Frequently Asked Questions

No. The City Attorney represents the citizens of Marshalltown but not in their personal capacity nor in a directly capacity. The City Attorney's legal representation and ethical duty is to the Municipality of Marshalltown which exercises its home rule legal powers through the City Council and derivatively through City staff and City boards and commissions.

Thus if you have a legal problem with your employer, landlord, ex or current spouse, or any other private matter, the City Attorney cannot advise or represent you. The City Attorney's sole client is the City of Marshalltown.

Also the City Attorney's Office should not be confused with the Public Defender's Office. They can be reached at 641-752-0083. If you need private counsel and are not familiar with any private law firms, the Iowa State Bar Association oversees a lawyer referral service. Their telephone number is 515-280-7429.

Other referral agencies which may provide services sought mistakenly from the Office of the City Attorney, are:

• The Marshall County Attorney's Office (641-754-6314)
• The Iowa Attorney General's Office (515-281-5764)
• The Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's Office (515-281-5926)

The City department charged with the day-to-day administration and enforcement of an ordinance can answer general questions regarding how the ordinance is applied by the City.  The Marshalltown City Code of Ordinances can be found on our website.  New ordinances or amended ordinances that have not been codified into the online code can be found here.

Just because the Marshalltown Police Department was involved in the arrest or citation of a person for a crime or for a traffic ticket does not mean the prosecutor for the case is the Marshalltown City Attorney. It depends on the charges that are filed. The City, through the Office of the City Attorney, prosecutes only municipal simple misdemeanors, including violations of the City's traffic code, and municipal infractions committed inside the Marshalltown city limits.

If your ticket, citation, or court documents reference a Marshalltown city ordinance violation, then the City Attorney is the prosecutor. If your citation, ticket, or court document does not refer to a city ordinance, then the prosecutor is probably the Marshall County Attorney's Office (641-754-6314) or the prosecutor for the city where you received the ticket.

While the City Attorney may represent the City in court in enforcement matters, the enforcement officer who handles such complaints or enforcement issues is not the City Attorney. These are handled by the respective City department official or employee. Questions about enforcement and issues regarding meeting compliance should be taken up with the respective City department official.

Boards and commissions are a necessary and vital part of a local government’s operations.  Some are created to meet the ongoing needs of the community and continue to exist for as long as they provide assistance to the Council, while others are mandated by state law.  The structure, duties, and responsibilities of these bodies vary depending on each board or commission’s specific purpose or mission.  However, all have one feature in common—they were established to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Marshalltown.  Thus, by serving on one of these bodies, residents have an opportunity to join with local government and administrative staff to ensure that the needs of Marshalltown citizens are served.

Click here to navigate to the online form to submit your application to Volunteer for a Board or Commission.

Applications will be held on file for one year to be considered for vacancies.  The Mayor will review applications for appointments, which are ratified by the City Council.  For more information on boards and commissions visit this page.

The 2020 U.S. Census indicated Marshalltown had 27,591 residents. More information can be found on the U.S. Census Bureau's website.

The City Council sets utility rates by Ordinance. Utility rate ordinances require a public hearing and three readings of the ordinance.

Utility rates are periodically reviewed by the council to ensure revenues pay the cost of providing the utility.

For specific rate information: 

Wastewater Rates Ordinance

Storm Water Rates Ordinance

Landfill/Solid Waste Ordinance

Water rates - Set by the Water Works Board of the Marshalltown Water Works 641-753-7913

Marshalltown Water Works performs the utility billing service for the City of Marshalltown. You'll receive one bill for Water, Sanitary, Storm, and Landfill charges.

Alliant Energy is the Electric and Gas provider. 

Each department has a "contact" link on the department home page for general questions.  To make a Freedom of Information Act for public records please visit this page for more information or to complete the online form.  Please contact the City Clerk with any questions at 641-754-5701 or clerk@marshalltown-ia.gov. 

Yes. The City allows tax abatement on qualifying residential improvements and there is no dollar limit. Qualifying property must meet the following criteria:

• The improvements made to the property are believed to have increased its actual value by at least 10%, excluding the land valuation.
• All improvements have been made in compliance with all applicable laws, codes and ordinances
• There has not been, and there will not be a need for the relocation of persons, including families, business concerns, or others as a result of the improvements made to the property.
• The application is received on or before February 1st of the year in which the improvements included in the project are to be first assessed for taxation.

Tax Abatement program freezes the assessed valuation prior to the eligible improvement during the Tax Abatement period for the parcel.

For more information about this topic, see our Tax Abatement application or click here for a full-page explanation

View the map of the City's Revitalization Areas and Urban Renewal Areas.

The City is also partnering with the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce on a housing incentive of $10,000 for newly constructed homes with a construction value of at least $180,000 at the time of closing.  This program cannot be used in conjunction with tax abatement.  Please visit their website for more information. 

