Accessory Buildings (Detached Sheds and Garages)

Q: What are the requirements for building an accessory building?

A: Common accessory buildings include sheds and detached garages. Accessory buildings over 120 square feet (10'x12') require a building permit. Click here to download a residential building permit packet, or contact the Zoning Office. For specific information contact the Zoning Office.

Building Permits

Q: When is a building permit required?

A: For detailed information concerning a building permit, contact the Building Department. Generally a permit will be required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or convert any building or structure in the City. Click here for a single-family or two-family residential building permit packet. Click here for a multi-family or commercial building permit packet.

Commercial Setbacks

Q: What are the setbacks for commercial and industrial districts?

A: Marshalltown has eight commercial districts, TN, NC, CC, OP, GC, RC, PC, and CBD. Marshalltown also has two industrial districts, M-1, and M-2. To verify what the zoning classification of a partiulcar property is, contact the Zoning Office. A setback is the distance from the property line to the structure. All commercial and industrial districts have front, side, and rear yard setbacks. Corner lots may have additional setback requirements.

Driveways/Driveway Extensions

Q: What are the requirements for driveways and driveway extensions?

A: A driveway permit is required for all new driveways, driveway extensions, and entrances (curb cuts). Modifications to existing driveways also require a permit. All work done in the City right-of-way (from the sidewalk to the street) must be completed by a bonded contractor with the City of Marshalltown. There are limitations on the total allowable width of a driveway/driveway extension depending on the number of garage stalls and property size. Parking off an approved driveway or driveway extension is prohibited in the front yard. Click here for a driveway permit application. Starting in 2009, all new driveways and extentions must be paved with hard surface materials, such as portland cement or asphalt.

Fences/Walls

Q: What are the requirements regarding fences?

A: A fence does not requrire a permit, however there are height restrictions. For residential districts a fence in the front yard cannot exceed four (4) in height. A fence in the side or rear yard cannot exceed six (6) feet in height. Fences in commercial and industrial districts cannot exceed eight (8) feet in height. Threre are additional regulations for corner lots. Please contact the Zoning Office for mor information. It is ialso recommended you contact "One Call" at 811 to locate underground utilities before commencing construction.

Residential Setbacks

Q: What are the setbacks for residential districts?

A: Marshalltown has six solely residential districts, R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-4, and R-5. To verify what the zoning classification of a particular property is, contact the Zoning Office. A setback is the distance from the property line to the structure. All residential districts have front, side, and rear yard setbacks. Corner lots may have additional setback requirements.

Condos vs. Townhomes

Q: What is the difference between a condo, townhome, and apartment?

A: Please click here for a PDF document explaining the differences under City ordinance.

Signs

Q: What are the requirements for putting up a sign at my business?

A: Marshalltown regulates signs within the City. Almost all signs require a Sign Permit, and they must be installed by a licensed sign erector. Signs in the Central Business District also require Site Plan Review Board approval. Click here for a sign permit application.