The Planning and Codes Administration assists the City by providing for orderly growth, planning, appropriate land use, the preservation of resources for the future, and enforcement of codes. The Planning Director serves as the staff liaison for the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. Staff administers the Comprehensive Plan(11 Meg PDF), Zoning, and Subdivision Regulations. The Planning Department coordinates and manages implementation and revision of the Comprehensive Plan and the Capital Improvement Plan.

Recent change in the department has been the work done with the Planning Commission and public during 2003 to develop a new comprehensive plan and update the City’s development regulations. The plan took a lot of its direction from the Ottawa Vision document, which was completed in 2002. The Comprehensive Plan was adopted in early 2004 and outlines both near term and long term goals. The zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations were revised and updated in 2005.

Another way the department serves the public is through the enforcement of adopted construction codes. Code inspectors review plans and all construction within the City for compliance, and assist builders and residents with construction methods. The inspectors also oversee the licensing of electricians, plumbers, and HVAC, and serve as staff liaison to the construction board of appeals. While the City of Ottawa has standard construction codes, the footing/foundation requirements in Ottawa are crafted to deal with the soils found in Ottawa. Soils here have wrecked havoc on many foundations and basements. Thus, additional depth and width of concrete and rebar in footings result in structures that are more adequately prepared to deal with the soils in Ottawa.

City staff has created several documents to help citizens with projects, including a fence brochure, residential construction brochure, and commercial construction brochure, which outline common tasks and answers questions about the permit process. In addition, there are common construction mistakes made in residential construction such as, handrail height, rise/run of stairs, etc. that are identified on the residential plan review comments page. A plot plan is required for any addition, deck, porch, fence, shed, and garage. (See example). In addition a blank plot plan is also available to be printed and completed prior to coming in to get a permit.

Enforcement of nuisances and health hazards within the community is regulated in Chapter 10 of the Municipal Code. Violations include trash, weeds, inoperable cars, appliances, misc. junk and debris in yards. Complaints may be submitted in person, by phone or online.