Manhattan, KS — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

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

Street address

2000 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502

Phone

785-587-4506

Coverage

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.

Online portal

Building Permit Application

Formstack

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Manhattan

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Minor repairs

Exempt

Painting

Exempt

Flooring replacement

Exempt

Similar cosmetic work

Exempt

Exempt Minor repairs
Exempt Painting
Exempt Flooring replacement
Exempt 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.

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.

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

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Determine whether the project requires a permit (refer to the Work Exempt from Building Permit document).
02

Download and review the applicable submittal checklist (e.g., Residential Building Permit Submittal Checklist).
03

Prepare required documents: completed Formstack application, plans/drawings per checklist, and estimated project valuation.
04

Submit the building permit application online at https://cityofmhk.formstack.com/forms/building_permit_application. Do NOT use browser autofill when completing the form.
05

Pay the permit fee and plan review fee (plan review = 30% of permit fee for commercial projects; residential fee structure may vary).
06

Staff reviews plans for compliance with adopted codes.
07

Permit is issued upon approval.
08

Post permit card on-site; begin construction.
09

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) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Manhattan building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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.

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 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.

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Manhattan permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Manhattan, KS? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Manhattan, KS? ▸

Building permit fees in Manhattan, KS are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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)..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Manhattan, KS? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Manhattan, KS, follow these steps: 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.

04 What work is exempt from building permits in Manhattan, KS? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Manhattan, KS? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Manhattan, KS via: 785-587-4506.

last verified April 2026 source Manhattan Fire Department -- Risk Reduction Division (Code Services) ↗ entry id permits/kansas/riley/manhattan

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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Manhattan Fire Department -- Risk Reduction Division (Code Services) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Manhattan

Other jurisdictions in Riley County.