Building Season

March 2024

Spring kicks off the building season!! Marion County is a zoned county with a defined building process.

1. A building permit is required in Marion County and can be applied for online at: marioncountyiowa.gov – click on the  select your property parcel and click on the  at the top of the page.

A building permit is required for any new structure or extension of a structure.

If the structure is an agricultural exempt building, click the ag exempt building option on the application. Stipulations apply to be classified as “ag exempt”. Ag permits are not used to regulate. Ag permits are used to provide county statistical data, valuation, size, and location of agricultural buildings constructed or remodeled, which may be used for county assessment purposes.

If you have zoning or setback questions, there is a link to the Marion County Ordinance online. You may also call the Zoning Office at 641-828-2231 x9 or email one of the staff listed above. 

2.  If your property does not have an address you may apply for one during the building permit process.

3.  A driveway permit is required if there is no driveway to your property or if there will be a change of use for an existing driveway. The permit can be applied for at marioncountyiowa.gov - click on the  select your parcel and click the  to a apply for a driveway permit.

4.  Any structure with wastewater needs will need to contact Marion County Environmental Health at 641-828-2238 x3846 or x3847 or apply for a septic permit at marioncountyiowa.gov click on the  select your parcel and click the  to a apply for a septic permit.

5.  Although Marion County does not do building inspections a preconstruction site visit may be required to ensure all new dwellings are compliant with the minimum setback requirements.

6.  All new homes must be wired by a certified electrician. Electrical inspections are required by the State of Iowa. For more information on the electrical requirements please refer to the website: iowaelectrical.gov.

MARION COUNTY ZONING DEPARTMENT

214 EAST MAIN ST.

KNOXVILLE, IA 50138

OFFICE: 641-828-2231 x9

CELL: 641-891-0243

Melissa Poffenbarger, Zoning Administrator                       Karie Ellwanger, Assistant Zoning Administrator

       [email protected]                             [email protected]