October 23, 2013
10/24/13 Demolition permits will now be required in Marshall County.
The county will join several towns in the area requiring a demolition permit to tear down structures. The ordinance approved by the Marshall County Commissioners on Monday has no charge.
The goal of the permit is to make sure demolished structures are taken from the tax rolls so that land owners will not be taxed for them. If the demolition is unreported to the county landowners could continue to be taxed for the structures until the oversight was noticed.
The Marshall County Plan Commission presented several other positive reasons for the permit along with a favorable recommendation. There are several public health and safety reasons that some county officials are behind the idea.
Shut off of utilities, capping of abandoned wells and proper erosion control are all requirements of any demolition and are not currently enforced if the demolition is not reported.
The County Plan office will use the application process for the permit as an opportunity to educate the public on the health and safety priorities of tearing down a structure.
Provided by RN