Per Chapter 123 of the Code of Iowa, and Chapter 109 of the Marion Code of Ordinances, no person shall manufacture for sale, import, sell, or offer or keep for sale, alcoholic liquor, wine, or beer without first securing a liquor control license, wine permit or beer permit.  The State of Iowa issues the license and all specific license questions should be directed to the State of Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division at 1-866-469-2223.

To Apply (New License):

1. Beer/Liquor License applications are completed online at the State of Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) website.
2. Submit the following forms to the City Clerk’s Office:
   • State of Iowa Criminal History Record Check Request Form.  One form is needed for each owner.  The fee for the background check is $17.00 per person.  Please make check payable to the City of Marion.
   • A copy of your lease agreement or proof of ownership.
   • Drawing of your premises showing the size of area, restrooms, cooler area, and outdoor service area, if any.
3. Contact the Fire Department at 319-377-8237 to schedule an inspection.
4. Contact the Linn County Health Department to apply for a health permit and schedule a health inspection.
5. Contact your insurance agent and have him/her update or endorse your dram shop insurance on the Iowa ABD website.

Next Steps:

After all documents have been submitted and background checks and inspections have been completed, your liquor license will be placed on the city council agenda for approval. Council meetings are held Thursday following the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month.

Once the license has been approved by council, the City Clerk’s Office will approve it on the Iowa ABD website.  The Iowa ABD will review the application and issue the license at the State level.  After approval, the State will email the license to the applicant.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to print the license and post it at the place of business.

Renewals:

The State of Iowa will send notice 70 days prior to expiration that your license will need renewed.  The City will mail a similar notice within 60 days of expiration.  Applications can be renewed online at the State of Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) website.

 

Chapter 453A of the Iowa Code requires that any person offering cigarettes or tobacco products for sale to the consumer hold a valid retail cigarette/tobacco permit. Applications are provided by the State of Iowa but the application and fee is remitted to the City of Marion. Permits are valid July 1 - June 30 and fees are based on which quarter the application is submitted.

To Apply:

1. Complete the Application.
2. Submit application with appropriate fee to either of the following:
   • City Clerk’s Office, 1225 6th Ave, Suite 110, Marion, IA 52302.
   • Via email

Next Steps:

A new application form will be mailed to you prior to June 30 for renewing your permit.  The renewal fee each year is $100.00. All applications, new or renewal, must be approved by the City Council at their regularly scheduled meetings, which occur on the first and third Thursdays of each month.  After the application is approved, a permit will be mailed to you.

More information can be found on the Iowa Department of Revenue website.

Renewals:

Renewal notices will be mailed to license holders each April/May. Renewals can be completed online. 

Prior to a commercial firework display, a license should be obtained from the City Clerk's office.   

To Apply:

1. Complete application
2. Submit application with appropriate fee and any required documentation to either of the following:
   • City Clerk’s Office, 1225 6th Avenue, Suite 110, Marion, IA 52302
   • Via email

Next Steps:

Once your application has been submitted, we will forward your application to the appropriate departments for approval.  This process can take two to six weeks. Upon approval, a license will be mailed to you at the mailing address listed on your application.

Per Chapter 62.12 of the Marion Code of Ordinances, Golf carts may be operated on City streets by persons possessing a valid driver’s license and persons with disabilities identification device, provided that a special permit is obtained from the City Manager. In certain circumstances, they may be used during a special event (a hold harmless may also be required.)

To Apply:

1. Review Chapter 313-3.12 of the Marion City Code
2. Complete application
3. Submit application with any required documentation to either of the following:
   • City Clerk’s Office, 1225 6th Avenue, Suite 110, Marion, IA 52302
   • Via email

Next Steps:

Once your application has been submitted, we will forward your application to the appropriate departments for approval.  This process can take up to two weeks. Upon approval, a license will be mailed to you at the mailing address listed on your application.

If you will be utilizing public property as part of an activity in the course of business or while hosting an event, you may need to complete Hold Harmless Agreement Application. Agreements are reviewed by staff and may require Council approval. 

Before a house or structure move takes place, a permit must be obtained from the City Clerk's Office. This application shall be submitted when moving all structures 12 feet wide by 12 feet high (mounted) or larger. This application includes hold harmless, oversize/overweight and building permit requirements. One application should be submitted for each structure.

To Apply:

1. Review Chapter 177 - House Movers in the Marion City Code
2. Complete application
3. Once application is received, staff will review and contact the applicant for payment

Application Requirements:

Please be prepared to provide the following information and documentation as part of the application process:

• Contractor Information
• Property Owner Information (for property moving from and moving to)
• Structure/Move Information (structure type, date/time of move, loaded dimensions, escort vehicle information)
• Oversize/Overweight Information (including review of General Provisions)
• Street/Right-of-Way Request Information
• Documentation Required:
  • Route Map
  • Site Plan of Property Being Moved To
  • Tree Mitigation Plan
  • Traffic Control Plan
  • Consent from Electric/Phone Company (Overhead Lines)
  • Certificate of Insurance
  • Utility Approvals (Cable, Electric, Gas, Phone, Sewer/Septic, Water)

Next Steps:

Once your application has been submitted, we will forward your application to the appropriate departments for approval. The applicant will also be contacted for payment. This process can take two to six weeks. Upon approval, a permit will be provided to you. 

Please note: other permits may be required for placement of the structure at the new property. City staff will be in contact if additional permits are required. 

A Peddler is defined as any person who goes from house to house, from place to place, or from street to street, conveying or transporting goods, foods which are not potentially hazardous, wares or merchandise, or exposing the same for sale, or making sales and delivering articles to purchasers.

A Solicitor is defined as any person who goes from house to house, from place to place, or from street to street, soliciting or taking orders for sale or goods, foods which are not potentially hazardous, wares or merchandise, including but not limited to magazines, books, photographs, periodicals, or personal property, for future delivery or for a service to be performed in the future.

A Transient Merchant is defined as any person who engages in a temporary business of selling or delivering goods, foods which are not potentially hazardous, wares or merchandise within the City, who in furtherance of such purpose leases, uses or occupies any vehicle, trailer, tent, railroad car, or other place in the City for the exhibition and retail sale of such goods, wares or merchandise.

If any of these would apply to your business, a license should be obtained from the City Clerk's office. 

To Apply:

1. Review Chapter 242 - Peddlers, Solicitors, and Transient Merchants in the Marion City Code
2. Complete application
3. Submit the appropriate fee:
   • City Clerk’s Office, 1225 6th Avenue, Suite 110, Marion, IA 52302
   • or call 319-743-6301

Next Steps:

Once your application has been submitted, we will forward your application to the appropriate departments for approval.  This process can take two to six weeks. Upon approval, a license will be mailed to you at the mailing address listed on your application.

Renewals:

Renewal notices will be mailed to annual license holders each April/May. Renewals can be completed online. 

The following licensing and permits are handled by other departments.

• Building Permits
• LP Tanks
• Rental Housing/Landlords
• Sign Contractors
• Snow Plow Licensing
• Tents