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Public Works

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1. What is the Mission of Public Works?

The Public Works Department provides the resources to efficiently manage and maintain programs those services and facilities that are vital to the community's health, safety, and welfare such as: streets and traffic control devices; storm drainage and flood protection systems; and public buildings. The Utilities Division makes its home in the Public Works Department.

2. What is Manhattan's Standard Traffic Ordinance?

It can be found at the following link. PLEASE NOTE: This is a large file. It will take a few moments to download. Standard Traffic Ordinance

3. How can I find out the easements on my property?

That information can be found on a plat map. You may contact Public Works at (785)587-2415.

4. How can I find out where a street is located within the City of Manhattan?

That information can be obtained from a City of Manhattan Road Map. To obtain a copy of that map Contact Customer Service at (785)587-2485 or Public Works at (785)587-2415. That information can also be obtained from the City/County GIS website. GIS Website

5. How can I get a copy of a Subdivision Plat drawing?

For copies of Subdivision Plat drawings contact our Customer Service Desk at (785)587-2485 or our Public Works Department at (785)587-2415.

6. How do I get a stop sign installed in my neighborhood?

Regulatory signs require a traffic study prior to installation. Please contact Public Works - (785)587-2415.

7. How do I get my alley or street paved?

Petition the City to establish a benefit district.

8. How do I request a street light for my neighborhood?

The City has a street light policy which governs the placement of street lights. Contact Public Works at (785)587-2415.

9. I am coordinating a road race, who do I contact?

Applications for parades and races are available in Customer Service.

10. I am having a neighborhood block party. Do I need a permit?

Yes. Applications are available at the Customer Service Desk at City Hall.

11. I have a drainage easement on my property. What can I build on this easement?

Drainage easements must be keep clear of all obstacles in order to properly carry the run-off from storms. Structures, fences, bushes, shrubs, new trees, playground equipment such as swing sets, and similar items that would impede the flow of water or trap debris must not be placed in a drainage easement.

12. I have a utility easement on my property. What can I build on this easement?

Generally, the City allows property owners to construct fences within utility easements. Sheds or other structures are not allowed. Removal/replacement is the responsibility of the property owner.

13. I have concerns about Storm Water Drainage. Who do I contact?

The City of Manhattan has a Stormwater Management Plan in place and is working on achieving its goals. To speak to someone regarding you concerns please call our City Engineers Office at 785-587-2415. For Floodplain Map copies and or questions, please contact our Community Development Department at (785)587-2412.

14. I need to locate sewer & water lines on my property. Who should I call?

For City maintained lines contact the Department of Utilities at 587-4530. For lines privately maintained contact the Kansas "One-Call" system at 1-800-DIG-SAFE.

15. I'm having a garage sale, wedding reception, party, or meeting in my home. Can I cover the No Parking signs temporarily?

No, you may not cover the No Parking Sign. Parking restrictions are established by ordinance and cannot be modified without amending the ordinance.

16. My business has a parking lot. Can I push the snow onto the public roadway?

No. City ordinance prohibits property owners from pushing snow from private property into the street.

17. My neighbor has diverted water onto my property. Who do I contact?

This is a civil matter and the City does not become involved

18. People are parking in front of my house and therefore I am unable to park there. Can I restrict the area in front of my house so that only I can park there?

No. The street is available for public use and cannot be reserved for individuals.

19. People are parking too close to my curb. Will the City paint the curb near my driveway?

No. However, the property owner may paint the curb three (3) feet from the end of the radius using yellow paint.

20. The street light in my neighborhood is burned out. Who do I call?

The street lights are maintained by Westar Energy at 1-800-383-1183 or visit their website.

21. What are the steps necessary to get parking regulations changed on my street?

Submit a letter to Public Works outlining your requested change. The letter must be signed by as many property owners as possible who will be affected by the change. Parking regulation changes are established by ordinance, and must be approved by the City Commission.

22. When is there a City-wide clean-up program?

The City, in partnership with several local refuse companies, conducts an annual spring clean-up. It is generally held the last week of March or the first week of April. For more information contact Jeff Walters, Public Works Superintendent.

23. When will my neighborhood street be treated for ice or have the snow plowed?

The City has an Ice/Snow Control Policy. It assists the Public Works Department during ice/snow storms. Major arterials and areas around schools are treated first. Collector and residential streets with steep hills are next. The remainder of the neighborhood streets are treated as time allows and depending on the storms severity. Snow & Ice Operations Standard Operating Procedure

24. Where can I get a Street Map of the City of Manhattan?

You can get a Street Map of the City of Manhattan at the Customer Service Desk on the second floor of City Hall or call (785)587-2485.

25. Who determines which curbs are to be replaced?

That responsibility lies with the City, and repairs are either performed by and/or administered by the Public Works Department.

26. Who determines which streets will be part of the street maintenance program?

The City has a Pavement Management Program which assists in identifying streets requiring maintenance. The Public Works Department develops the annual Street Maintenance Project.

27. Who do I call for a new street address?

The Public Works Department assigns new addresses. To speak to someone regarding this call (785)587-2415.

28. Who do I call if I see a stop or yield sign missing, or a traffic light that is burned out?

These are considered to be events requiring a response by City crews in a timely manner. Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. call (785)587-4541. At all other times, please call the Riley County Police Department at (785)537-2112.

29. Who do I call to have my gravel alley or street bladed?

The Street Division is responsible for maintenance of all streets and alleys. Gravel alleys and streets are periodically graded during the year, but are considered low priority for maintenance.

30. Who do I contact to determine special assessment costs for developments?

To obtain estimated special assessment costs for new projects under construction contact Public Works - Engineering - (785)587-2415. For completed projects, contact Finance at (785)587-2465.

31. Who do I contact to find out the dimensions of a lot?

Lot dimension information can be found on Subdivision Plat drawings. We can provide a copy of the Plat for you. Please contact our Customer Service Desk at (785)587-2485.

32. Who do I talk to about getting a traffic signal or sign installed?

Public Works, please call (785)587-2415.

33. Who is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk along my property?

State statute places the responsibility of sidewalk maintenance upon the property owner.

34. Who is responsible for maintenance of my driveway which is within the public right-of-way?

The property owner is responsible for all necessary maintenance of their driveway.