 “It Starts with YOU!”  is this year's theme.  


Building safety begins with each individual.  Making sure that safety measures are in place where people live and work, and requesting inspections are key to promoting safety and preventing disaster.

In cooperation with the International Code Council the City of Manhattan Risk Reduction office is celebrating Building Safety Month in May. 

Each week in May brings a unique focus upon the important role that building codes, inspections, and citizen engagement play in keeping our homes, offices, and other buildings safe. For additional information, visit the ICC Building Safety Month website by clicking  HERE. 

Week 1 (May 1–7): Building Safety Starts at Home 
Week 2 (May 8–14): Building Safety Professionals and You 
Week 3 (May 15–21): Prepare Your Community 
Week 4 (May 22–28): Advocate for Your Community 
Week 5 (May 29–31): Solving Challenges Together 

For a brief look into all the ways that the City of Manhattan Risk Reduction Division contributes to Building Safety, please take a moment to view the video below:  (1:26)

Royal Towers Updates


The 2021 International Codes and the 2020 National Electrical Code went into effect for the Manhattan area on 1/1/23.  You can download a PowerPoint presentation of the significant code changes, and view the adoption ordinance for each code (including local amendments) by clicking the the link below. 

Code Adoption Ordinances and Power Point Presentations 

New Online Features

  • Online License Portal is now available.  All license renewal and updates will be done using the new online portal beginning in 2021. You will need log in credentials to access your license through the portal.  If you need for us to send these to you, please fill out the request login form and we will send them to you by the next business day. New licenses will need to fill out an application and we will create a new account for you. 
  • Online rental registration 
  • License database:  This database contains information on individuals and companies currently licensed by the Risk Reduction Division of the Manhattan Fire Department, for work in the City of Manhattan. Journeyman and master licensed individuals must work for a licensed contractor in order to conduct work within the city. If there are any questions or for further information on individual licenses, please contact our office at 785-587-4506.
  • Contractors: Check the status of inspections on your projects. Permit number required.
  • Check to see if your roofing contractor is registered as required by the State of Kansas.

Report It!

Report a code violation using by downloading our app or entering it online.