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Fire Services - Code Services

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1. 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 inspections at (785) 587-4506.

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

The City of Manhattan has adopted the International Codes series, 2006 International Building, Residential, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Existing Buildings, Property Maintenance Codes and the 2005 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

A site plan and construction plan must be submitted to Code Services for review. A building permit application form must be completed, to include all contractors performing work on the project.

6. 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.

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

Four sets of plans must be submitted to Code Services. If building a restaurant, five sets of plans is required. These will be reviewed by Code Services, Fire Prevention, and Zoning. One set will be reviewed by the Health Department if building a restaurant. The plans must be stamped by an architect or engineer licensed to practice in Kansas as per state statute. One set of plans will be kept on site and one set will be kept with the Code Services Department. A building permit application form must be completed including a list of all contractors performing work on the project. For additional information, please call Code Services at (785) 587-4506

8. What code applies to unsafe or existing buildings?

The City of Manhattan has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code, 2006 Edition, with amendments which includes these provisions. Follow the link to view the adoption ordinance. Ordinance 6190

9. 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.

10. 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 at least the minimum requirements of the codes as of the date of inspection.

11. 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.

12. 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.