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Animal Control / Stormwater Officer

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1. Am I allowed to have chickens?

Yes. Residents are allowed to have chickens if they have completed a fowl license application, paid their fee and have completed and passed their inspection. Residents are permitted to have one bird per 2000 sq/ft of lot space. Roosters are not allowed.

2. How many pets can I have?

Municipal Code allows each household to have up to four dogs or cats or a combination of dogs and cats.

3. Do I have to have a permit for my pet?

Yes for dogs, no for cats. Dog owners are required to purchase an annual pet license. The cost is $25 but, the cost will be discounted for having a fenced yard, if your dog is spayed or neutered and if your dog has a microchip. Licenses may be purchased at City Hall or at either one of the vets in town. You will be required to show proof of current rabies vaccination.

4. How do I get help finding my lost or missing pet?

If you have a lost or missing pet please contact, Frank Miller, Animal Control officer at 316-755-7320. Animal Control

5. Is it okay to feed wild animals at my home?

The short answer is no. It is not good for humans or the wildlife. For more information select and follow the link. Is it okay to feed wildlife?

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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  ext 111 for information and assistance.

2. 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  ext 111 for assistance.

3. Do I need a permit to build a fence?

Yes. A Zoning permit is required.  

4. 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.

5. Can I do the work on my own home?

Yes, if you meet the following criteria:

1.  You must OWN and OCCUPY the home.

2. Complete and submit the Homeowner Declaration Form  when submitting your permit request. (You are able to be the General Contractor on your home only one (1) time every three (3) years).

3. You must successfully pass the Homeowners exam (thru MABCD) for each trade you wish to perform, and still may need to have a licensed sub-contractor to perform tasks you are not able to do. 

Call Valley Center Code Enforcement at (316) 755-7310 ext. 110 for more information.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Do I need a permit to install a culvert?

Yes. Call (316) 755-7320 for a Right of Way (ROW) permit, or go to the Main Homepage and click ONLINE FORMS.  

9. Can I build a permanent structure in the utility easement?

No, you may not.

10. 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.

11. How do I obtain a road approval?

*Apply for a road approval at Community Development (316) 755-7310 ext 111 *Call the Valley Center Fire Department for an inspection (316) 755-7303.

12. 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

13. Do I need a permit to replace my furnace or water heater?

Yes, a permit and an inspection are required to ensure the safety of the installation.   

14. Do I need a permit to build or place a storage shed in my backyard?

Sheds less than 100 square feet do not need a permit. However, they must follow the Zoning codes:   10ft from back property line; 6ft from the side property line; 5ft from any structures. 

Sheds between from 100-200  square feet will need a Zoning permit.

Sheds over 200 square feet will need a Building permit.

15. Do you have any questions that are not answered in this section?

Please call us at (316) 755-7310  ext 111 from 8:00 am too 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

16. Who does the inspections for Valley Center?

Valley Center Community Development (VCCD)  inspects all Residential:   Building, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical projects. To schedule inspections, please call (316) 755-7310, ext 111. 

Commercial Building permits:  Must be submitted to MABCD (Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department) for plan review.  Once approved, a letter from MABCD is sent to VCCD to proceed with issuing the permit.  Once VCCD issues the permit, a copy of the permit is immediately  forwarded to MABCD, and all inspections are then scheduled through MABCD.  MABCD can be reached at (316) 660-1840.

Commercial Trade permits:   Contractor needs to  submit directly to VCCD.  Once approved and issued, VCCD forwards a copy to MABCD, and all inspections are then scheduled through MABCD.  MABCD can be reached at (316) 660-1840.

VCCD issues the Occupancy permit for all new residential and commercial uses. For Occupancy, call (316) 755-7310, ext 111. 

Public Works Permits: 

For all Right of Way, Water, Sewer, Well permits, Lot grading, an inspection can be scheduled by calling Valley Center Public Works, call (316) 755-7320. 

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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 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 the City Hall Building at 121 S. Meridian, or contact (316) 755-7310.

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 the Public Works Building to look at the map. The Zoning Map for the City of Valley Center is also available online.

online.

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Emergency Communications

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1. Can I call Records when I need to make a police report?

No, records no longer dispatches emergency personnel. To make a report with the Valley Center Police Department please call 911 so that a call can be entered and police can be dispatched.

2. Can I contact an officer by calling the administrative phone line?

If you are needing to speak to a specific officer or supervisor you can call the administrative line. During business hours the phone will generally be answered by the records clerk. When she is unavailable please listen to the message and follow the prompts.

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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 Department at (316)755-7303 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday or fill out a Email Submittal Form, 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). You can also sign up to be notified of Special Meetings by either visiting City Hall or completing and submitting the on-line form. Ark Valley News

2. What is the Population of Valley Center?

As of the 2010 U.S. Census the official population of Valley Center was 6,822.

3. How can I find out when Special Meetings are scheduled?

UnderK.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 the 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)

4. 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!

5. 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.

6. Are there time limits imposed on individuals who wish to speak at a Council meeting?

In the interest of moving the meeting along, speakers are typically allowed five minutes. If the issue has a large number of speakers wishing to address Council, the time limits can be reduced. 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 and Mayor. During an official public hearing, speakers will be given the full five-minute allocation of time.

7. When are City Council elections held?

Council elections are held every two years in November during odd numbered years. The mayor is elected every fourth year.

8. Who represents me on the Council?

Valley Center is divided into four 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. The mayor is elected at-large and also serves a four year term.

9. 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

10. 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 in each Ward is elected every two years. An interactive Ward map is available online to assist you in determining which Ward you live in and who your representatives are on the Council. The Ward Maps help you identify your Ward.

