FAQs • Manhattan • CivicEngage

Do I need a permit to finish my basement?: Yes. A building permit application, with names of all contractors working on the project, shall be submitted to Risk Reduction along with a 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.

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Risk Reduction — Building Construction

Risk Reduction issues the following permits:

View additional information about these permits. If you have specific questions concerning these permits, please call 785-587-4506. Apply for a building permit online.

The Risk Reduction Division issues all building permits. Call 785-587-4506 for more information or email courtright@cityofmhk.com

3. What is required to obtain a building permit for one- or two-family residential construction?: A building permit application must be completed and include all contractors performing work on the project. The application must be accompanied by a construction plan and site plan with erosion control. Please allow three to five working days for issuance of a permit. Once reviewed, a packet is issued and will include a building permit and a green permit issued card that must be displayed so that it is visible from the street front. The packet must be kept on the job site. Work cannot begin until a permit has been issued.

4. Do I need a permit to finish my basement?: Yes. A building permit application, with names of all contractors working on the project, shall be submitted to Risk Reduction along with a 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.

5. 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 Risk Reduction 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.

6. 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 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. For more information, see our building permit application and pool brochure. A permit is NOT needed for above ground seasonal pools (taken down and stored during fall/winter); however, enclosing the pool still must meet code requirements as outlined in the pool brochure under Enclosure of Pools.

7. Do I need a permit to put up a shed on my property?: Storage sheds 200 square feet or smaller do not require a building permit. Zoning requirements still must be met. For more information, contact the Risk Reduction Office at 785-587-4506.

8. Do I need a permit to build a fence on my property?: Permits are not required for fences 7 feet or shorter in height. Electric and barbed wire fences are prohibited in certain locations. Zoning regulations still must be met. For more information, contact the Risk Reduction Office at 785-587-4506.

9. What is required to obtain a building permit for a commercial building?: A building permit application and plans shall be submitted to Risk Reduction. 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. A 30% plan review fee will be assessed and paid at the time of application, in order for review to begin. Plans must be stamped by an architect or engineer licensed to practice in Kansas as per state statute. Four sets are required if submittal is not electronic. The plans are reviewed by Risk Reduction, 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 Risk Reduction Department. For additional information, please call Risk Reduction at 785-587-4506.