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1. What are the requirements for building an accessory building?

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 residential building permit packet (PDF) online, or contact the Planner 641-754-5756. 

2. When is a building permit required?

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).

3. What are the requirements regarding fences?

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Residential fences must be constructed of materials originally made for fences.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)

4. What are the setbacks for commercial and industrial districts?

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.

5. What are the setbacks for residential districts?

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.

6. What is the difference between a condo, townhome, and apartment?

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

7. What are the requirements for putting up a sign at my business?

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).

8. Do I need to put a fence around my pool?

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.