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1. Can owners of buildings request 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 the building met the minimum requirements of the codes as of the date of inspection.

2. How can I go about getting an inspection for my rental home or apartment?

If you believe there is a code violation on your rental property, you may call the Risk Reduction Office at 785-587-4506 to schedule an inspection.

3. How many dwelling units may be in a house?

The number of dwelling units permitted in a house is based on the zoning district in which the house is located, the dimensions of the lot, the square footage of the lot, and the number of off-street parking spaces available. For more information, please call the Risk Reduction Division at 785-587-4506.

4. How many people may reside in a dwelling unit?

Either an individual or two or more persons related by blood, marriage or adoption, or under foster care established by governmental action, living together as a single housekeeping unit; or

• a group of not more than four persons, some of which are not related by blood, marriage or adoption, living together as a single housekeeping unit.

5. How can a property owner obtain a compliance letter 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 verifies compliance.

6. What code applies to unsafe or existing buildings?

The City of Manhattan has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code, 2018 Edition, with amendments that include these provisions. View the adopted ordinance.

7. What building and property maintenance codes has the City of Manhattan adopted?

As of January 1, 2020 the City of Manhattan will use construction and property maintenance codes from the 2018 Editions (2017 for the National Electrical Code). Various City Ordinances relating to nuisances and property maintenance are also enforced by Risk Reduction. View a list of the specific codes along with adoption ordinances. If you have specific questions concerning Adopted Codes, please call 785-587-4506.

8. Where may I place a fence on my property?

Generally, a fence may be placed along the rear and/or side property lines. Fences may not be in the front yard setback. (Please note:  if you live on a corner lot, you likely have two front yards. Please contact Risk Reduction for more information)  Fences must be set back at least 25 feet behind the front property line. Before building a fence, please make sure you know where the property lines are located. The curb of the street is not your front property line. You can obtain a copy of the subdivision plat for your lot from the Riley County Register of Deeds Office at 785-537-6340. 

In some cases, you may need to hire your own surveyor to accurately locate property lines. Also, check with the city to make sure there are no drainage easements on the lot. Fences may not be placed in a drainage easement, or in a vision clearance triangle at street intersections. In addition, always call 800-DIG-SAFE to have the underground utilities marked before you start digging. 

If you have any questions concerning placement of a fence, please call the Risk Reduction Division t at 785-587-4506 before starting construction. Depending on the height of the fence, you may need a building permit. Call Risk Reduction at 785-587-4506 to find out if you need a permit.

9. Where may I place a detached storage shed or a detached garage on my property?

Detached accessory buildings are required to be set back:

• 60 feet from the front property line.
• On corner lots, accessory buildings shall be set back from the side street a distance not less than that required for the principal structure.
• 3 feet from the side property line.
• 5 feet from the rear property line.
• 10 feet from the rear property line if the rear property line abuts an alley.

For more information, please contact the Risk Reduction Division at 785-587-4506.

10. If I have a concern about parking issues, too many tenants in a dwelling unit, or too many apartments in a house, how do I get someone to look into this for me?

You may call the Risk Reduction Division at 785-587-4506 to talk to a code and zoning officer.

11. What are the regulations regarding campaign signs?

The Manhattan Zoning Regulations permit campaign signs within the city limits, as long as they remain on private property and further comply with the requirements of Section 6-109 of the Sign Regulations.  To comply with applicable State and Federal case law, the previous time limits of when a campaign sign can be displayed before or after an election has been rescinded by City Ordinance No. 7114, which adopted new Sign Regulations on December 2, 2014.

To ensure that signs are not placed in a public right of way, the following guidelines should be followed along most streets:

• Signs should be placed behind sidewalks; if there is no sidewalk, signs should be placed at least 15 feet behind the curb.
• Major streets such as Seth Child Road, Fort Riley Boulevard, Tuttle Creek Boulevard, Kimball Avenue, and U.S. Highway 24 usually require much greater setbacks, and are often fenced and/or have large drainage ditches, behind which signs should be placed.
• Finally, it is recommended that care be taken to ensure that vision is not blocked near street intersections.