Valley Center, KS - Official Website

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Building Permits

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1. Do I need a permit to build or remodel my home?: Yes. Building permits and inspections are required in the City of Valley Center. Call us at (316) 755-7310 for information and assistance.

2. Who does the inspections for Valley Center?: Valley Center Public Works inspects driveways, water and sewer hookups, culverts, and grading. For an inspection by Valley Center Public Works call (316) 755-7310. Sedgwick County Code Enforcement inspects everthing else. For inspections by Sedgwick County Code Enforcement call (316) 383-7951. Valley Center Community Development issues the occupancy permit for all new residential and commercial uses. For occupancy call (316) 755-7310.

3. Do I need a permit to build a fence?: Yes. A zoning permit is required. The fence can not be placed upon any easements.

4. Do I need a permit to set a mobile or manufactured home in Valley Center?: Yes, a permit and inspection are required before utilities can be hooked up. Call (316) 755-7310 for assistance.

5. Where can I set a mobile home in Valley Center?: A mobile home is allowed in a mobile home park. The mobile home can not be more than 15 years old.

6. What size do the footings for my new house need to be and how far under grade do they need to be?: For new construction, footings must be 20" wide and 10" deep. Footings must be buried 24", which is below the frost line in Kansas.

7. Can I wire my new home myself?: Yes, upon satisfactory completion of the Sedgwick County homeowner's test. Contact Sedgwick County Code Enforcement at (316) 383-7951.

8. Can I install electrical wiring in my new garage or when finishing my basement?: Yes, if it is done according to the 1996 National Electrical Code.

9. I am going to put a bedroom in the basement. Do I need an escape window?: Yes, the code requires an egress out of every bedroom for your safety.

10. Can I put a window in the wall separating my house and my attached garage? How about a door with a window.: No, a fire separation wall must be maintained.

11. How far can a liquefied petroleum (LP) gas tank be from my house, property line, or any building?: *10 ft. for a tank of 500 gallons or less;
*25 ft. for a tank of 501-2000 gallons;
*50 ft. for a tank over 2000 gallons.

12. What kind of material can be used to provide LP gas service to my house?: *L or K grade copper with flare fittings at tank and unit;
*Metallic piping with approved coating or wrapping material;
*Plastic gas piping with metallic risers (fuse only) also need locator wire in trench.

13. What size do my floor joists need to be?: It depends on the type of material. Call Sedgwick County Code Enforcement at (316) 383-7951 for more information.

14. Do my stairs have to be even?: Yes, code requires not more than 3/8" difference total.

15. When do I need handrails on my steps?: Handrails are needed when you have four or more risers. Guardrails are needed when you are more than 30" off the ground.

16. How much headroom clearance does the building code require for staircases?: Staircases require 6'8" headroom.

17. Can I do my own plumbing?: *If it is a new home, you must first pass the homeowners test available by calling Sedgwick County Code Enforcement at (316) 383-7951;
*If it is repair work, yes;
*If it is a room addition, yes, if done by code.

18. How deep does gas service need to be?: *12" for metallic (steel)
*18" for plastic

19. What kind of material can be used for waste lines and vents?: *ABS/Schedule 40
*PVC/Schedule 40
Cast Iron
*Lead, Copper or Brass

20. How deep does PVC conduit have to be buried?: A minimum of 18" of dirt needs to be over the pipe.

21. Do I need a permit to install a culvert.: Yes. Call (316) 755-7310 for a culvert permit.

22. Can I build a permanent structure in the utility easement?: No, you may not.

23. As the owner, can I be the general contractor of my own residence?: Yes, once every three years.

24. A detached structure of more than 400 square feet requires how many rows of rebar horizontally in the footing?: Three rows of #4 rebar.

25. When building a new residence, how many feet can the residence be from the edge of the road before a road approval is required?: 150 feet is required.

26. How do I obtain a road approval?: *Apply for a road approval at Community Development (316) 755-7310
*Call the Valley Center Fire Department for an inspection (316) 755-7303.

27. What specifications are required to obtain a road approval for the road?: *Address posted
*20' unobstructed width
*13'6" of unobstructed vertical clearance
*All-weather surface (rock, gravel, etc.)
*Turnaround space provided

28. Do I need a permit to replace my furnace or water heater?: *Yes, a permit is required, and an inspection is performed to ensure the safety of the installation.
*If installing a furnace or water heater yourself, call (316) 755-7310 for advice, assistance, and a permit.
*If you are paying someone else to install it, call (316) 755-7310 to make sure he or she is licensed to perform such work in Valley Center. After it is installed, make sure your contractor calls Sedgwick County Code Enforcement (316) 383-7951 for an inspection.

29. Do I need a permit to build or place a storage shed in my backyard?: *Any shed less than 100 square feet will not need a permit.
*Any shed between 100 and 200 square feet will need a zoning permit.
*Any shed over 200 square feet will need a building permit.

