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1. Do I have to get a permit to work on my own home?

If the work to be done will be more than cosmetic, a permit is required.

You should always check with the Building department prior to starting a project to be sure.

Contact the Code Enforcement Office at (785) 460-4413 if you have any questions.

2. How much does a building permit cost?

For a fence, sprinkler system or small accessory building not over 120 square feet permits are $15.00.

Any project up to $500.00 is $15.00 and gradually increases with the cost of the project.

Contact the Code Enforcement Office at (785) 460-4413 if you have any questions.

3. How long does it take to get a building permit?

Most residential projects can usually be reviewed and a permit issued the same day.

Commercial and industrial projects are required to submit a complete set of stamped plans at least two (2) weeks in advance of the project start date for review and approval.

Contact the Code Enforcement Office at (785) 460-4413 if you have any questions.

4. What type of work requires a permit?

Any work involving structural, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning would normally require a permit.

Contact the Code Enforcement Office at (785) 460-4413 if you have any questions

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1. What codes does the City enforce?

The City of Colby enforces both municipal and zoning regulations, the 2006 International Building Code, the 2006 International Fuel/Gas Code, the 2006 International Plumbing Code, the 2006 International Mechanical Code, the 2006 International Fire Code, the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code, the 2006 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, the 2005 National Electrical Code, the 1994 Uniform Sign Code, and the 1994 Uniform Housing Code.

Contact the Code Enforcement Office at (785) 460-4413 if you have any questions.

2. What do I do if I have a complaint?

You may either call City Hall at 460-4410 and ask for the Code Enforcement Officer or stop by that office to lodge a complaint.

The Code Enforcement Office is located on the second floor - North end of City Hall.

Contact the Code Enforcement Office at (785) 460-4413 if you have any questions

3. Does the City accept anonymous complaints?

Yes we will. Any and all complaints will be investigated and dealt with appropriately

Contact the Code Enforcement Office at (785) 460-4413 if you have any questions

4. Do I need to apply for a business license?

Colby does not require a business license. If your business will be located in your home, a "Home Occupation Permit" is required.

Contact the Code Enforcement Officer for further information. (785) 460-4413

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1. Do I need to apply for a Business License?

Colby does not require a business license. If your business will be located in your home, a "Home Occupation Permit" is required.

Contact the Code Enforcement Officer for further information. (785) 460-4413 code@cityofcolby.com
Code Enforcement Email

2. What are City Hall’s hours of operation?

City Hall’s normal business hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Our offices are closed for all major holidays. You may contact City Hall at (785) 460-4400. City Hall is located at 585 N Franklin Ave, South of Fike Park. If you have a utility emergency after hours, please call the Colby Police Department at (785) 460-4460.

3. What is the City's current Population?

The City of Colby is a city of the 2nd class under Kansas State Statute with a population of 5,516 (2021).

4. How are my taxes determined?

Property tax, also called ad valorem, is the single most important revenue source available to Kansas cities. The tax rate is figured by dividing: Total amount of dollars which must be collected from property taxes by the total assessed valuation of all taxable property in the taxing district, times the assessed valuation. See example using budget numbers for 2007: $ 1,169,032 = Tax Rate of .033118 divided by $35,300,047 or 33.118 mills 33.118/1,000 x $100,000 (estimated assessed value of home)= $3,311.70 Prop. Tax. See Finance, Budget & Taxes page for additional information.

Finance, Budget & Taxes Webpage

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1. How do I obtain a burn permit?

The Colby Fire Department does not have a permit process at this time. However, we do ask that anyone wishing to control burn debris or yard/crop waste call ahead of the burn and inform the fire department of the time and location of the controlled burn and a contact name and number. This allows us to communicate the information with the Dispatch office and avoid unnecessary responses by law enforcement and fire resources

2. How does my club or organization arrange a tour of the fire station?

Simply call the Fire Department at (785) 460-4454 to schedule a tour of the station.

3. How many fire extinguishers should I have in an apartment or house?

One fire extinguisher for a house or apartment will usually be sufficient. We recommend installing fire extinguishers in a pathway to or near an outside exit.

4. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke detectors?

