City of Ottumwa Chosen as Overnight Stop for RAGBRAI LI

Building and Code Enforcement

We provide a broad range of environmental health and inspections services to Ottumwa and Wapello County. We work to minimize or eliminate hazards that threaten the environment in your home, neighborhood and throughout the community.
Zach Simonson Community Development Director
641-683-0694
Email Zach Simonson

The City of Ottumwa Building and Code Enforcement Department is the place to go for licensing and inspection information for all construction and rental properties. Our nuisance inspection program investigates complaints about tall grass and weeds, blighted properties and junk cars. We also work to improve the community's appearance through the Make Ottumwa Shine program.

Are you a homeowner who faces financial or physical challenges that make it difficult to maintain your yard? Would you like help removing fallen tree limbs or unwanted items from your yard? City Hall has volunteers, individuals and organizations that would like to assist you. Call City Hall during regular business hours at 641-683-0600 and let us know how we can help.

Inspection Services

Neighborhood Improvement

Reports and Resources

Note: Medical and disease related public health services like nursing and immunizations are performed by the Wapello County Public Health Nursing Service.

News from Building and Code Enforcement

Landfill Tarp Violation Fee Set to Increase April 1, 2023

February 28, 2023

The Ottumwa/Wapello County Solid Waste Commission is cracking down on litter along roadways around the Landfill.

Weekly Trash Collection Reminders and Illegal Dumping

February 28, 2023

Ottumwa Trash and Recycling Customers are reminded that their weekly curbside collection allows for a maximum of one appliance or bulky item (like furniture) per week. 

City to Provide $10,000 Grants for Building New Single-Family Homes

July 6, 2022

The City of Ottumwa will now provide $10,000 to homebuilders or homeowners who complete a new single-family home.

Garbage and Recycling Reminders

September 6, 2019

Residents are reminded that on your day of garbage and recycling pick-up, to have your containers on the curb by 4:00 a.m. and to not place containers on the curb no more than 18 hours before pick-up.

Appliance Recycling Reminder

July 9, 2019

Residents are reminded that for curbside collection of appliances, you will need to affix a pink $5 appliance tag to the appliance. The tags are available for purchase at major retailers.

Recycling Center Information

April 4, 2019

The Ottumwa Recycling Center opened in June of 1992.  Recycling operations have remained relatively unchanged. The communities we serve were the same then as now, with the exception of Eddyville leaving our planning area to join Mahaska Counties planning area. All but the very smallest communities had curbside collection then, and still do. T

Contact Information

105 E. Third St.
Ottumwa, Iowa 52501
(641) 683-0650
(641) 683-0606

Office Hours
M-F, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Map to Building and Code Enforcement

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