An excavation permit is required for work in the right-of-way associated with driveways (new or existing) and sidewalks (constructed, repaired or replaced).

It is unlawful for any person to dig up, break, cut, excavate, tunnel, undermine or in any manner break up any street or to make or cause to be made any excavation in or under the surface of any street for any purpose or to place, deposit or leave upon any street any earth or other excavated material obstructing or tending to interfere with the free use of the street, unless such person shall first have obtained an excavation permit therefor from the Clerk as provided in City Code Chapter 278. 

If you have any questions as to whether you need a permit, call the Engineering Department at 319-743-6340.

DRIVEWAY:

Per City Code, only one entrance for a single family residential property is allowed. The City engineer may approve additional entrances if the house is on a corner lot, has an extra wide lot or is located on a heavily traveled road.

Entrance width dimensions measured at the property line are as follows:

• 24 feet maximum for a one- or two-stall garage
• 36 feet maximum for a three or more stall garage
• Exception: 24 feet maximum width allowed on cul-de sac bulbs

Submit a driveway site plan and include the following details:

• Width of driveway and location at the sidewalk.
• Sidewalk bench location dimensions from property line.
• Flares and driveway approach location dimensions from the side property lines.
• Width of driveway opening at the street.

SIDEWALK:

In order to comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), all new sidewalks and replacements of existing sidewalks shall have a minimum width of 48" and a cross slope of 1.5% (2.0% maximum). Upon completion of the sidewalk work the City Engineer’s office shall be notified and a representative shall review the sidewalk for ADA compliance. In the event that a sidewalk is constructed outside of ADA compliance the sidewalk shall be removed and reconstructed meeting ADA standards.

PERMIT FEES:

• $30 = excavation does not affect the paved portion of the right-of-way
• $40 = excavation involves disturbance of the street or curb
• For new construction homes, permit fees are included with the Building permit

Note: Beginning work without an approved permit will result in a penalty. Fees may double if notification and/or inspections are not performed.

To Apply:

1. Call the City Engineering Department 319-743-6340, or stop by 1225 6th Avenue, 2nd Floor.

Next Steps:

1. Call 319-743-6340 for an inspection before the placement of concrete.

Oversize and/or overweight loads put pressure on our road network and can cause damage to our streets.

City Code Chapter 313-7.2: Permits for Excess Size and Weight: The Council may adopt a policy authorizing the City Engineer or his/her designee to, upon application and good cause being shown therefor, issue a special permit in writing authorizing the applicant to operate or move a vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size or weight or load exceeding the maximum specified by state law or the City over those streets or bridges named in the permit which are under the jurisdiction of the City and for which the City is responsible for maintenance. Said policy shall be adopted by resolution and shall include a schedule of fees. Said policy and schedule of fees may be amended as necessary by resolution.

The Oversize/Overweight Permit applies for single trip, round trip or annual operations. NO vehicle, combination of vehicles, or vehicles with loads that exceed legal weights and dimensions may be moved on city streets without a permit.

The permit must be carried in the cab of the vehicle for which the permit has been issued and must be made available for inspection at all times. The vehicle for which the permit has been issued shall be open to inspection by any peace officer or to any authorized agent of any permit granting authority.

PERMIT FEES:

•   $35 = single trip
•   $70 = round trip
•   $50 = annual oversize
•   $400 = annual oversize/overweight
•   $50 = annual overweight/special exempt

If you have any questions as to whether you need a permit, please call the Engineering Department at 319-743-6340.

To Apply:

1. Complete this Permit Application and submit it to: City of Marion Engineering Department, 1225 6th Avenue, Suite 200, Marion IA 52302.
2. Questions may be directed to Jenni Stark by calling 319-743-6340 or emailing.

House/Structure Moving:

Instead of the above application, please complete a Structure Moving and Oversize-Overweight Permit. This should be completed 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. 

A Sanitary Sewer Connection Permit is required for all new homes and sewer repair/replacement projects.

To Apply:

1. If the project is to repair or replace an existing sewer, and it will be necessary to work in the right-of-way, a traffic plan must be submitted to the Engineering Department at the time of application.
2. Permits for repair or replacement of an existing sewer can be obtained at 1225 6th Avenue.
   • A $50 fee for inspection by an Engineering Field Inspector is required.
   • An additional $40 fee is required if cutting into the street is necessary.
3. For new home construction, erosion control measures must be installed on the lot before any ground is disturbed. The city will not inspect the sanitary sewer service unless the erosion control measures are in place and the Erosion Control Permit has been issued.

Next Steps:

1. Call 319-743-6340 for an inspection of the sanitary sewer connection.

Construction within the City of Marion must comply with the Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS). The Sidewalk Inspection Program, which occurs every other year (during even calendar years), includes the evaluation of public sidewalks in approximately half of Marion for code compliance. 

Engineering staff will walk the sidewalks, marking those that do not meet SUDAS with pink paint. Staff evaluates existing sidewalks per Chapter 278 of the Marion City Code with the intention of minimizing public injury liability to both the owner and the City by ensuring that public sidewalks are user-friendly, kept in reasonable good repair and safe for citizens.

City Code Chapter 278 - Sidewalk Regulations: The purpose of this article is to enhance safe passage by residents on sidewalks, to place the responsibility for the maintenance, repair, replacement or reconstruction of sidewalks upon the abutting property owner and to minimize the liability of the City.

Owners of non-compliant properties will be notified via mail, and will have typically until August to make repairs and correct deficiencies. Repairs can be accomplished by the property owner or through a private contractor. Non-compliant properties will receive legal notice, and potentially a legal process to provide for repairs. 

• Contractors must be bonded and insured to work in Marion. 
• Standards for Defective Sidewalks
• Typical Sidewalk & Right of Way Grading

To Apply:

The property owner is required to obtain a Sidewalk Repair Permit. To do so, call the Engineering Department at 319-743-6340 or visit 1225 6th Avenue, 2nd Floor.

1. Provide your name, address, who will be doing the work and the approximate date of the repair.
2. There is no charge for a sidewalk repair permit.

Next Steps:

1. During repair work, barricade, rope-off, fence or otherwise protect the work area for pedestrian safety. No more than 10 days should pass between the removal of the defective sidewalk and placement of the new sidewalk.
2. After installing forms, but prior to placing concrete, a call to the Engineering Department 319-743-6340 is required to arrange for an inspection. 
3. If the owner opts to level settled or raised slabs, they should call as soon as the work has been completed for a final inspection.