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Commission approves making downtown common consumption area year-round
Summary
Commission voted unanimously to amend the city ordinance to keep the downtown common consumption area open year-round (9 a.m.–11 p.m.), removing a separate CCA license for each event and preserving suspension authority for city manager or police chief.
The Ottawa City Commission voted unanimously April 9 to amend the city ordinance so the downtown common consumption area (CCA) can remain open year-round from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., removing the requirement that organizers obtain a separate CCA license for each event.
City Clerk Reid told the commission the CCA, adopted Feb. 14, 2024 and opened Sept. 6, 2024, was intended to enhance downtown vibrancy. Reid said staff issued 13 CCA licenses from September through December 2024 and had received five applications so far in 2025; eliminating the separate CCA license would “reduce the administrative time by 50%,” Reid said.
Ottawa Main Street director Sarah (online) told commissioners that businesses prefer a consistent, year-round designation because inconsistency had caused confusion about whether the area was open. City Attorney Finch clarified the change does not allow people to carry alcoholic beverages purchased elsewhere or allow unauthorized sales. “This does not allow someone to bring alcohol from home and walk around downtown,” Finch said, adding that alcohol must be dispensed by a licensed retailer, cups and other event requirements remain, and the city can reinstate licensing by future ordinance if needed.
The ordinance as amended permits the city manager or chief of police to suspend or close the CCA at their discretion. Staff said the only additional cost would be the minimal publication fee for the amended ordinance and that the police department reported no safety incidents during prior CCA events.
Commissioner Crowley moved to adopt the ordinance amendment; Sarah Taylor seconded. Roll-call votes were recorded as yes from Commissioner Skidmore, Commissioner Kaler, Commissioner Crowley, Mayor Pro Tem Clayton and Mayor Allen. The motion carried.