Batteries in smoke detectors should be changed twice per year. The Fire Department suggests changing batteries when you change the clocks in your house from Central Standard Time to Daylight Savings Time each April and October. “Change your clocks, Change your batteries".

5. Where is the Colby Fire Department located?

The Colby Fire Department is located at 1125 S. Country Club Dr.

6. Why does my smoke detector make a short chirping sound every few minutes?

Smoke detectors are designed to emit a "CHIRP" every few minutes when the battery is low. This is a warning that the battery should be replaced immediately.

7. How many smoke detectors do I need for my house or apartment?

Kansas law requires every single family residence shall have at least one smoke detector on every story of the dwelling unit. The Colby Fire Department suggests at least one smoke detector per story and sleeping area.

8. My Carbon Monoxide detector is showing alarm, but I cannot see any problem. What should I do?

Call 911 to report carbon monoxide alarms. Leave the house until it has been checked for the presence of carbon monoxide. Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is both colorless and odorless making it impossible to detect with the senses. The Department of Fire Services is equipped with carbon monoxide meters and can check your home for the presence of carbon monoxide.

Common sources of carbon monoxide include cars running in an attached garage, defective appliances and defective appliance vents.

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1. What are the local emergency contacts?

For all emergencies, dial 911 For non emergency information contact the following; 

Colby Police Department 275 N Court Ave (785) 460-4460 

Colby Fire Department 1125 S Country Club Dr. (785) 460-4454 

Thomas County EMS 1235 S Country Club Dr. (785) 460-4585 

Thomas County Emergency Management 1255 S Country Club Dr.  (785) 460-4516

2. Where can I sign up for utilities?

Electric, Water, Sewer and Trash services are provided by the City of Colby.

A meter deposit is required before these services can begin. You may sign up at City Hall located at 585 N. Franklin, South of Fike Park.

3. Recycling?

Recycling is available at the Thomas County Recycling Center, 815 East College Drive. The Thomas County recycling program was initiated in 1995 by local governmental entities and concerned citizens. At the time, the vision was to create a local recycling program that would grow into a regional program for northwest Kansas. The recycling program in Thomas County has been functioning since 1997. 785-460-7677

Recycling Center Information

4. Where are the parks located in Colby?

There are 160.9 acres of parks in Colby. Young Memorial Field is set in the 38 acre park that houses the ball fields in the NorthEast edge of town (9th and Lane). Fike park is located in downtown Colby (8th & Franklin). This 9.9 acre park is located North of the swimming pool. Fike Park plays host to many events during the summer months. Villa High park is 20 acres with a fishing pond. This park is located North of Colby Community College on Range Avenue. Westside park is also 20 acres and is located at the north end of Smith Drive. Buffalo park follows Prairie dog creek through the middle of town. J.K Phillips park is 4 acres on the West edge of town on 4th Street. Brookside, Three Corner and Copeland Parks are 26 acres. Contact the Recreation Department for information on these Parks. (785) 460-4440

Parks Webpage

5. Trash Pickup Information?

Trash is picked up once a week for residential customers. Trash is to be set out by the curb no later than 8:00 a.m. the day of pickup. Household solid waste shall be kept in a closed container. No household solid waste container, except approved tipper cans, shall be larger than 35 gallons. Approved tipper cans may be purchased for $73.50 at City Hall. To find out what day trash is picked up at your current address a sanitation route map is provided on this website for your convenience.

Sanitation Route Map

6. Are any animals banned in the city?

Municipal Ordinance # 1283 details animal regulations within the City of Colby.

KEEPING ANIMALS. It shall be unlawful for the owner, lessee, occupant, or person in charge of any premise in the City to possess and maintain any animal or fowl within the City or permit to be maintained thereon any stable, shed, pen, or other place where horses, mules, cattle, sheep, goats or swine, or undomesticated animals are kept. This provision shall not apply to:
(a) The maintaining of a stockyard or sale barn for the loading, unloading, temporary detention and sale of such livestock, if the location of such stockyard or sale barn does not otherwise violate the zoning ordinances of the City;
(b) Normal or accepted veterinary hospitals or treatment of animals under active veterinary care;
(c) The maintaining of dogs which are regulated by Article 2 of this chapter;
(d) The maintaining of non-poisonous and non-vicious animals and fowl which are commonly kept as household pets, such as cats, hamsters, rabbits, parakeets, and comparable animals, when kept as household pets and in a safe and sanitary manner in accordance with Section 3-113 of this chapter;
(e) The transporting of animals through the City by ordinary and customary means.

