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 them at 1-866-469-2223.

To Apply (New License):

1. Alcohol License applications are completed online through the State of Iowa.
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.
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 the insurance agent of the business and have them update or endorse the dram shop insurance on the State of Iowa GovConnect website (if applicable).

Next Steps:

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

Once the license has been approved by council, the City Clerk’s Office will endorse it on the State's GovConnect licensing portal.  The State will review the application and issue the license at the State level.  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 send a similar notice within 60 days of expiration.  Applications can be renewed online at the State of Iowa's GovConnect 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. Permits are valid July 1 to June 30 and fees are based on which quarter the application is submitted.

Effective January 1, 2025, Senate File 345 regulates and taxes the sale of devices in Iowa. More information can be found with the Iowa Department of Revenue. 

To Apply: 

1. Complete the application through the State of Iowa's GovConnect website (retail or device sales)

Next Steps:

The City is notified once an application has been submitted. All applications must be approved by the City Council at their regularly scheduled meetings, which occur the Thursdays following the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month.  After the application is approved, it is endorsed on the GovConnect website and the permit will be sent to the applicant by the State of Iowa.

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

Renewals:

Renewals must be completed through the State of Iowa using the GovConnect Portal. It is strongly encouraged to submit the renewal application in May so that the approval can be added to one of the June City Council dates. 

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, Marion, IA 52302
   • Via email

Next Steps:

Once an application has been submitted, staff will forward the application to the appropriate departments for approval. This process can take two to four weeks. Once approved, a license will be sent to the email listed on the application. 

Per the Marion Code of Ordinances, Golf carts may be operated on City streets by persons possessing both a valid driver’s license and a 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, Marion, IA 52302
   • Via email

Next Steps:

Once an application has been submitted, staff will forward the application to the appropriate departments for approval. This process can take up to two weeks. Once approved, a license will be sent to the email listed on the application.

If public property will be utilized as part of an activity in the course of business or while hosting an event, a Hold Harmless Agreement Application may need to be completed. Applications are reviewed and approved by staff and may require Council approval. It is strongly recommended to submit a hold harmless application as early as possible before your event to ensure there is time for all the necessary approvals. 

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 the 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 an application has been submitted, staff will forward the application to the appropriate departments for approval. The applicant will also be contacted for payment. This process can take two to six weeks. Once approved, a permit will be sent to the email as listed on the application. 

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 mobile food unit is defined as any type of food establishment that is a readily movable vehicle or trailer (on wheels), that is self-propelled (driven) or can be pulled to a location and used for the vending of food or beverage items for immediate consumption. 

Mobile food units shall not operate in the City of Marion without first obtaining a mobile food unit license from the City Clerk's office. 

Annual License (Jan.-Dec.): $250 (prorated each quarter)
Single Event License (1-3 days): $75

To Apply:

1. Review Chapter 214 - Mobile Food Units in the Marion City Code
2. If interested in operating in a City Park, not associated with an event, review Designated Parks
   • This does require an additional fee of $150 and approvals
3. If interested in operating in Uptown Marion, not associated with an event, review Designated Parking Areas in Uptown
   • Mobile food units may still operate on private property within this district
4. Complete application
5. A member of the City Clerk's Office will reach out once an application is received to process payment. 

Next Steps:

Once an application has been submitted, staff will forward your application to the appropriate departments for approval.  This process can take up to two weeks. Once approved, a license will be sent to the to the email listed on the application.

Renewals:

Renewal notices will be sent to annual license holders each fall. 

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.

NOTE: Mobile Food Units have a separate license application process.

To Apply:

1. Review Chapter 242 - Peddlers, Solicitors, and Transient Merchants in the Marion City Code
2. Complete application
3. A member of the City Clerk's Office will reach out once an application is received to process payment.

Next Steps:

Once an application has been submitted, staff will forward the application to the appropriate departments for approval.  This process can take two to four weeks. Once approved, a license will be sent to the to the email listed on the application.

Renewals:

License holders must reapply each year by completing the application linked above.

The following licensing and permits are handled by other departments.

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