Permits & Codes, Marion, OH
Ryan Lee • August 23, 2025
Where to locate permits & licensure in Marion, OH
Permits & Codes Hub — Marion, OH
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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.
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
permit 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.
Do I need a sidewalk/driveway permit in Marion? 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.