Chief of Code Services
Martin Peres- Martin is a native Emporian, and has been employed with the City since 1982. He coordinates the plans review and permitting for construction projects, testing, certification and licensing of contractors, and implements the various model codes and amendments. Martin is the secretary to the Building Trades Board, which recommends to the governing body any codes relating to the trades. Martin maintains inspector certifications in the Building, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes. He is a member of the International Code Council (ICC), the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI).

Code Services Officers:
Jim Magathan- Jim is from Marion, Kansas. He has been employed with the City since 1995. Jim issues building permits, assists with the construction plans review for the industrial, commercial and multi-family projects. He also conducts and performs field inspections pertaining to the various trades. Jim maintains inspector certifications in the plumbing and mechanical codes. He is a member of the Heart of America Chapter of the International Code Council (ICC), the Missouri-Kansas Chapter of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the Sunflower Chapter of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI).

Dan Murphy- Dan has been employed with the City since 2000. He is a graduate of Kansas State University. Dan issues permits and conducts plans review primarily for one and two family dwelling projects. He is a member of the Heart of America Chapter of the International Code Council (ICC) and the Missouri-Kansas Chapter of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).

Administrative Secretary
Deann Polzin- Deann has been employed with the City since 1999. She will be the first person you see when you enter the office and probably the first one you will talk to when calling the office. She acquires permit information from contractors and schedules inspections. Deann will be answering numerous questions or directing the public to the proper department.

Code Services FAQ's
The Emporia Fire Department has a new addition! Due to the retirement of the past Planning and Development Director, that department was split up. The personnel previously assigned to building inspections have joined the Fire Department and are now the Code Services Division.

One of the most frequently asked questions is “Do I need a permit for.....”. Here is a list of tasks that do or do not require permits, as noted:

• Reroofing my house, porch or garage? YES
• Pouring a concrete patio slab with no structure over it? NO
• Pouring a concrete patio slab with a structure over it now or in the future? YES
• Building a deck 30" or more above ground? YES
• Building a deck less than 30" above ground without a roof of any kind? NO
• Adding electrical outlets or light fixtures? YES
• Erecting a storage shed on my property? YES if the floor area is more than 120 square feet NO if the floor area 120 square feet or less
• Replacing plumbing fixtures such as a sink? NO if the fixture is going back in the same location and you are not installing or relocating drains or water lines
• Hanging wallpaper? NO
• Painting inside or outside? NO
• Any room addition to the house or garage? YES, regardless of size
• Laying carpet, linoleum or tile? NO
• Installing or replacing a hot water heater? YES
• Installing or replacing kitchen cabinets? NO
• Installing or replacing gutters? NO
• Installing or replacing siding? YES
• Hanging drywall (sheetrock)? YES
• Basement remodeling? YES
• Replacing windows or exterior doors? YES
• Installing or replacing storm windows or doors? NO
• Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioner? YES
  
  To reach Code Services for clarification, call 620-343-4274. We would be glad to help!