Permits & Inspections

Trade permits and zoning compliance permits that do not require plans review may be obtained during one-stop shop business hours. These hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 9 am and 1 pm to 2 pm on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Once a permit has been issued the permit holder has six months to schedule an inspection. To schedule an inspection you must have your permit number. You can schedule an inspection online or by calling the Planning and Development Department at 828-652-3551.

Please note that final inspections and approvals are required prior to occupancy, or use of equipment or space authorized by this permit.

Citizen Portal

Apply for a Permit or Schedule an Inspection online via the Citizen Portal.

Documents

Building Permit Application

A building permit is required from the City of Marion Building Inspector for all construction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of any building, structure, or any part thereof, including work that involves any change of the structural parts of stairways, elevators, fire escapes or other means of egress. In addition, a building permit is required for the installation, extension, alteration, or general repair of any plumbing, electrical, mechanical work within a building, structure, or any part thereof.

Please note new permit applications are now available based on work being performed. View the following:

• Stand Alone Trade Permit Application (PDF)
• Single Family and Two Family Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Commercial Building Permit Application (PDF)

Document Request Form

This form may be used to request zoning and other related maps in addition to a hard copy or CD of the Current Zoning Ordinance and/or Subdivision Regulations. The Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A of the City of Marion) Code and the Subdivision Regulations (Chapter 16 of the Marion City Code), as well as all other chapters of the Marion City Code, can be downloaded or printed for free from Municode.

View the Document Request Application (PDF).

Residential Zoning Permit Application

This application may be used to obtain zoning approval for new single-family residential or two-family residential dwelling units, accessory structures and additions.

View the Residential Zoning Permit Application (PDF).

Subdivision Application

This application is required for land being divided into two or more parcels. A minor division of land is one that requires no new public or private streets or roads, right-of-way dedications, easements, or utility extensions; where the entire tract of land to be subdivided is ten acres or less in size; where five or fewer lots are created; and all of the newly created lots conform to the minimum lot size, lot frontage, and dimensional requirements of the Marion City Code and Marion Subdivision Ordinance. All other divisions of land are considered a major subdivision under the Marion City Code. Please be advised that land subdivided within the city limits, whether exempt or not, must meet minimum code requirements. Land subdivided within the City that does not meet minimum code requirements may be denied building and zoning permits.

View the Subdivision Application (PDF).

Commercial/Multi-Family Zoning Permit Application

This application may be used to obtain zoning approval for all commercial and multi-family developments.

View the Commercial/Multi-Family ZoningPermit Application (PDF).

Sign Permit Application

This application may be used to obtain approval for all new, expanded, replaced, or refaced signage within the City either off-premise, on-premise, permanent or temporary.

View the Sign Permit Application (PDF).

Variance Application

A variance application is a request to the Board of Adjustment to allow for a deviation from the regulations of Appendix A Zoning of the Marion City Code in which literal enforcement of the regulations would result in unnecessary and undue hardship. It is the Board of Adjustment’s power and duty to hold a public hearing to hear and decide on variance requests. Public notice is provided as required by G.S. 160A-364 and G.S. 160A-384 as may be amended.

View the Variance Application (PDF).

Special Exception Application

A special exception application is a request to allow for a use that would not be generally appropriate or without restriction throughout the zoning district. Uses permitted as a special exception are defined in the code under each zoning district. It is the Board of Adjustment’s power and duty to hold a public hearing the hear and decide on special exception requests. Public notice is provided as required by G.S. 160A-364 and G.S. 160A-384 as may be amended.

View the Special Exception Application (PDF).

Zoning District Map Amendment Application

A zoning district map amendment application is a request to allow for a change to the City’s Official Zoning District Map. It is the power and duty of the Board of Adjustment to hear and recommend to the City Council requests for amendments to the zoning district map. It is the City Council’s power and duty to hold a public hearing prior to the adoption of a proposed amendment to hear testimony and recommendations prior to taking official action. Public notice is provided as required by G.S. 160A-364 and G.S. 160A-384 as may be amended.

View the Zoning District Map Amendment Application (PDF).

Text Amendment Application

A text amendment application is a request to amend regulations to Appendix A Zoning of the City Code. It is the power and duty of the Board of Adjustment to hear and recommend to the City Council the request for an amendment. It is the City Council’s power and duty to hold a public hearing prior to the adoption of a proposed amendment to hear testimony and recommendations prior to taking official action. Public notice is provided as required by G.S. 160A-364 and G.S. 160A-384 as may be amended.

View the Text Amendment Application (PDF).

Road Abandonment Petition

This application may be used to petition the City of Marion to abandoned or permanently close any public street or alley. In order to take such action, the City shall adhere to all provisions of the North Carolina General Statutes Section 160A-299.

View the Road Abandonment Petition (PDF).

Flood Management Information and Forms

(Includes Floodplain Development Application and Elevation Certificate and Instructions)

The City of Marion Floodplain Administrator is responsible for administering Chapter 8 Floodplain Management of the Marion City Code as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The submission of a Floodplain Application is required prior to all development including land-disturbing activity located within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). To determine if a property or specific location is within a SFHA or to obtain more information please contact the City’s Floodplain Administrator in the Planning and Development Services Department or you may access FEMA’s effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) panels and more information online.

View the Flood Management Form (PDF).

MT-1 Application Materials

MT-1 application forms are required for the following map amendment requests:

• Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs)
• Conditional Letters of Map Amendment (CLOMAs)
• Electronic Letters of Map Amendment (eLOMAs)
• Letters of Map Revision-Based on Fill (LOMR-F).
• Conditional Letters of Map Revision-Based on Fill (CLOMR-F)

View MT-1 Application Materials (PDF).

MT-2 Application Materials

MT-2 application forms are required for the following map revision requests:

• Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs)
• Conditional Letters of Map Revision (CLOMRs)
• Informational letters (deferral letters and Best Available Data Letters (BADLs))

View MT-2 Application Materials (PDF).