OKOBOJI, IA (Northwestiowanow) – A proposed overhaul of Okoboji’s regulations for lake access died Tuesday night after heavy discussion among city council members.
Ordinance 287 would have clarified and updated rules governing the city’s 10 public lake access locations. Proposed changes included annual permit renewals, a March 15 application deadline, increased liability insurance requirements, limits on hoist sizes and updated eligibility standards for nearby property owners.
Much of the discussion focused on whether current homeowners should be grandfathered in and exempted from future changes.
Councilman Dan Sanders said making exceptions could create fairness issues for future property owners.
The council also debated a proposed maximum hoist size of 30 feet by 12 feet. Supporters argued the limit would help preserve space at public access locations and prevent larger boats and hoists from reducing opportunities for future users.
Following discussion, the council considered the second reading of Ordinance 287 but failed to gain enough support to move the measure forward.
With the second reading failing, the ordinance will be reworked and brought back to the council for future consideration.
Councilwoman Julie Andres says she remains hopeful the council can reach a compromise.
Council members indicated they plan to continue working on the ordinance and could bring a revised version back for consideration as early as October.
