The City of Salina's Community and Development Services Department has announced temporary changes to its operation.
According to information from the city, the department is operating in a limited capacity and modifying public services for the next 30 days due to:
•Circumstances related to public health and COVID-19
•The Stay-at-Home Order effective March 30, 2020, by Governor Laura Kelly, which will remain in effect through April 19 (order may be extended as circumstances dictate)
•The Safer-at-Home Order effective March 30, 2020, by Saline County, which will remain in effect through April 29 (order may be extended as circumstances dictate)
•The City County Building, 300 W. Ash Street, is closed to the public
Methods of Communication
Note, it is very important for citizens to follow the outlined methods of communication. These systems have been put in place to ensure services during these unique circumstances, failure to adhere may affect staff’s ability to assist citizens.
None of the changes/limitations to the services the department provides exempt citizens from complying with the code requirements for permits, inspections, zoning, land development, or property maintenance.
PERMITS
•The department will continue to accept and process building and trades permits.
•Citizens must use the permit web portal to submit a permit request/application.
•Review and processing of a permit application may take longer than usual. The department will make every attempt to clearly communicate with citizens regarding timelines and expectations.
INSPECTIONS
•The department will continue to provide inspections for issued permits with one exception.
•Due to possible health risks for inspectors, the department will not conduct inspections inside occupied dwellings, unless it is an emergency.
•Inspection requests can be submitted via the permit web portal, email, or phone (785-309-5701). If the call is not answered, a staff member will return the call within 24 hours.
PLANNING
•In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and based upon the governor’s executive order prohibiting mass gatherings of 10 or more people, the city commission has cancelled all meetings of the city’s subordinate boards and committees for so long as any federal, state, or local order similarly limiting mass gatherings remains in effect, including all meetings and public hearings conducted by planning boards.
Planning boards include: Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Heritage Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals.
•Until meetings and public hearings to be conducted by planning boards can be predictably scheduled and required notifications be given, the department will not be able to accept or process new planning applications (variances, conditional use permits, zoning, etc.).
•When meetings of the planning boards can resume, the department will post on the city’s website new and revised meeting schedules for public hearings and will resume acceptance and processing of new planning applications. The best way for citizens to be informed about public meetings is to sign up for email notifications on the city’s website.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES
•These will be handled on a case by case basis.
•Applications for tax rebates under the city’s neighborhood revitalization program will not be accepted.
•E-mail staff for further information.
CODE ENFORCEMENT/PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
•The department will continue to provide services related to nuisance code enforcement (property maintenance) as staffing and scheduling allows.
•A property owner (or tenant) must still maintain their property including mowing.
•To schedule a special pick up of trash, debris, or discarded furniture/appliances call 785-309-5750.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
•The Community Relations Division offices are temporarily closed.
WAYS TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT
•Use the department portal: https://salina.onlama.com/
This is available 24/7 and submittals will be checked daily.
•Phone: 785-309-5715
The department will attempt to return calls within 24 hours or sooner. Citizens must leave a message. Include in the message the property address the call is about, your name and return phone number.
•E-mail: [email protected]
The department will respond to e-mail within 24 hours or sooner.
Include the property address that is being inquired about.
The department’s goal is to continue providing necessary services to all citizens while balancing the safety of employees and the directives of the stay-at-home order. The department appreciates patience and understanding during these difficult times.