City Building Permits

Manhattan, KS - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Manhattan, Kansas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Kansas Riley County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all construction within the incorporated limits of the City of Manhattan. Manhattan is a first-class city and administers its own permit and inspection program independently from Riley County.

Department
Manhattan Fire Department -- Risk Reduction Division (Code Services)
Address
2000 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502
Phone
785-587-4506
Website
https://www.manhattanks.gov/259/Risk-Reduction

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permit Application

Platform: Formstack • Account required: No • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Determine whether the project requires a permit (refer to the Work Exempt from Building Permit document).
  2. Download and review the applicable submittal checklist (e.g., Residential Building Permit Submittal Checklist).
  3. Prepare required documents: completed Formstack application, plans/drawings per checklist, and estimated project valuation.
  4. Submit the building permit application online at https://cityofmhk.formstack.com/forms/building_permit_application. Do NOT use browser autofill when completing the form.
  5. Pay the permit fee and plan review fee (plan review = 30% of permit fee for commercial projects; residential fee structure may vary).
  6. Staff reviews plans for compliance with adopted codes.
  7. Permit is issued upon approval.
  8. Post permit card on-site; begin construction.
  9. Call 785-587-4506 to schedule required inspections at each phase.
  10. Final inspection must be completed and approved before occupancy.

Source: Manhattan Fire Department -- Risk Reduction Division (Code Services)

General Requirements

Prior to new construction, additions, alterations, moving, or change of use of any building or structure within city limits. Also required for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, mobile home installation, curb cuts, demolition, and signs.

Required Documents

  • Completed Formstack application
  • Architectural/structural drawings
  • Site plan showing setbacks
  • Residential Building Permit Submittal Checklist (for residential)
  • Project valuation estimate
  • Trench foundation wall diagrams and wall section details may be required
Building code
2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Fire Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), and 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. The city updates codes every three years. As of 2024-2025, transition to 2024 International Codes and 2023 NEC is underway.
Owner-builder
Property Owner Information page available at https://www.manhattanks.gov/2806/Property-Owner-Information; contact office for current owner-builder policy.
Contractor requirements
Contractor and trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are issued by the Risk Reduction Division. Contact 785-587-4506 for current requirements.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$19
Plan check fee
30% of total permit fee (applies to commercial projects; residential may vary).
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based tiered schedule: $0-$500: $19 flat; $500.01-$2,000: $19 plus $2.47 per $100 over $500; $2,000.01-$25,000: $56.09 plus $11.34 per $1,000 over $2,000; $25,000.01-$50,000: $317.31 plus $8.18 per $1,000 over $25,000; $50,000.01-$100,000: $521.43 plus $5.67 per $1,000 over $50,000; $100,000.01-$500,000: $804.93 plus $4.53 per $1,000 over $100,000; $500,000.01-$1,000,000: $2,619.33 plus $3.84 per $1,000 over $500,000; Over $1,000,000: $4,543.08 plus $2.95 per $1,000 over $1,000,000. Note: Final permit fee is based on valuation established by city ordinance, which may differ from contractor cost estimate.
Payment note
Fees can be paid online at https://www.manhattanks.gov/1519/Pay-for-Risk-Reduction-Fees or in person at 2000 Denison Avenue.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Minor repairs
  • Painting
  • Flooring replacement
  • Similar cosmetic work

Important: A specific Work Exempt from Building Permit document (PDF) is available at https://www.manhattanks.gov/2149/Residential-Construction-Details. Refer to the official exempt work PDF for Manhattan's specific list. Even exempt work must comply with zoning and property maintenance codes.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 785-587-4506 (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday-Thursday 8 AM-Noon and 1-5 PM (office closed Noon-1 PM); Friday 8 AM-Noon

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/footing; framing; rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing; insulation; final inspection. Specific sequence in Final Inspections for Single Family Homes guide available on residential construction details page.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Manhattan Fire Department -- Risk Reduction Division (Code Services) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manhattan Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Manhattan, KS?
Prior to new construction, additions, alterations, moving, or change of use of any building or structure within city limits. Also required for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, mobile home installation, curb cuts, demolition, and signs.
How much does a building permit cost in Manhattan, KS?
The minimum permit fee is $19. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based tiered schedule: $0-$500: $19 flat; $500.01-$2,000: $19 plus $2.47 per $100 over $500; $2,000.01-$25,000: $56.09 plus $11.34 per $1,000 over $2,000; $25,000.01-$50,000: $317.31 plus $8.18 per $1,000 over $25,000; $50,000.01-$100,000: $521.43 plus $5.67 per $1,000 over $50,000; $100,000.01-$500,000: $804.93 plus $4.53 per $1,000 over $100,000; $500,000.01-$1,000,000: $2,619.33 plus $3.84 per $1,000 over $500,000; Over $1,000,000: $4,543.08 plus $2.95 per $1,000 over $1,000,000. Note: Final permit fee is based on valuation established by city ordinance, which may differ from contractor cost estimate.. Plan check fee: 30% of total permit fee (applies to commercial projects; residential may vary)..
How do I apply for a building permit in Manhattan, KS?
1. Determine whether the project requires a permit (refer to the Work Exempt from Building Permit document). 2. Download and review the applicable submittal checklist (e.g., Residential Building Permit Submittal Checklist). 3. Prepare required documents: completed Formstack application, plans/drawings per checklist, and estimated project valuation. 4. Submit the building permit application online at https://cityofmhk.formstack.com/forms/building_permit_application. Do NOT use browser autofill when completing the form. 5. Pay the permit fee and plan review fee (plan review = 30% of permit fee for commercial projects; residential fee structure may vary). 6. Staff reviews plans for compliance with adopted codes. 7. Permit is issued upon approval. 8. Post permit card on-site; begin construction. 9. Call 785-587-4506 to schedule required inspections at each phase. 10. Final inspection must be completed and approved before occupancy.
What work is exempt from building permits in Manhattan, KS?
The following work is generally exempt: Minor repairs; Painting; Flooring replacement; Similar cosmetic work. Note: A specific Work Exempt from Building Permit document (PDF) is available at https://www.manhattanks.gov/2149/Residential-Construction-Details. Refer to the official exempt work PDF for Manhattan's specific list. Even exempt work must comply with zoning and property maintenance codes.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Manhattan, KS?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 785-587-4506.

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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