NUISANCE; ANIMAL ACTIVITIES PROHIBITED. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal to keep or maintain such animal in the City so as to constitute a nuisance. For the purpose of this section, “nuisance” is defined as any animal which:
(a) Molests or interferes with persons in the public right-of-way;
(b) Attacks or injures persons, or other domestic animals or has been determined to be a vicious animal as defined in Section 3-116 of this chapter;
(c) Damages public or private property other than that of its owner or harborer by its activities or with its excrement;
(d) Scatters refuse that is bagged or otherwise confined;
(e) Causes any condition which threatens or endangers the health or well-being of persons or other animals.

VICIOUS ANIMALS.
(a) Prohibited: It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, possess, or harbor a vicious animal within the City. Impoundment of animals whose owners have been cited for violation of this section shall be at the discretion of the law enforcement officer. If the animal presents a clear and present danger to the public health or safety, it shall be the duty of the law enforcement officer or his or her agent to impound such animal.

7. Resources for Phone, Cable, Internet and Natural Gas

S & T Communications
755 Davis Ave
Colby, KS. 67701
(785) 460-7300
(Internet, Phone, Cable)

Midwest Energy Inc.
1125 S Range Ave
Colby, KS. 67701
(800) 222-3121
(Natural Gas)

AT&T
(800) 464-7928
(Internet, Phone)

8. Where can I find local school information?

Colby is served by three schools;

Colby Public Schools
600 W 3rd St
(785) 460-5000

Heartland Christian School
1995 W 4th St
(785) 460-6419

Sacred Heart Catholic School
1150 W 6th St
(785) 460-2813

9. Where can I find emergency disaster information?

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management website is here . 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency website is here.

10. Do I need to register my pets?

Registration and Vaccination of any dog or cat over six months of age is required within 30 days of acquisition or bringing the dog or cat into the City. Upon registration, the owner shall present a certificate of immunization against rabies showing the description of the animal, the type of vaccine used, the date of vaccination and the date the next immunization is due. Registration must be done annually. 

You may register at City Hall located at 585 N Franklin Ave. 

Colby Animal Clinic, Swartz Veterinary Hospital, or Wark Veterinary can also provide registrations. 

If you have any questions, contact City Hall at (785) 460-4400

11. Miscellaneous Phone Numbers

EMERGENCY - 911
Colby Municipal Airport - 460-4438
Colby Chamber of Commerce - 460-3401
Convention Visitors Center - 460-7643
Colby Housing Authority - 460-6763
Colby Library - 460-4470
Drivers License Office - 462-3620
Economic Development - 460-4511
Hazardous Waste - 460-4525
Hospital - 462-7511
Job Service - 462-6862
KDOT - 462-2482
Thomas County Landfill - 462-8139
Midwest Energy - 462-8251
SRS-Colby - 462-6769

12. Where Can I Find a New Resident Packet?

Relocation Packets, lists of local realtors, and lists of landlords who own rental properties may be obtained from the Colby Chamber of Commerce, 350 S. Range, Colby, KS 67701. Their phone number is (785) 460-3401. Colby Chamber Website

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1. Does the City of Colby have facilities available to rent for special occasions?

The Colby Event Center is a multi-use rental facility. Sporting events, family reunions, meetings, classes, concerts and parties are a few of the events that are held in the building. Check the website for contact information about reserving the building.

Colby Event Center

2. Where are the parks located in Colby?

There are 160.9 acres of parks in Colby. Young Memorial Field is set in the 38 acre park that houses the ball fields in the NorthEast edge of town (9th and Lane). Fike park is the located in downtown Colby (8th & Franklin). This 9.9 acre park North of the swimming pool. Fike Park plays host to many events during the summer months. Villa High park is 20 acres with a fishing pond. This park is located North of Colby Community College on Range Avenue. Westside park in also 20 acres and is located at the north end of Smith Drive. Buffalo park follows Prairie dog creek through the middle of town. J.K Phillips park is 4 acres on the West edge of town on 4th Street. Brookside, Three Corner and Copeland Parks are 26 acres. Contact the Recreation Department for information on these Parks. (785) 460-4440

Colby Park Information

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1. Can I schedule a tour of your facility?