A permit is required for the use of public property.  There is an online application to complete the request.  Special Events would include neighborhood block parties, 5K runs, parades, and community events that utilize public property.  You may upload your event flyer, map screenshot for street closures, etc., within the online application form. There is a cost for events requiring street closures.  Following staff review of the application, you will receive approval by email. Larger events and 5K runs do require an insurance certificate for the event listing the City of Marshalltown as additional insured for your event. Neighborhood block parties do not need an insurance certificate.  For more information and the online application please visit this page.

Marshalltown residents may contract with a private service.  The city requires a license for garbage haulers. The current list of licensed haulers can be found here.  More information on garbage and recycling regulations can be found in the Code of Ordinances Chapter 50: Garbage and Refuse. 

Open Burning Requirements:
Open burning of yard waste is allowed April 1st through June 30th and October 1st through November 30th. Burning shall occur in the backyard of single-family dwellings, Monday through Sunday between the hours of 10:00 am and 7:00 pm. All burning piles must be extinguished by 7:00 pm. Burning on the property of another is prohibited unless the property owner grants permission. Open burning is not allowed on holidays. Open burning shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure. Fire in enclosed containers with a cover to control flying embers shall not be less than 15 feet from any structure. A competent person with a means of fire control must constantly supervise all open burning. Burning by commercial businesses is prohibited unless a burn permit is obtained from the Fire Department. If a permit is issued, all requirements for open burning apply. No burning shall occur if the wind speeds are greater than 15 miles per hour and during extended dry weather conditions. Burning of garbage and rubbish is prohibited.

Ordinance Violation:
Any violation of the rules concerning prohibited burning and open burning, which requires a response by the Marshalltown Fire Department to control or extinguish such combustion, will be subject to a response fee of $110 for the first offense, $210 for the second offense, and $310 for the third offense as established by Ordinance of the City of Marshalltown, Iowa.

Recreational Fire means an outdoor fire burning seasoned hardwood contained in appliances specifically designed for this purpose, with a total fuel area of three (3) feet or less in diameter and two (2) feet or less in height, for the purposes of:

• Ceremonial
• Cooking
• Pleasure
• Religious
• Warmth
• Similar purposes

Burning Codes

Recreational burning shall be allowed for food preparation and camping purposes or as defined in the definition section. The material to be burned is limited to seasoned wood, and the fire shall comply with all other applicable state and local codes related to open burning.

• All recreational fires shall be contained in appliances specifically designed for this purpose. Recreational fires shall be located no less than 15 feet from any structure. The responsible party must provide means to control flying embers.
• All recreational fires shall be extinguished by 2 a.m. and shall use methods that will ensure all remaining embers are completely extinguished.
• Municipal camping areas are exempt from the requirements of this section except the restrictions on size.
• Recreational fires are allowed year-round.
• Recreational burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.

The Fire Department is covered under Iowa Civil Service law. We generally will test for new hires at approximately 2-year intervals, unless we hire everyone off a list. The Civil Service Commission will certify a ranked list of candidates from which we hire. The process includes an application with a $15 fee, a written test, a physical agility test, and oral interviews. Candidates wishing to receive notifications for job postings should sign up for notifications through our website here.

The Marshalltown Fire Department is a full-time, career department with 28 employees, operating 3 shifts, on a 24/48 basis. We provide fire suppression and extrication services, and first responder service within the City limits. We are also trained in high angle, confined space, trench, and water rescue.

Contact the City Fire Marshal at 641-754-5751 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

The City of Marshalltown has adopted and follows the 2021 International Fire Code which includes a chapter that defines when a permit is to be issued. The most common permits issued include, but are not limited to:

• Flammable liquids (gas stations, private dispensing tanks)
• Places of Assembly (restaurants, bars, churches, etc.)
• Repair Garages

We do not charge for fire calls. There may be a response fee for open burning calls. Annual fire inspections are completed across a wide variety of businesses or organizations and may have a fee associated.

We are located at 909 South 2nd Street, Marshalltown, Iowa 50158.  Office hours for administrative personnel are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.  Reference our home page for more information. There is always someone at the station unless we are responding to a call for service.  Please contact dispatch at 641-754-5725 after hours.

No, we do not provide that service. Qualified service companies may be located in the telephone book under fire extinguisher sales and service.

We recommend that residents purchase dual-sensor detectors for every level of the home and hallways outside the bedrooms. These detectors sense both slow smoldering fires and rapid growth fires. We also recommend the 10-year lithium battery models to eliminate the need to remember to change the battery. Visit our smoke detector page to see if you qualify for a free one.

The State Fire Marshal's Office can be reached at 515-725-6145 or fminfo@dps.state.ia.us.  Please visit their website for further information https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions/state-fire-marshal. 

