Information

Obtaining a building permit is a critical step to insure a safe and sanitary structure for many years. The building permit process need not be a stressful experience. The key to quick permit issuance is to be well informed as to what information is required and to provide that inforamtion at the time of initial application. The following are frequently asked questions.

Q: When is a building permit required?

A: Most projects will require the property owner to obtain a building permit. There are exceptions for ordinary maintenance and repairs. However, it is wise to contact City Hall to determine if a specific project requires a permit.

Q: Can only the property owner apply for the permit?

A: No. The owner may delegate anyone, including a contractor, to act as his or her agent. It should, however, be understood that the ultimate responsibility is the owner's.

Q: What are some projects that require permits and what steps are required?

A: New homes, additions, fences, garages, and sheds are some examples. These projects require a completed application, payment of the applicable fee, insurance information, and sometimes a simple plan.

Q: What is the cost of a permit?

A: The cost is based on the value of the work, including materials and labor. The rate is $1.00 per thousand dollars or any portion thereof.

For example, a job costing $20,000 would require a permit costing $20.00.

Q: When plans are required who can prepare them?

A: Anyone can draw plans for a single-family residence, providing the plans are clear and have sufficient detail to describe the work being proposed.

Q: How long is a permit valid after being issued?

A: Work must commence within six months of permit issuance. The project must not be abandoned for any period greater than six months, which would result in the permit being void

Contact the City Office for additional information

. Building Permit Required; Application; Approval.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to hereafter erect or cause to be erected within the city any building or structure of any kind or enlarge or add to the outside dimension thereof, or relocate any building or structure already erected or which may hereafter be erected or remodel any building or structure within the city without a building permit being first obtained from the city clerk, after approval by the chief building official or his or her duly authorized assistant. The application for such permit shall be made and the permit obtained before work is commenced upon any building or structure or the foundation thereof, or before the removal of any building begins. (0.955)

(b) No building permit shall be required to shingle or side a house. (Code 1993).

Same; Fees. (a) The fee for a building permit shall be $1 for $1,000 with a minimum charge of $5, however, no fee shall be required to obtain a permit where the total estimated cost is under $100. The fee herein shall be paid to the city clerk upon obtaining a building permit and the same shall be credited to the general operating fund of the city.

(b) All building permit fees for projects meeting the enterprise zone eligibility requirements will be waived. (0.955; Code 1993)

Tags for a spayed or neutered dog is $2.00, all others are $4.00 each. Tags must be purchased by March 31 to avoid being assessed a $5.00 late fee. Late fees will not apply to newly acquired pets.

To register your pet and purchase tags, you must first provide proof of a current rabies vaccination. All dogs 6 months of age or older residing within the city limits are required to have a current dog tag.

Kennel Licenses may be purchased for $10.00 each through March 31, after which they will be increased to $40.00 per license. A kennel license must be purchased if an owner has 3 or more dogs.

The City will hold the annual dog tag/vaccination clinic in March.

Standard Rate for electricity includes $7.00 service charge plus 9 cents per kwh for 0 to 400 kwh and 7 cents per kwh for 400 to 99999 kwh.

All Electric Rate includes $8.00 service charge plus 7 cents per kwh for kwh 0 to 99999.

Standard rate example for 1600 kwh used:
Service charge $7.00 plus $0.09 times 400 plus $0.07 times 1200 =
$7.00 + $36.00 + $84.00 = $127.00.

If you have any questions about the charge, which was first applied in November, 2001, please contact Moran City Hall for information.

