FAQ- Marion Homeowners
Ryan Lee • August 23, 2025
Do I need a sidewalk/driveway permit in Marion?
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- Yes for work in the right-of-way (sidewalks/curbs/driveway aprons). Contact Engineering for permits.
- Private-lot driveways: ask Zoning if a zoning permit applies to your scope.
Who do I call with permit questions?
- Engineering: (740) 387-2240. Zoning/Compliance: (740) 383-4114. City Hall: (740) 387-2020.
Do I need to call 811?
- Yes. Ohio law requires contacting OHIO811 48 hours before digging (and no more than 10 working days ahead). Call 811 or 800-362-2764.
How long before I can walk/drive on new concrete?
- Walk: ~24–48 hours.
- Drive (cars/light trucks): about 7 days (edges are weaker—be gentle).
- Full cure: ~28 days (wait for heavy vehicles).
What are the best de-icers for Marion winters?
- First winter: avoid de-icers—use sand/CMA.
- After one year: calcium chloride or sodium chloride used sparingly are acceptable; avoid ammonium- or magnesium-based products. Reseal surfaces periodically.
Water in pores freezes, expands, and pops off paste at the surface (scaling). The fix is air-entrained concrete + low water-cement ratio to resist saturation. FHWA/ACI guidance: air-entrainment and w/cm ≤0.45–0.50 depending on exposure. What to Specify (for exterior flatwork in Marion) Air-entrained ready-mix designed for freeze–thaw exposure (typ. ~5–8% total air with appropriate aggregate size). Moderate to severe exposure w/cm limits: target ≤0.45–0.50 (don’t add water on site). Proper curing (per mix & weather) and avoid over-troweling/finishing with bleed water, which seals pores at the top and invites scaling. Sealing: when and how often Seal after proper curing & air-drying. Ohio Concrete recommends: use a curing compound, then apply a sealer ~2 months later, with re-seals typically about every 2 years (check product instructions). Ohio industry notes sealing before winter limits water & deicer penetration. De-icer rules (what to use/avoid) First winter: Avoid de-icers. Use sand (traction) or CMA where needed. After 1 year: use calcium chloride or sodium chloride (rock salt) sparingly; do NOT use ammonium-based products; magnesium-based products have been found damaging.
Permits & Codes Hub — Marion, OH When do homeowners need permits? Sidewalks, curbs, and driveway aprons in the public right-of-way require a City permit before you build, repair, replace, or cut into them. That’s in Chapter 903 and 901 of the Marion Code. Excavation in streets/ROW needs a permit from the City Engineer. Zoning permits are required when an improvement “affects or requires conformance” with the zoning code —confirm with Zoning for driveways on private lots. Contractors must be registered with Zoning/Compliance . Who to Contact (City Hall) Engineering (ROW/sidewalk/driveway/apron permits): (740) 387-2240 Zoning / Compliance (zoning permits, contractor registration): (740) 383-4114 City Hall main: (740) 387-2020 https://www.marionohio.us/contact Handy Links City Forms & Applications (one place to find current PDFs). Zoning / Compliance (contractor registration + zoning info). Marion Streets/Sidewalks/Driveways Code (Part Nine) (PDF). Planning & Zoning Code (Part Eleven) (PDF). Quick Homeowner Checklist 1. Decide where the work is: In the right-of-way (sidewalk/curb/driveway apron touching the street) → call Engineering for a permit. On private property (inside your lot line) → check with Zoning about a zoning permit . 2. Verify your contractor is registered with Zoning/Compliance . 3. Call OHIO811 before digging (at least 48 hours, not more than 10 working days before you dig). Dial 811 or 800-362-2764. It’s Ohio law. 4. Keep your permi t on site and follow City specifications (thickness, base, etc., per code/permit). Hope that helps you! Reach out if we can be of any further assistance.