Use of the burn trailer and associated training devices may be accessed by contacting the Deputy Chief of the Marshalltown Fire Department at 641-754-5751.

Lead has no biological value. Lead is a poison and can have detrimental health effects on the body (in extreme cases, lead poisoning can cause death).

Both adults and children can be lead poisoned. Children are at greater risk of lead poisoning than adults.

Impacts of lead poisoning on children include:

• Lead can make children very sick and can cause permanent brain and nerve damage.
• Behavioral and learning disabilities
• Decreased muscle and bone growth
• Nervous system and kidney damage
• Hearing damage
• Speech and language problems
• Severe lead poisoning may cause death.

The only way to verify a child is lead poisoned is to have them tested. Children under the age of six should be tested. Your child can be tested by your family physician or through Primary Health Care Inc.

Intact lead-based paint that is well maintained is not hazardous. Lead paint is a hazard when it is peeling or chipping. Lead paint is considered hazardous when it is present on a friction, impact, or child-accessible surface.

Common accessory buildings include sheds and detached garages. Accessory buildings 120 square feet (10 feet by 12 feet) and over require a building permit. Download a building permit packet (PDF) online, or contact the Planner 641-754-5756. 

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. Download a building permit packet (PDF).

A fence does not require a permit, however there are height and material restrictions. For residential districts a fence in the front yard cannot exceed 4 feet in height. A fence in the side or rear yard cannot exceed 6 feet in height. Fences in commercial and industrial districts cannot exceed 8 feet in height west of 18th Avenue or 10 feet in height east of 18th Avenue. There are additional regulations for corner lots. lease contact the Zoning Office at 641-754-5756 for more information. You contact "One Call" at 811 to locate underground utilities before commencing construction.

Residential fences must be constructed of materials originally made for fences. This includes:

• Brick
• Treated wood
• Vinyl
• Wrought iron
• Etc.

The finished side of any new fence must face outward.

Handout on fences (English) (Spanish)

Marshalltown has three commercial districts and a industrial district:

• GC - General Commercial District
• MU - Mixed-Use District
• UC - Urban Core District
• GI - General Industry

To verify what the zoning classification of a particular property is, contact the Zoning Office or submit a zoning confirmation request form. 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.

Marshalltown has four solely residential districts:

• RR Rural Residential
• RL Low-Density Residential
• RM Medium-Density Residential
• RH High-Density Residential 

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.

View the differences between townhomes, rowhouse, condos, single-family attached homes, and duplexes (PDF).

Marshalltown regulates all signs within the City. Almost all signs require a Sign Permit. Signs in the Historic District have additional design guidelines (PDF) . Download a sign permit application (PDF).

Yes, if the pool is deeper than 18 inches. The fence should be between 5 feet and 6 feet tall. The fence must have a self latching gate of at least 4 feet above the ground. 

• Online
  You may pay a traffic fine online
• In-Person
  Before the court date listed on the citation, you may pay in person by taking a copy of your citation to:
  Marshall County Clerk of Court
  Marshall County Courthouse
  1 East Main Street
  4^th floor
  Marshalltown, IA 50158
• By Mail
  Any time before the assigned court date listed on the citation, you may pay by mailing a copy of your signed plea of guilty and a check or money order payable to “Clerk of Court” to:
  Marshall County Clerk of Court
  1 East Main Street
  Marshalltown, IA 50158
  
  

• Online
  You may contest a traffic fine online. You must set up a free account. Through this process, you may file a not guilty plea. 
• In-Person
  On the court date and time listed on your citation. You may also appear in person at:
  Marshall County Clerk of Court
  1 East Main Street
  4^th Floor
  Marshaltown, IA 50158
  
  You will then be directed to a court hearing where you may enter a not guilty plea.
  
  

Methods of Payment

Online: Pay your parking ticket online here. You will need to know your social security number or license plate number. 

Mail: Pay by mailing your payment in the envelope provided with your ticket.

Drop Box: Pay by dropping it in the 24-hour drop box in the lobby of the police department on the south wall, 

In-Person: Pay directly at the front desk of City Hall at 24 North Center Street. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In order to contest a parking ticket, you must appear in person at the Marshalltown Police Department, 909 S 2nd Street, within 30 days of the ticket issue date. You will then be issued a police citation so that you can receive an initial court date appearance.

Tickets can be written for overtime parking in designated timed areas, failure to be on the correct side in alternate parking areas, inappropriate use of a handicap parking spot, parking in a fire lane or within five feet of a fire hydrant, parking along a yellow curb, parking over the white lines separating parking stalls, and parking with a vehicle's left side to the curb on a two way road. For further information, contact the Police Department.

Yes, all residential rental units within the City of Marshalltown must be registered with the City Rental Inspection Program.

To view or enroll in an activity, class or program, click here. 