30. Do you have any questions that are not answered in this section?: Please call us at (316) 755-7310 from 8:00 am too 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

31. Who does the inspections for Valley Center?: Valley Center Public Works inspects driveways, water and sewer hookups, culverts and grading. For an inspection by Valley Center Public Works call (316) 755-7310. Sedgwick County Code Enforcement inspections everything else. For inspections by Sedgwick County Code Enforcement call (316) 383-7951. Valley Center Community Development issues the occupancy permit for all new residential and commercial uses. For occupancy call (316) 755-7310.

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City Clerk

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1. How do I participate in the Annual City-wide Garage Sale or the City's Fall Festival?: Please contact Dawn Lechner at the Valley Center Chamber of Commerce, (316) 755-7340.

2. Where do I go if I want to reserve the Community Building at Lions Park?: Please contact City Hall at (316) 755-7310.

3. Where do I pay for my traffic violations and present questions for court hearings?: Please take your traffic citations and all questions regarding Municipal Court to 616 E. Fifth Street, or contact (316) 755-7325.

4. How do I transfer my water service from one residence to another?: Come into City Hall, 121 S. Meridian, and pay a $15.00 transfer service fee. You will fill out paperwork to change your address and service information as well as coordinating dates to have water turned off at the former residence.

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Community Development

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1. How do I find out what my zoning classification is for my property?: Call (316) 755-7310 or stop by City Hall to look at the map. The Zoning Map for the City of Valley Center is also available online.

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Emergency Communications

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1. Who does Valley Center Emergency Communication dispatch for?: Valley Center Emergency Communications dispatches the Valley Center Police Department and the Valley Center Fire Department.
Although Sedgwick County EMS houses a 12 hour crew in Valley Center, they are still dispatched by Sedgwick County 9-1-1.

2. Do I call Emergency Communications when I have an issue with a utility?: You can call Valley Center Emergency Communications (316) 755-7325 when you have a problem with City Water Service if it is after normal working hours or on the weekend. For problems with your electricity or gas you should call the companies directly so that you can be put on a waiting list. Emergency Communications can not add you to that list.

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Fire Department

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1. How do I obtain a burn permit in the city limits of Valley Center?: Contact Valley Center Fire Dispatch at (316)755-7303 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, to request a burn permit.

2. Do you do daycare inspection?: Yes we do please contact Valley Center Fire Dept. at (316) 755-7303

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Mayor & Council

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1. When does Council meet?: Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month. Other "Special Meetings" are called as needs arise. These special meetings are announced in the official newspaper (The Ark Valley News). Ark Valley News

2. How can I find out when Special Meetings are scheduled?: Under K.S.A. 75-4318, you may make written request to be notified of public meetings. In Valley Center this is accomplished by completing and submitting a Citizen Request for Open Meeting Notification form. This form is good for the calendar year. To continue receiving notifications you must renew notification of your desire to be notified each year. KOMA meeting request form (submitted annually)

3. How can I serve on a committee, commission, or board?: Contact your Ward representative or the Mayor and let your desires be known. Vacancies occur at various times during the year. The Mayor appoints individuals, subject to approval of Council. Interested individuals are encouraged to get involved!

4. Is there a time during the council meetings when citizen concerns can be voiced?: Yes! There is a time set aside on every Council agenda for people to speak about, or question, items that are not on the regular agenda. On the agenda this is listed as "Public Forum" and is a part of every regular meeting.

5. What are the time limits for speakers?: In the interest of moving the meeting along, speakers are normally allowed five minutes. If the issue has a large number of speakers wishing to address Council, the time limits may be shortened. Speakers with more information to share than can be adequately accomplished during this time frame are encouraged to prepare written documentation. Copies will be distributed to Council. During an official public hearing, speakers will be given the full five-minute allocation of time.

6. When are City Council elections held?: Council elections are held every two years in April during odd numbered years.

7. Who represents me on the Council?: The city is divided into Wards. Each Ward is represented by two elected Council Members living in that Ward. These members serve four year terms and are elected on rotation every two years.

8. Can someone tell me who my representatives are?: Certainly. If you are unable to determine the identity of your Council representatives, contact City Hall at (316) 755-7310. Give Staff your address and they will give you the names and contact information for your representatives. Mayor / Council Web Page

9. How many Wards is the City divided into?: As required by State statute for cities with a population in excess of 5,000, Valley Center is divided into four Wards. Two representatives are elected from each Ward to serve on the Council. Each representative serves a four-year term. One position is open every two years. The Ward Maps help you identify your Ward.

10. How are vacancies on the Council filled?: As with other committees, commissions, and boards, the Mayor makes the appointment subject to the approval of Council. The person appointed to fill the vacancy will fill the vacancy until the next regular election, which are held in April of odd numbered years.

11. What is the position of "President of the Council"?: Every two years, the Council elects one of it's members to serve in this capacity. This Council member is responsible to preside over the meetings during the Mayor's absence. The President of the Council also assumes the role as Mayor if the Mayor is unable to complete his/her term of office. In the event the Mayor is not able to complete his/her term, the President of the Council becomes the Mayor until the next election, which are held in odd numbered years.
Kansas Statute defining City Officers More...

12. Who is the President of the Council?: The current President of the Council is Jake Jackson from Ward 3. Councilmember Jackson will serve in this capacity until April 2011. Meet Councilmember Jake Jackson...

