Vacant Building Registration

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neglected building The purpose of the vacant building ordinance is to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents by establishing a program for the identification and regulation of vacant buildings within the City.

Neglected vacant buildings are a major source of blight in residential and non-residential neighborhoods, especially when the owner or responsible party fails to actively maintain and manage the building to ensure it does not become a liability to the neighborhood. Neglect of vacant buildings creates health and safety risks not only to the vacant property but the adjacent properties as well. Vacant buildings discourage economic development and depress the appreciation of property values.

The City Council passed the Vacant Building Ordinance and the associated Vacant Building Policy during its regular meeting on Dec. 21, 2023, effective Jan. 1, 2024. The ordinance and policy state that any vacant building in Marion will need to be registered with the Community Development Department of the City of Marion.

There are a few exceptions. They include:

buildings for sale
buildings damaged by fire or natural disasters
buildings whose owners are traveling for up to five months.

Property owners of vacant buildings should complete the following forms and submit them to the Community Development Department according to the instructions provided:

Vacant Building Registration (fillable)

Vacant Building Property Plan (fillable)

Understand the Ordinance

What is a vacant building?

A building or structure is vacant if no person or persons actively and currently conduct a lawful business or lawfully reside in any part of the building in accordance with the City's zoning regulations.

Any building or portion of a building which meets any one or more of the following conditions for more than 90 calendar days in any given 12-month period is considered a neglected vacant building:

unoccupied and unsecured
unoccupied and secured by boarding or by means other than those used in the design of the building
unoccupied and has housing and/or building code violations
unoccupied and unfit for occupancy
unoccupied and declared dangerous or unsafe under this code

What do vacant building owners need to do?

The owner or responsible party must register a vacant building with the City no later than 30 calendar days after the building has become vacant. Vacant Building permits will expire after 365 days. Registration forms need to be accompanied by a vacant building property plan that explains how this property will be brought back into compliance and occupied for its intended use. Complete both forms below and follow the submittal instructions on the forms.

Vacant Building Registration (fillable)

Vacant Building Property Plan (fillable)

Are there any exceptions?

The owner will not have to register the building if it is for sale or for lease by a State of Iowa licensed real estate agent, with some conditions. If the property was damaged by a natural disaster or fire, there is a 90-day grace period to get the insurance company involved, builder on board and permits to reconstruct. If the owner is going to be away for an extended period of up to five months, it is still recommended citizens register their vacant building at no charge.

What are the fees for registration?

Registration of a vacant commercial or industrial building	$1,000
Registration of a vacant residential building	$500
Renewal after expiration – commercial or industrial building	$1,500
Renewal after expiration – residential building	$750
Occupancy inspection prior to reoccupying the building	$150
Failure to register vacant building in allotted time	$100

View the full ordinance and policy

Call (319) 743-6330 or reach out by email with questions or for additional information.

Automated curbside collection is underway. All households are required to use the NEW wheeled carts. Learn more: www.cityofmarion.org/automatedcollection.

Yard waste carts will be collected through Friday, Dec. 13.

City of Marion, IA

Vacant Building Registration

Understand the Ordinance