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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?

Political Sign Regulations within the Manhattan City Limits

The regulations for the display of political signs within the city limits of Manhattan are contained in Subsec. 26-7D-7G of the Manhattan Development Code (MDC). This summary is provided only as general guidance.

When are political signs allowed?

45 days before an election until two days after such election

Where are political signs allowed?

• On private property, or within the right-of-way of city streets immediately adjacent to private property
• At least six feet from the back of the curb
• Political signs are not allowed:
  1. within the center median
  2. within the center island or splitter island of a roundabout
  3. in any placement or manner that obstructs or interferes with a clear-vision triangle or creates a safety hazard

What type of signs are allowed?

• Unlighted signs that are not permanently affixed to the ground or to a building or other structure
• A gross area of no more than sixteen square feet
• No more than four feet in height

Is permission or a permit required?

• The property owner or tenant (or, for signs placed in the right-of-way of city streets, the owner or tenant of the adjacent private property) must grant permission for the placement of the sign(s)
• No City sign permit is required

Who is liable?

The owner(s), and tenant(s), if any, of property where a political sign is displayed are responsible for any violation relating to the sign’s size or placement. The person, party, or parties responsible for the placement or distribution of a political sign are liable for its removal within two days after the election.

What about the right-of-way of State highways?

The Kansas Department of Transportation does not allow signs within the right-of-way of any State highway, which includes Seth Child Road (Hwy. 113), Fort Riley Boulevard (Hwy. 18), and Tuttle Creek Boulevard and East Poyntz Avenue (Hwy. 24). Riley County GIS may help to determine the location of the edge of the right-of-way along these routes. 

If you have any questions, please call Community Development at 785-587-2412