13. What is the difference between Council and Governing Body?: Council is comprised of two elected representatives from each of the four Wards in the City. The eight members of the Council, together with the mayor comprise the Governing Body. Governing Body defined by Statute...

14. When does the Mayor vote?: Under the Mayor/Council/Administrator form of government, the mayor has an "original" vote only on Charter Ordinances. The Mayor is also called upon and can cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie, or let the vote remain a tie. When the President of the Council fills in during absence of the Mayor, the President retains his/her right to vote on all matters coming before the Governing Body. The Mayor is the only member of the Governing Body whose vote is restricted.

15. Can the mayor veto actions taken by the Council?: While very seldom done, the mayor can veto ordinances passed by Council, with the exception of Appropriation and Charter ordinances. Council can override a mayor veto by a vote of 3/4 of the elected members of the Council. This is not 3/4 of the members present, but rather 3/4 of the entire Council. Unfilled vacancies on the Council do not make this required number less. In the case of Valley Center with eight elected members of the Council, six votes are needed to override a mayor veto. The mayor has no veto authority other than of ordinances, as previously stated. More...

16. What is the Mill Levy and how do I figure my taxes?: The mill levy is the method used to calculate property taxes. Residential property is taxed at 11.5% of the assessed value of property. Click on the following link to learn how to calculate your taxes. The current mill levy for Valley Center city taxes is 48.367 mills. Calculate your taxes

17. Can I submit a request online?: Some requests can be submitted, while others require you to visit or call City Hall at (316) 755-7310. Valley Center is moving toward more and more available information on the website. Check back frequently for additional online services. Submit online request.

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Municipal Court

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1. When is court for Valley Center?: Valley Center Municipal Court has court on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month (except for November and December which is only the second Wednesday of that month).
Court starts at 6:00 pm and is at the Public Safety Building located at 616 E. Fifth Street in Valley Center. Please use the rear parking lot and entrance to the building.

2. Is there a dress code during court?: Yes. No shorts, tank tops, hats, or any other inappropriate clothing should be worn.

3. My child (under 18 years of age) received a citation with a court date. Does a parent or guardian need to appear with them on that court date?: Yes. Our court requires that a parent or guardian appear with the juvenile.

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Parks & Public Grounds

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1. How do I reserve the Community Building?: Call or stop by City Hall for reservations at 316-755-7310.

2. Are any of the park shelters reservable?: No, they are not reservable... they are used on a first-come, first serve basis.

3. Is there group picnic facilities avaliable?: Yes, McLaughlin Park and Lions Park each have large picnic shelters.

4. What are the Splash Pad hours of operation?: The Splash Pad is operational from 9am - 9pm. To start the water, simply cover the sensor wirth your hand on the orange/green post for apprioximately 3-5 seconds.

5. When does the Splash Pad at McLaughlin Park open?: It is always open in May on or before Memorial Day Weekend!

6. What is the distance around McLaughlin Pond?: It's approximately one-quarter mile around the pond.

7. When does Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) stock McLaughlin Pond?

KDWP stocks Channel Catfish at McLaughlin Pond beginning in April through September. The pond also has largemouth bass and bluegill. Copy the link below to view the stocking schedule.

http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Fishing-Locations-Public-Waters/Region-4/Valley-Center-McLaughlin-Pond

8. Do I need a city permit to fish in McLaughlin Pond?: No, but KDWP does have regulations pertaining to fishing licenses must be followed. They are available at Bartel's Hardware Store or through KDWP's web site below. Link to KDWP

9. Where is the City's Cemetery?: The Valley Center Municipal Cemetery is located at 9638 N. Meridian. (Located on the East side of Meridian, about one-third of a mile north of 93rd Street.)

10. Can I reserve a picnic pavilion?: Picnic pavilions are available on a first come first serve basis.

11. What is distance around the sidewalk at Arrowhead Park?: To be determined....

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Police Department

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1. How would I start or join a Neighborhood Watch Program?: Please call Detective Grayson at (316) 755-7325 during the hours of 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Fridays. You may also visit him at the Public Safety Building located at 616 E. Fifth in Valley Center.

2. I need a report for insurance purposes. Who can I call?: A copy of your report is available from the VCPD Records Section. More information can be obtained by visiting or calling our records section at (316) 755-7325, 616 E. Fifth in Valley Center.

3. I'm going on vacation. Can I let the Police Department know when I'm going to be gone so they could keep an extra watch on my house?: Yes. You may either submit the online form, call, or visit the Public Safety Building Communications Section and request a House Watch. Please call (316) 755-7325 or visit 616 E. Fifth in Valley Center. Online House Watch Request Form

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Public Works

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1. What are the colored flags or painted marks on my property?: Do not remove for two weeks. The flags / paint locates utility and pipelines. Someone has requested a locate to do some work.

2. I need to locate water and sewer on my property, Who should I call?: Concact Kansas One Call system at 1-800-DIG-SAFE

3. How is my Average Winter Consumption (AWC) calculated?: The average winter consumption (AWC) is calculated as an average of your usage during the months of December, January, February, and March.

4. What is NPDES?: NPDES stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Click the link below to learn more and do the word search. More information and games about NPDES