Yes, just call the administration line at 785-460-4460.

2. Will an Officer speak to my civic group?

Yes. Please contact the Chief of Police at 785-460-4460 to have an officer scheduled for your event. Please call at least 2 weeks in advance.

3. Which number should I call for non-emergency situations?

The non-emergency number of the Colby Police Department is 785-460-4460.

4. I’m going out of town on vacation. What do I need to do?

Please call the non-emergency number at 785-460-4460 to have your address placed on a list for extra patrol or vacation watch.

5. Can I call with information and not give my name?

You can remain anonymous but it is much more helpful in the long run if police have your contact information in case questions arise later in an investigation.

6. How do I report a crime?

To report a crime in progress, a medical emergency, or a fire, call 911. For all other reports, call the non-emergency number line at 785-460-4460.

7. Can I call an Officer to unlock my car when I locked my keys inside?

Only under emergency circumstances. In most instances you should contact someone who can obtain a spare set of keys for you. Otherwise, you will need to contact a locksmith or some tow companies carry equipment to gain access. The police and fire departments will assist if any emergency situation exists (small child locked in the car, extreme cold, dangerous location or conditions, etc.)

8. What should I do if I get pulled over by a patrol officer?

When safe, pull to the right side of the road and stop in a safe location. Wait for the officer to contact you. He/she will likely ask for your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. If there is anything in your vehicle that could be considered a threat to the officer, let them know. Never exit the vehicle unless directed by the officer.

9. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

You need to contact the Police Records Clerk between 8:00AM and 4:30PM Monday through Friday at 785-460-4460.

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1. Who should I contact with questions about problems with my sewer service?

Contact the Public Works Secretary at (785) 460-4420 regarding sewer interruptions.

For after-hours emergencies, contact the Colby Police Department at (785) 460-4460.

2. Who should I contact with questions about leaks/problems with my water service?

Contact the Public Works Department Secretary at (785) 460-4420 regarding water problems/leaks.

For after-hours emergencies contact the Colby Police Department at (785) 460-4460.

3. When will my trash be picked up?

The City follows a rotating schedule. Check the map for the day when trash is picked up in your area. Grass must be separated from normal trash and is picked up at the same time. Please have your tipper can out to the curb by 8:00 AM on the day of your pickup. More...

4. When should I have my tipper can out for pickup?

Please have your tipper can out to the curb by 8:00 AM on the day of your pickup.

5. How do I report a street light problem?

Contact the Public Works Secretary at (785) 460-4420 or City Hall at (785) 460-4400.

6. Is Recycling available in Colby?

Recycling is available at the Thomas County Recycling Center located at 720 E College Drive - just west of the blue water tower in SE Colby. You can contact the center at (785) 465-8157.

Recycling bins are located on the East side of the Recycling Complex to allow 24 hour access.

Material brochures are available at the Recycling Center during normal business hours. The hours of attended operation are Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. They are closed on Wednesday morning and weekends.

If you have questions contact Lynette Koon at the Regional Recycling Association (785) 460-6598.

7. What is the water hardness in the City of Colby?

Approximately 11-12 grains.

8. What is my Collection Day for refuse and grass clippings?

The City follows a rotating schedule. Check the map for the day when trash is picked up in your area. Grass must be separated from normal trash. Please have your tipper can out to the curb by 8:00 AM on the day of your pickup. More...

9. We live out of the City limits and have a private well. Where can we get our water tested?

Private water testing is available from:

NorthWest Local Environmental Protection Group
350 S Range Ave - Suite #4
(785) 462-8636

NWLEPG Web Site

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1. What is the meter deposit requirement for utilities?

Residential deposits are $100.00 for Electric and $75.00 for Water.

2. What utilities does the City provide?

The City provides Electric, Water, Sewer and Trash services within the City limits of Colby. Contact The Utilities Office if you have any questions at (785) 460-4400