A nuisance is something injurious to health, indecent, or unreasonably offensive to the senses, or an obstruction to the free use of property, including the interference with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property. 

Examples include:

All noxious weeds and other rank growth upon public or private property. All weeds, vines, brush, dead or diseased trees, or other objectionable vegetation which constitutes a health hazard, safety hazard, or fire hazard. Or the maintaining of a structure in a partially or incomplete condition after the expiration of the building permit. 

Community Development handles the following Code Violations:

• Operating a multi-tenant rental building without proper zoning or rental inspection 
• Building a structure (shed) or deck without proper setbacks from property lines or within recorded easements; even if a permit is not required -confirm with Community Development if your project requires a permit and meets Zoning Regulations
• Garbage, litter, building without permits, animal waste, and poor exterior housing conditions
• Parking of vehicles, boats, trailers, campers on the grass
• Placing signs in the public right-of-way (between the curb and public sidewalk)
• Home occupations that are operating outside of the the home and are clearly evident from the public right-of-way

Code violations handled by other departments include:

• Issues regarding noise / barking dogs should be directed to the Marion Police Department
• Tall grass / weeds on public or private property should be directed to the Marion Parks and Recreation Department

1. Describe the complaint in writing and turn it into the Community Development Department or fill out the this form to file a complaint.The property address of the violation must be provided for enforcement to occur.
2. After receiving the complaint, it will be assigned a staff member or forwarded to the responsible Department.
3. A site inspection and research on the property is conducted. If a violation is confirmed, a letter will be mailed to the property owner regarding the violation and how to correct the violation along with a date by which compliance shall be achieved. 
4. Staff will re-inspect the property after the compliance date. If the violation remains, citations may be issued or legal action initiated.
5. If staff determines that the violation may become a nuisance concern, the complaint may be subject to review and ruling by the Marion Nuisance Enforcement /Property Maintenance Advisory Board.
6. If the violation continues, the staff member may issue additional citations or refer the case tot he City Attorney for review and potential litigation in Linn County District Court. 

1. Please be aware that although it may appear that nothing is happening after a reported violation, the process may take weeks to months before the violation is corrected.
2. Staff must visit each reported property and conduct necessary research.
3. Property owners must be located and legally notified.
4. Adequate time to comply must be given to the property owner. Extensions of time may be granted if efforts are being made to correct the violation. 
5. Administrative actions may be pending, including a request for a variance hearing, review by the Marion Nuisance Enforcement/Property Maintenance Advisory Board, appeal, or trial. All enforcement ceases during an appeal process.
6. A citation is issued to the property owner and they have asked to stand trial on the citation, at which point all enforcement actions cease until the property owner goes to court and a judge issues a decision. Court hearings can potentially take up to a year before a final decision is received.
7. A violation may not exist or staff is unable to view the violation (property is posted no trespassing).