Zoning/Compliance

Contractor Registration

Disclaimer: This information is created to inform and educate the public only. It is not and should not be considered a legal opinion or legal advice. You are advised to seek professional counsel before taking any action based upon information found on this page. The City of Marion is not associated with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but encourages individuals to call the BBB and ask for a list of references, so you can conduct your own investigation.

Registration Information

Per City Ordinance Chapter 790, all contractors performing Zoning Construction Work within Marion city limits must be registered with the Office of the City Zoning/Compliance Inspector. Initial registration expires on December 31 of the year in which it is issued. After the initial registration, contractors must renew registrations on an annual basis with the renewal registration being valid for a one-year period of January 1 - December 31 of any year. For details on the penalty for failure to file, please see information in Section 790.99 in the link below for Chapter 790.

Requirements

To complete registration, the following items must be submitted for processing:

• $50.00 Registration Fee
• Completed Contractor Registration Application
• Copy of Certificate of Insurance with coverage of $100,000/$300,000 for bodily injury and a minimum of $50,000 for property damage.
• Copy of Certificate of Coverage with Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation.
• If exempt from carrying Worker's Compensation Insurance, submit Worker's Compensation Affidavit

Tips on Hiring Contractors

Before entering into a contract for construction, repairs, additions, or improvements at your property, please consider the following:

• Obtain at least three written proposals.
• Obtain a list of references from the contractor and investigate them.
• Compare proposals to ensure each contractor clearly proposed the same work and that the scope of the work is clearly stated.
• Inquire with the Better Business Bureau and Ohio Attorney General's Office regarding all contractors considered.
• Confirm that all contractors considered are currently registered with the City of Marion.
• Require that the contractor obtain all necessary permits and approvals prior to beginning any work on your project.
• If the contractor requires a deposit, it should be modest; beware of large down payments.
• Never make final payment unless you are totally satisfied with the work and have confirmed that all final inspections have been made. Also, require confirmation that the contractor has completely paid all subcontractors and material suppliers associated with the project.
• Beware of out-of-state home improvement contractors.
• Consult legal counsel immediately if you have any contractual questions or concerns.

Avoiding Fraudulent Contractors

• These warning signs indicate a contractor who may be running scam:
• Does not list a number in the phonebook, online, or on materials.
• Only accepts cash.
• Solicits door-to-door.
• Asks resident to get required building permits.
• Indicates you will get a discount if you find other customers for that contractor.
• Uses left over materials to complete your job.
• Tells you your job will be a demonstration.
• Offers exceptionally long guarantee.
• Asks you to pay for the entire job up front.
• Suggests you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows/does business with.

In the City of Marion, all contractors are required to be registered in order to provide services to the community. Anyone soliciting door-to-door for business is required to obtain a Solicitor's Permit and must be able to show the permit when asked. The City of Marion cannot give recommendations for contractors; therefore, a solicitor's permit should in no way be construed as a recommendation from the City of Marion or that the individual with a permit is working for the City of Marion. It only indicates that the individual went through a specific process to obtain this permit. 

A list of registered contractors is available through a link contained at the top of this page.
 

Registration Forms

Click Here for a copy of the Contractor Registration Application

Click Here for a copy of the Worker's Compensation Affidavit

Contractor Registration Ordinance

Click Here to view Chapter 790:  Registration of Contractors