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General Information

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1. When is an occupancy permit required?

It shall be unlawful for any person, owner, corporation, or agent to occupy or permit the occupancy of any commercial, multi -family residential or single-family residential structure in the City without first obtaining an occupancy inspection and occupancy permit. The term "occupancy" shall include the movement of furniture, equipment or other property into said structure.
(Section 505.040 Occupancy Permits)

2. Are fireworks allowed?

It is illegal to sell or use fireworks within the city. Sparklers are not included in this prohibition.

3. Are solicitors allowed?

Only non-profit charitable organizations may conduct door-to-door solicitations. The organization must obtain a permit from the city. In addition, each person involved in the solicitation must have in his / her possession an identification card signed by the City Administrator. Door-to-door solicitations may take place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

4. Can I dump or blow my snow on the sidewalk or street?

No person shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, any snow and/or ice on or against a fire hydrant or on any sidewalk, street, or area of public transportation, except that snow and ice may be windrowed on public roads incident to the cleaning thereof.

5. Can I park in front of a mailbox or across a sidewalk?

It is unlawful to park within 15 feet of any mailbox or on or across any sidewalk.

6. Are there rules for parking commercial vehicles?

No person shall park, keep, store or leave any commercial vehicle or truck in any residential zoning district of the City, nor shall any person, whether as an owner or occupant or agent thereof, allow a commercial vehicle or truck to be parked there. This doesn't include regular vans or pickup trucks with a license plate not to exceed 12,000 GVW.

7. Do I have to clear off my sidewalk after a snowfall?

The occupant of any lot shall be primarily responsible for the removal of snow or ice from abutting sidewalks.

8. Do I need a building permit?

A permit is required for many improvements, including:

• Building additions
• Fencing
• Most decks
• Retaining walls more than three feet in height
• Storage sheds

The Planning and Zoning Department can assist you in finalizing your home improvement plan.

9. Do I need to leash my pet?

Animals must be kept on a leash when off their own property or otherwise under the owner's control.

• The number of allowable animals may be no more than three dogs, three cats, or a combination of five dogs and cats.
• Puppies and kittens under four months of age are excluded.
• Excessive barking or other noise disturbance by an animal is considered a municipal violation, subject to prosecution through the Manchester Municipal Court. The Police Department can only enforce this ordinance provision if the officer can personally hear the barking or other animal noise.

10. How do I prepare my yard waste for collection?

Yard waste must be in brown biodegradable paper bags or in 30-gallon trash cans labeled "Yard Waste." No plastic bags are allowed. Bundled limbs or branches will be picked up provided that the bundles are no larger than four feet in length and two feet in diameter.

11. How loud can I play my radio?

It is considered unnecessary and disturbing to play a radio in a manner to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from a building or vehicle.

12. How often must I mow my grass?

All grass, weeds, and vegetation must be kept below 10 inches in height.

13. If I want to rent my property, what must I do?

All single-family residential property that is for rent must be inspected and a permit obtained prior to occupancy.

14. Is curbside recycling offered?

As part of the city's refuse collection service, residents may elect to have curbside recycling as part of their service. Items that can be recycled are:

• Newspapers
• Tin and aluminum cans
• Glass (clear, brown, amber)
• Grade 1 and 2 plastic items such as milk jugs and soda bottles

Items may be co-mingled, with newspapers placed on top. All recyclables must be placed in a bin provided by the city's refuse hauler.

15. Is there a limit on the number of garage sales I can have?

A resident may hold a maximum of three garage / yard sales during a calendar year. A permit from the city is required. There is no charge for the first and second sale permits. A fee of $50 will be charged for the third permit. Garage / yard sales can only be held during daylight hours for no more than three consecutive days or two consecutive weekend days.

16. Must my inoperable vehicle be licensed?

Any vehicle that is not registered and / or has been inoperable must be removed from the street or private property.

17. What is the curfew?

Minors under the age of 17 are required to observe an 11 p.m. curfew during the week and midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

18. What is the purpose of the property maintenance code?

The city's Property Maintenance Code is designed to maintain property values in the community. Common violations include:

• Accumulation of rubbish or garbage
• Broken windows
• Improperly contained mulch
• Peeling paint
• Rotten siding

19. What roads do you plow?

• City Snow Routes (PDF)

20. What's your noise ordinance?

Any excessive noise or loud playing of musical instruments constitutes a public nuisance. In addition, noise caused by construction, repair, remodeling, or grading of real property is prohibited between the hours of 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and any time on Sunday or federal holidays. Noise generated by normal maintenance associated with residential property, such as mowing of grass, can occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday.

21. Where can I park my recreational vehicle?

Recreational vehicles, boats, and utility trailers that are stored in an enclosed area must be parked behind the established front building line. In addition, all recreational vehicles, boats, and utility trailers must be parked on an improved surface.