The City’s Building Services Division is finishing its structural disaster assessment of the community.

Emergency repair work can begin without a permit. However, building permits are required for home repairs, including roof or structural repairs, or substantial interior repairs. Contractors are responsible for obtaining the appropriate permits from the City of Marion.

Any general contractor doing work locally is required to be licensed and registered through the State of Iowa. Marion Economic Development Corporation - MEDCO has created a searchable database at www.medcoiowa.org/disasterrecovery.

Permits are not required for tree removal. A list of local and registered non-local tree removal companies is linked at www.cityofmarion.org/StormResponse. Be sure to check this list as you consider entering into agreements with non-local companies that you may not be familiar with.

More information about building permits is available at www.cityofmarion.org. Questions may be directed to the Building Services Division at 319-743-6330.

Placards
Some buildings have been placarded with yellow and red cards. A yellow placard indicates home/business owners can enter at their own risk, making it permissible to go in and collect belongings. A red placard indicates a structural or electrical issue and it is not safe to enter. Only qualified contractors are permitted to enter.

Inspections
Building inspections are being handled in order of necessity (i.e. electrical, concrete/foundation work and underground plumbing). The department expects regular inspections will resume by the end of the week.

Rental inspections will be delayed for at least six weeks. The City will be communicating with landlords to clarify the responsibilities of tenants and owners.