Marshall City Administrator JD Kehrman (right) introduces Mark Manville of IBTS at the beginning of a work session Jan. 29, 2026, focused on the city’s building and code inspection process through IBTS. (Photo by Kyle Hill, KMMO News)

An hour-long work session Thursday, Jan. 29 involving six members of the Marshall City Council and over 20 contractors and builders fielded a number of questions and concerns raised about building inspections and code enforcement in the city since last year’s move to replace the city’s codes department with a Kansas City-based firm.

The session was the first since June where the public was invited for a Q-and-A, and the first featuring a representative from the Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS), Mark Manville. After the session, Manville reflected on the eight months since IBTS was contracted to handle Marshall’s building and code inspections.

A number of questions were directed to Manville, including the time it takes for IBTS to review plans and other documents submitted in support of a permit request. The use of virtual inspections, including photographs and video of smaller projects like wastewater connections, was also brought up. Manville reminds contractors that beginning each Tuesday in February, IBTS will begin hosting office hours at the Marshall City Office.

However, just as many questions were directed toward the city council, mayor Craig Thompson and administrator JD Kehrman about code enforcement. At least two contractors highlighted issues with unpermitted work going on, while another resident noted the lack of inspections performed on residential roof projects. Another contractor inquired about the city’s permitting fees and any potential changes to the ordinance setting them. Those changes would need to go before the council’s Community Development and Code committee before the full council is able to consider them.

Photos by Kyle Hill, KMMO News

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