1. Do a home energy audit.
   These surveys analyze how and why you use energy at home, and show you easy ways to conserve. The City of Moran offers a free brochure, HOME ENERGY Audit to help audit your electric use.
2. Plant a tree.
   One well-placed shade tree can reduce the need for air conditioning energy by up to 25 percent.
3. Weatherize doors and windows.
   A few inexpensive tubes of caulk and rolls of weatherstripping can help reduce heating bills by 20% and cooling bills by 10%.
4. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
   They last ten times longer than ordinary incandescent bulbs, and they use 75 percent less energy.
5. Install a programmable thermostat.
   These devices automatically lower the room temperature while you're sleeping or away from home, lowering your energy costs by up to 10 percent.
6. Check your furnace filter.
   Failing to clean or replace a filter can cause your furnace and central air conditioner to run harder, quickly reducing its operating efficiency and life span.
7. Install a water-saving showerhead.
   A family of four can cut their water-heating costs by $200 a year just by switching to an energy-saving showerhead.
8. Use smaller kitchen applicances whenever possible.
   Microwaves, toaster ovens, and slow cookers can use 75 percent less energy than a large electric oven.
9. Get rid of that extra refrigerator or freezer.
   It is adding to your electric bill every year.
10. Give your applicances a vacation, too.
    Before you leave on a trip, turn off and unplug everything you can, and set your water heater to the lowest setting.

The City Code states:

SECTION 2: That beginning November 1, 2001, the rates to be charged for sewer services provided by the City of Moran, Kansas, shall be as follows:
A. The minimun charge per month shall be established by meter size as follows for inside the city limits:

You can help hold your annual sewer bill down by using water conservatively after November 20. Doing so will avoid an increase in your annual sewer average.

• Daily - all sirens sound for 10 seconds at noon Monday through Friday.
• Tornado - sirens sound continually for 3 minutes with a 10 second pause between sirens. All clear signal is one 10 second siren.
• City Fire - siren sounds once for 10 seconds
• Rural Fire - siren sounds twice for 10 seconds each

Lost PetsIf you are missing a pet, the City suggests the following:

• file a report with the City
• check local newspapers for Found Animal ads
• check Animal Tracks posting on KIKS 101.5 Radio (radiostation@iolaradio.com)
• post a Lost Animal ad in the local newspapers
• print Lost Posters and post them with permission in area stores, vet clinics, and schools
• ask neighbors to check garages, sheds, and under porches
• notify the City if you locate your pet

Dual County Sanitation offers poly carts for rent for $1.50 per month, added to your utility bill. The carts hold 80 gallons of trash (approximately 5 to 6 kitchen trash bags). Dual County will maintain and repair carts that are damaged during normal use. Contact City Hall at 237-4271 for more information.

Watering your lawn and plants will typically account for at least 50% of all water consumed outdoors. Inside your house, the bathroom facilities claim nearly 75% of the water used.

• When washing the car, use soap and water from a bucket. Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle for the final rinse.
• Use a broom when cleaning your driveway.
• Adjust sprinklers so only the lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street. Do not water on windy days.
• Always water during the cool time of the day to minimize evaporation. Early morning is best; avoid peak water consumption hours (4 PM to 9 PM).
• Use a rain gauge to determine how much rain or irrigation your yard has received.
• Raise the blade on your lawn mower to at least three inches high, or to its highest level, when mowing. When you closely-cut grass, the roots work harder to grow and require more water.
• For landscaping, use native or other low water use plants. Check with the local nursery or county agent for the best native or low-water use trees, shrubs, and plants.
• Use a layer of much around plants to reduce evaporation and promote plant growth. Use water retaining basins to concentrate water around the plants.
• Use the principles of xeriscape (pronounced ZERE-ah-scape). This landscaping method uses native and drought-tolerant plants, mulch to hold in moisture, and grouping plants according to their water and light needs.

For example:
Gallons used: 9000
Charge is $8.00 + 9 times $3.45 = $39.05.

• Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding. Some areas where mosquitoes can breed are planters, flower pots, butters, trash cans, knot holes in trees, and bird baths.
• Since mosquitoes are most active at down and dusk, avoid playing or working outside at these time.
• When outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and other protective clothing.
• Wear insect repellant.
• Make sure your doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.