See available Anson Park Building, Kiwanis Park Building and Riverview Park Community Building (1), Reunion Hall (2) and The Log Cabin (3), and rent any of these buildings by clicking here.

If you're interested in participating in City purchase opportunities, you may either participate in the State of Iowa purchasing program  https://das.iowa.gov/procurement or sign up on our website to receive bid notifications.

The front desk is open from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm and accepts cash and credit cards for all items.  You may pay your account online here by following the online instructions.

The Waterworks is a separate department from the City, located at 205 E State Street. You may pay your water bill online here.

Prior to November 1, 2017, 75% was used for property tax relief, 20% for Storm Sewer and Other Capital Projects, and 5% as Council designated.  There was an election held August 1, 2017 and voters approved changing the allocation to 78% property tax relief and 22% as Council designated..  There was an election held March 5, 2024 and voters approved changing the allocation to 75% property tax relief and 25% as Council designated effective July 1, 2025 with no sunset date.

The City receives over $4 million in local option sales tax per fiscal year.

If you are a property owner within the city limits of Marshalltown, your total tax levy is $39.36213 per $1,000 of taxable valuations.  Here is the allocation:

• City $16.00000
• School District $14.75502
• Marshall County $6.24012
• Community College $1.73971
• Agriculture Extension $0.14399
• Assessor $0.48149
• State $0.00180

For the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025, the City’s adopted revenue budget is $83,,816,426, which includes transfers in of $19,163,844 and Marshalltown Water Works of 9,176,846.  The City’s adopted expense budget is $105,243,165 which includes transfers out of $19,163,844 and Marshalltown Water Works of $7,249,365.  Marshalltown Water Works has its own Board of Trustees and management, but is required to be included in the City’s adopted budget.

While our Utilities Division maintains traffic control signals, the Public Works Department is not responsible for maintenance of street lighting. If you need to report a street light that is not working, please call Alliant Energy at 1-800-255-4268, or report the problem online at: Alliant Energy - Report a Street Light for Repair

This voluntary program, offered by ServLine - Home Serve, will provide warranty protection to help cover the costs of an unexpected repair to your exterior sewer/septic lines. The program is aimed to help mitigate some of the risks that homeowners in Marshalltown often face. Customers are often unaware that they are responsible for the sewer service lines that go from the utility connection to their home. If these lines break or leak, repairs can be very expensive. This program offers customers an affordable way to avoid the unexpected and often large expenses involved with a sewer line break.

Citizens may choose to purchase voluntary warranty protection that will cover up to $8,500 per service call with unlimited service calls and an unlimited annual benefit amount.  The partnership for this program is offered at no cost to the City of Marshalltown, and no public funds are used to promote the program. 

For more information, please visit ServLine - HomeServe - Service Line Warranties of America | Marshalltown, IA. 

Interested in running for an elected position with the City of Marshalltown?  The Council and the Mayor are elected positions.  The seven Council positions are four-year staggered terms and the Mayor is a four-year term.  Visit this page to find out what you need to know to run for office. 

Resources for elected officials:

• Iowa Public Information Board on Open Meetings and Public Records
• Iowa Attorney General on Sunshine Advisories on Open Meetings
• Chapter 400 - Civil Service
• Iowa League of Cities
• Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board
• Iowa Secretary of State

Yes. The Council Manual was last reviewed and adopted by the City Council on December 27, 2022.

Four council members represent the wards and three council members serve at-large.  Click here to view the contact information for the Mayor and Councilors.  Click here to view the ward map.

City Council agendas are available on the Friday prior to a City Council meeting. The council meets twice each month, on the 2nd and 4th Monday. Agendas are posted at City Hall and on the City of Marshalltown's website in the Agenda & Minutes Citizen Portal. To receive an email or text notification when the agenda is published you can subscribe in the portal.  Meeting minutes will be posted once approved at the proceeding council meeting.

The City of Marshalltown will be utilizing a live broadcast of our meetings through YouTube.  Viewers can access the meeting through our YouTube Channel @cityofmarshalltown4924.  

Iowa Code Chapter 21 - Official Meetings Open to Public (Open Meetings). 21.1 Intent — declaration of policy. This chapter seeks to assure, through a requirement of open meetings of governmental bodies, that the basis and rationale of governmental decisions, as well as those decisions themselves, are easily accessible to the people. Ambiguity in the construction or application of this chapter should be resolved in favor of openness.

The Iowa Public Information Board is an independent agency governed by nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. They offer training to governmental bodies and are a good source of information regarding both Open Meetings and Open Records.

The Attorney General has issued Sunshine Advisories relating to both Open Meetings and Open Records.

What is a closed session? A closed session is a session where the governmental body is able to discuss issues without members of the public present.  Iowa Code Chapter 21.5 lists valid reasons for holding a closed session, rules of conduct during a closed session, and how governmental bodies may take action based on discussion during the closed session.