11. How are vacancies on the Council filled?

As with other committees, commissions, and boards, the Mayor is responsible for making appointments which are then subject to the approval of Council. As dictated by Kansas statute 14-308, the person appointed to fill the vacancy will complete the unexpired term of the vacancy they are appointed to fill.

12. 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...

13. Who is the President of the Council?

The current President of the Council is Ben Anderson from Ward 4. To send Council President Anderson an email please click here.

14. 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 make up the Governing Body. In other words, the Mayor is not a member of the City Council. Kansas Statute 12-104 defines the difference as outlined above.

15. When is the Mayor allowed to vote?

Under the Mayor/Council/Administrator form of government, the mayor has an "original" vote only on Charter Ordinances. The Mayor may also cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie vote of Council. The mayor is not required to vote in case of a tie. When the President of the Council conducts the meeting during the absence of the Mayor, the President retains his/her right to an original vote on all matters coming before the Governing Body. The mayor is the only member of the Governing Body whose vote is restricted. Passage of ordinances requires a majority of the members-elect, regardless of how many are in attendance or if vacancies exist. In the case of Valley Center, this number is five (5). It is possible for a motion on an ordinance to receive a majority of the votes of the members present, but still fail to gather the five votes necessary. According to Kansas Statute 12-3002, if the votes in favor of the motion reaches one less than the required number, the mayor can cast the fifth vote necessary for adoption of the ordinance. Vacancies caused by resignation or a vacancy caused by any other reason does not change the number required to meet the test of "a majority of the members elect", nor does it change the number required for a quorum. Council must have a quorum to conduct business. The mayor does not count when determining the presence of a quorum. 

16. Can the mayor in Valley Center 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 members-elect 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...

17. Can I submit a request, or report a problem, 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.

18. Does Valley Center have term limits for the Mayor and/or members of the Council?

No. Some cities do set term limits for these positions; however Valley Center does not have such limits on the number of consecutive times an individual may be elected.

19. What does the term "members-elect" mean?

"Members-elect" is the total number of positions authorized on the council, or appointed body, regardless of vacancies. In Valley Center, there are eight (8) positions on the Council. The Mayor is not part of the Council (See the FAQ topic "What is the difference between Council and Governing Body" for additional information). In the event there are seats open due to resignation, or absence during a single meeting; the number of positions authorized or the number of "members-elect" remains the same. This is one of the reasons it is so important to fill vacancies on the Council as soon as possible.

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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 Dockets are as follows: 

6:00p.m.- Traffic 

7:00p.m.- Misdemeanors, etc.  

8:30a.m.- Trials (2nd Wednesday of the month only) 

Please use the front 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. What forms of payment are accepted?

Visa, MasterCard, Cash, Check or Money Order.

4. 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. When are the park restrooms open?

Park restrooms Schedule
Open by/before April 15.
Closed on/after October 1.
This schedule can vary depending on weather conditions
They are unlocked at 8:00 A.M. and locked at dusk.

2. How do I reserve the Community Building?

Call or stop by City Hall for reservations at 316-755-7310. Community Building Reservations

3. Are any of the park shelters reservable?

No, they are not reservable... they are used on a first-come, first serve basis.

4. Is there group picnic facilities avaliable?

Yes, McLaughlin Park and Lions Park each have large picnic shelters.

5. What are the Splash Pad hours of operation?

The Splash Pad hours of operations: Everyday 10 AM to 9 PM

6. When does the Splash Pad at McLaughlin Park open?

It is always open in May on or before Memorial Day Weekend!

7. What is the distance around McLaughlin Pond?

It's approximately one-quarter mile around the pond.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.)

11. Can I reserve a picnic pavilion?

Picnic pavilions are available on a first come first serve basis.

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Police Department

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1. 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.

2. How would I start or join a Neighborhood Watch Program?

Please call Detective Gordon at (316) 755-7325 during the hours of 8:00 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.

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. Where can I take tree limbs, brush, grass clippings, leaves?

The city does provides a location for these items.

Location and times ...

3. How do I check for water leaks?

To check for leaks in your home, you first need to determine whether you're wasting water. Then identify the source of the leak. In most cases the water line running to your home is "metered" for accountability and billing purposes. A leak on your line can be very costly. Yet, even a very small leak can be found through trying a few simple techniques and can save you from a nasty surprise from your local utility company. If you have been notified that you have a leak, here are a few steps you can do before calling a plumber. The more you do, the less it will cost you in the long run! After you have checked your home for possible water leaks and still feel you have a leak call 755-7310.

Leaks Can Run, but They Can't Hide

4. I need to locate water and sewer on my property. Who should I call?

Concact Kansas One Call system at 1-800-DIG-SAFE

5. Where do I go to recycle?

Here is a list of locations to take a variety of recycle items. Sedgwick County Recycling Guide

6. Why do I have low water pressure?

It can be the lines in the house are old or a variety of other possibilities. You can call 755-7320 to have this checked.

7. Why is there water in my meter box?

It could be rain water, from irrigation water or seeping lines.

8. 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. For more information call 755-7310

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Stormwater Management

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1. Can I mow grass into the street?

No. Mowing grass into the street is a code violation. Organic yard debris/grass will be washed into the storm drain system and eventually end up in the Little Arkansas River where it will contribute to nutrient loading and a decrease in the quality of water in the river.

2. What is NPDES?

NPDES stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

3. What can I do to prevent stormwater runoff pollution?

10 Things You Can Do 10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Runoff

4. What is the stormwater utility fee?

Understanding the stromwater utility fee Understanding the stromwater utility fee

5. Is there a City Ordinance for stormwater?

Yes.
Stormwater Utility Ordinance