Melissa Poffenbarger, Marion County Zoning Administrator, reminds residents that Spring kicks off the building season, and Marion County is a zoned county with a defined building process. A building permit is required in Marion County and can be applied for online.

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. 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. 

If your property does not have an address you may apply for one during the building permit process. A driveway permit is required if there is no driveway to your property or there will be a use change for an existing driveway.

Any structure with wastewater needs will need to contact Marion County Environmental Health.

Although Marion County does not do building inspections a pre-construction site visit may be required to ensure all new dwellings are compliant with the minimum setback requirements. All new homes must be wired by a certified electrician. Electrical inspections are required by the State of Iowa.

A building permit is required in Marion County and can be applied for online. at: marioncountyiowa.gov.

You may also call the Zoning Office at 641-828-2231 x9 or email mpoffenbarger@marioncountyiowa.gov. 

For more information on the electrical requirements please refer to the website: iowaelectrical.gov.