Frequently Asked Questions

A. See the list below to determine if your city has their own regulations or if Marion County Zoning Regulations apply.

Incorporated Cities NOT governed by Marion County Zoning regulations. These cities have a governing body. Find the list here at  COMMUNITIES.

Pleasantville

Swan

Knoxville

Harvey

Pella

Bussey

Hamilton

Marysville

Melcher-Dallas

Unincorporated communities that fall under the jurisdiction of Marion County Zoning.

Tracy

Pershing

Attica

Columbia

Flagler

Otley

Newbern

A building permit is required for any permanent structure built in Marion County. Setbacks differ depending on the zoning district. Setbacks are required to ensure overall safety and welfare for Marion County citizens.

There is no charge for agriculture buildings. The ag building registry is used to ensure all safety and environmental needs are met as well as provide county statistical data, valuation, size and location of agricultural buildings constructed or remodeled, which may be used for county assessment purposes.

A building permit generates the 911 address. After a completed building permit is returned to the zoning department, the E911 address will be assigned. 

E911 addresses are not assigned to bare ground.

After the property has been addressed, and the permanent, improved driveway is in place, the 911 department will install a resident address marker. The fee for this marker is $110.

A septic permit and inspection will be done by the Marion County Environmental Health Department. Building permits are issued by the Zoning department. Marion County does not do building inspections. At the time a building permit is submitted the zoning staff will cover the setback and zoning regulations required by Marion County. In most cases when a principle building is built, Marion County may observe the setback stakes before construction begins to make sure the setbacks have been applied for the correct zoning. The State of Iowa requires electrical permits and will do electrical inspections.

Yes, Marion County has been a zoned county since 1971. Before you change the use of your building or land it is advised to contact the zoning office and make sure it conforms to the Marion County Zoning Ordinance.

UPDATE 1/1/2023 Pershing is now zoned and required to comply with zoning regulations; including building permits.

Zoning classification and tax classification are two separate classifications. These two classification systems have different definitions, operate under different rules, and are administered by different offices. Before making a change in use of your land or building it is advisable to also contact the Assessor’s office.

Effective 1/1/2023 changes were made to the Marion County Zoning Ordinance. These changes were made based on growth and change in Marion County. The changes include but not limited to:

• All permanent structures (dwellings, commercial and industrial primary structures)  are to have a permanent foundation.
• Essential services utility  uses added to more zoning districts.
• Minimum lot sizes added to C-A, C-1, C-2, M-1, M-2.
• Definition additions and clarifications.
• Pershing will now be zoned R-1 and must comply with zoning requirements as of 1/1/2023.

The current zoning ordinance is available at: marioncountyiowa.gov on the zoning page. Questions can also be sent to the zoning department email or by calling the Marion County Zoning Department.

Contact the Marion County Zoning office to see what will be required in your area. Marion County does have a subdivision ordinance. Each land division request must be reviewed on an individual basis. All land divisions must be approved by Marion County. Depending on the location of the property City land division regulations may apply.

On new construction building permits requiring septic systems will not be finalized until the septic permit is in obtained.

Contact the Environmental Health office to set up a meeting at your site. It is recommended that you also select a septic contractor and have them out at the site as well. Next, EH staff will determine what type of system needs to be installed and if a percolation/soil test is required. Finally, the property owner will pull a septic permit from the EH office and septic installation may begin.

Yes, a maintenance contract is required for the life of the system. All monitoring and servicing shall be
performed by a manufacturer’s certified technician. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that an adequate number of certified technicians are available to service all aerobic treatment units at the specified intervals. 

Systems requiring maintenance contracts shall be inspected for proper operation at least twice a year at six-month intervals by the certified technician.