OTTAWA – On a 3-2 vote, the Ottawa City Commission agreed this morning to change an ordinance to allow residents in and out of the city more leeway in the kinds of fences they can use, including barbed wire. City planning director Wynndee Lee said the change was a result of comments from people living in the urban growth area next to the city. The Ottawa Planning Commission unanimously recommended the changes, she said. Although they don’t live in the city, residents of the urban growth area are subject to city planning and zoning rules. Lee said her department is still trying to adjust the rules to agriculture and rural areas. However, Commissioner Blake Jorgensen voted against the change, saying it doesn’t give residents enough leeway. He noted he voted against the original ordinance. Mayor Gene Ramsey also voted against the change.
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 10 p.m.
