Owatonna Update masthead

December 23, 2025
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Winter Holiday Safety

Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season:

  • Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
  • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
  • Water real holiday trees every day. A dry tree can catch fire easily.

Zoning and Subdivision Updates

Another round of public input encouraged

A public survey was open October 1 through November 3 to gather input on updataing Owatonna’s zoning and subdivision ordinances. With 404 responses, results show statistically valid representation and indicate the following:

  • Strong support for detached accessory dwelling units ADUs, mixed-use downtown development, and aesthetic regulation of shipping containers
  • Mixed views on lot size reductions, accessory building limits and street widths
  • Comments emphasized walkability, affordability and context-sensitive code updates

The next step in this process includes an online platform that will be open through January 2026.  Drop a pin and comment on this map to provide input on what uses should be allowed in which locations. Click here to participate: Owatonna Zoning Comment Map.
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Lake Chase Dog Park 

New Wind Shelter City/Community Partnership 

The park maintenance crew designed and built a new wind shelter at Lake Chase Dog Park. The shelter was made possible by donations from dog park patrons who approached the Parks & Recreation Department earlier this year with the idea. The shelter is accessible to both sides of the park with seating available.
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Compost Site Winter Hours

The compost site will be open to dispose of winter greens, brush and lawn waste during limited hours this winter. Please be sure to remove any lights and ornaments from the winter greens. The site will be closed and the primary phone will not be monitored outside of the hours listed below. For additional information, please call 507.444.4350.

  • January 2 & January 3: 2-5:30 p.m.
  • January 9 & January 10: 2-5:30 p.m.
  • February 14: 2-5:30 p.m.
  • March 14: 2-5:30 p.m.
  • April 11: 2-5:30 p.m.
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Sidewalk Snow Removal

Clear sidewalks ensure safe passage for all

Snow and ice can be dangerous for everyone and especially for children, the elderly and people with disabilities who are more susceptible to injuries from falling. If sidewalks are not cleared, pedestrians often weave in and out of streets which is another major safety concern.

To help alleviate some of these safety concerns, please follow City Ordinance 94.005 specifying that property owners, occupants or persons in the City of Owatonna are responsible for removing snow and ice from the entire width of sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours from the time the snow ceases to accumulate.

Sidewalk snow removal inspections are done when complaints are received. Those found to be non-compliant are sent a notice via US mail and one is placed on their front door. Failure to bring the property into compliance within three days of the notice will make the property subject to snow being removed by the City's contractor with all costs plus an administrative fee billed to the property owner.

Complaints can be submitted online using this Sidewalk Snow Removal Complaint Form or by calling the Public Works Department at 507.444.4350.
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Help Holiday Guests Avoid a Ticket! 

Winter Parking restrictions are enforced through March 31 regardless of the weather and whether a person resides in Owatonna or not. Please inform out-of-town guests about these restrictions to ensure they are parked in compliance with the ordinance. The easiest way to know where to park is by using the Winter Parking Map web app. Thank you, in advance, and Happy Holidays!
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Saving You a Seat!

The public is invited to attend the following City meetings this coming week. Unless otherwise specified, these meetings are held at City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle. Meeting materials are available at owatonna.gov.

December 22:

  • 4 p.m. Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting in the Crandall Small Conference Room 120

December 23:

  • 4 p.m. Owatonna Public Utilities Commission Meeting, Morehouse Meeting Room, 208 South Walnut Avenue

Helpful Links
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Licenses & Permits
Park and recreation registration

Registration
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Employment

Stay Informed

owatonna.gov

  • Events: Access calendars to view upcoming events.

  • City News Releases: View news releases published by the City of Owatonna.

  • Newsletters: The City of Owatonna publishes a weekly newsletter called Owatonna Update. Current and past newsletters are available here.

  • Social Media: Stay connected with the City of Owatonna by following these social media sites.

  • Spotlight Videos: Videos produced by the City of Owatonna.

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540 West Hills Circle Owatonna, MN 55060
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