HOMEOWNERS
Phone: (785) 229-3620
Email: communitydevelopment@ottawaks.gov
How Can We Help You?
The following content explains how
the Department of Neighborhood
and Community Services works for
our homeowners and community
members to create an opportunity to more fully understand what we do and how we accomplish our goals. Specific information for homeowners is provided.
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I. Planning
It is a process for solving problems, protecting our important assets, and guiding the direction the community will grow in the future.
Primary Concerns
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Having enough housing of different choice and price.
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Ensuring pedestrian and bicycle access for citizens.
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Having enough parks.
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Considering the traffic patterns and street needs.
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Access to highways for commercial and industrial growth in a safe manner.
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Guiding our growth by planning what areas are best served for housing, commercial or industrial growth.
II. Zoning Ordinance
The zoning ordinance directs where certain distinct land uses may locate; i.e. including residential, industrial and commercial.
Primary Concerns
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Preservation of property values
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Prevent overcrowding
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Addressing health and safety issues
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Landscaping.
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Site Development
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Signage etc.
III. Building Codes
Codes adopted to provide safe construction/ reconstruction and occupancy of building in Ottawa.
Primary Concerns
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To aid property owners in protecting their investments if an error by a contractor or lack of experience with a particular product occurs.
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Getting the contractor to construct properly or do a job again if job is done incorrectly.
IV. Code Enforcement
The enforcement of regulations regarding nuisances ensure the community's well being.
By reducing the following nuisances the health, safety and welfare of the community increases.
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Weeds and grass over 12"- which can allow for more animal activity, whether that is rodents or snakes or possible fire hazards.
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Trash- odor, attracting animals, also rodent harborage, ultimately affecting the health of persons nearby.
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Appliances- an immediate threat to persons or animals as they can topple, discharge chemicals etc.
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Inoperable Vehicles- often times means missing car parts, car parts strewn in the yard, cars stored off the ground with ramps, broken parts, etc., which can be harmful to children and adults alike.
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Zoning violations- such as sign violations and animal violations.
Need to file a complaint?
Noticed another neighbor's trash pile in their front yard, or any other hazardous property practices? File a complaint with the Neighborhood and Community Services Department today.
To learn about what a nuisance is, how to file a complaint and what happens afterward click on the following link: File a Complaint
Receive a Public Notice about a nuisance?
If you have received a public notice about a nuisance PLEASE CALL US at (785)-229-3620. The Neighborhood and Community Services Department is here to help you problem solve any issues with code violation compliance you may be experiencing.
V. Neighborhood Revitalization Program
Issues a property tax rebate as an incentive to make improvements to property within
certain areas of the city.
Purpose
To promote community improvement, development and rehabilitation so that the safety,
public health, and welfare of the residents of the city may be enhanced.
When to use it
The revitalization act is used when exterior or interior improvements are made to the
structure.
How to apply
In order to apply one must complete the following process:
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Review the NRP Map to determine whether the area you live in or area are constructing in is an eligible area that qualifies for the rebate.
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Obtain an NRP procedures & application.
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Complete the requirements of the application- ($25 fee is required at the time of the application).
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Submit the application for review and approval.
History
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Signed by City, County & School Board in 1997
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Revised 2001- renewal
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Revised 2003- boundary lines were expanded.
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Revised 2010- boundary lines were expanded and new criteria added.
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Revised 2018- renewed Interlocal Agreement by City, County & School Board
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Revised 2018- boundary lines were expanded and new criteria added
VI. Construction
The following information pertains to homeowners and their interest.
Got Mold?
Building inspectors inspect your plans for remodeling, they are not qualified to inspect issues involving mold.
If you are having issues with mold in your structure please visit the following website sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The site provides helpful tips on how to decrease mold issues.www.epa.gov/mold
Thinking of remodeling?
Did you know that your remodeling aspirations could require a permit and inspection by the Neighborhood and Community Services Department? Any time you wish to remodel or create additions to your property that affect the main structure, the City requires that you notify and comply with adopted regulations.
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To view our department's adopted and amended Building Codes visit the City Library. Should you have any questions concerning these codes please contact the City of Ottawa Neighborhood and Community Services Department at (785)-229-3620.
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Inspection Procedures- If you wish to remodel your home or business, schedule a preliminary inspection today by calling the Neighborhood and Community Services Department at (785)-229-3620.
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Important Contractor Information!!!- Prior to obtaining a permit please contact the department to see if you are required to obtain a contractor perform the remodeling task at: (785)-229-3620
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For the permit application click on the following link: Permit Applications.
Incentives- The Neighborhood Revitalization Program issues a property tax rebate as an incentive to make improvements to property within certain areas of the city.
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For information on how to apply to the program and its purpose click the following link: Neighborhood Revitalization Act.
VII. Miscellaneous
Stay Cool with Summer Pools
The following media presentation informs you of everything you need to know about pools (i.e. permits, safety tips etc.): Pool Brochure
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Shed and Garage
The following brochure informs you of everything you need to know about building sheds and garages on your property:
Fencing
The following brochure informs you of everything you need to know about building fences on your property: Fence Brochure
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Chickens
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Bees
Garage Sales
The following brochure informs you of everything you need to know about abiding by City regulations when having a garage sale (if you would like to submit electronically save the document first before filling out): Garage Sales
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Hobby Cars
