Decorah
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Decorah

Place

Territory

GEOID
1919405
OCD-ID
ocd-division/country:us/state:ia/place:decorah
POP
7,417 (2025)
CENTER
43.3012, -91.784
SOURCE
census tiger

Government of Decorah

Bodies, seats, agencies and services that belong to Decorah itself.

City Planning and Zoning Commission
7/7 seats recorded
Decorah Mayor & City Council
8/8 seats recorded

Organization 11

Departments

  • Building Code and Inspections Planning

    Building, plumbing, mechanical, rental and code compliance inspections and permits for the City of Decorah. Electrical permits and inspections are handled by the State of Iowa. Permits lapse if work does not start within 180 days.

  • City Administration Administration

    City of Decorah administration led by the City Manager, who is appointed by the City Council. City Hall, 400 Claiborne Dr.; Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

  • City Clerk / Finance Clerk

    City Clerk/Finance Officer's office: city records, finance and utility billing. Water, sewer and storm water bills can be paid at the Clerk's office weekdays 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

  • Decorah Fire Department Fire

    Volunteer fire department serving the City of Decorah and surrounding townships (through the Decorah Rural Fire Protective Association), 400 Claiborne Drive. Notify the department before any controlled burn.

  • Decorah Municipal Airport Transportation

    Uncontrolled municipal airport about 2 miles east of Decorah on Hwy 9: Runway 11-29 (4,000 ft x 75 ft), 16 rental hangars, jet fuel and avgas, and a full-time FBO available 24/7. Overseen by the Decorah Airport Commission.

  • Decorah Police Department Police

    Municipal police department for the City of Decorah, 400 Claiborne Drive. Runs vacation watch, camera registration and special needs registry programs. Records: 563-277-5131 for report copies, releases and fees.

  • Engineering Public Works

    City of Decorah engineering: City Engineer and Assistant City Engineer.

  • Parks & Recreation Parks & Recreation

    City of Decorah Parks & Recreation, led by the Parks & Recreation Director; operates city parks and Pulpit Rock Campground.

  • Street Department Public Works

    Maintains over 100 lane miles of streets and alleys, downtown public parking lots and public sidewalks; handles street and curb repair, leaf collection and the yard waste site. 108 Railroad Avenue; Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

  • Waste Water Department Utilities

    Operates the Decorah Wastewater Treatment Plant (activated sludge, online since 1985) at 1766 Old Stage Road, serving Decorah and Freeport.

  • Water Department Utilities

    Operates Decorah's 6 city wells and the water main system. Water, sewer and storm water are billed quarterly; bills are due the 1st of the month after invoicing, and a 10% late fee applies. 800 W. Water Street.

Services 13

  • Board of Adjustment Application Building Code and Inspections
  • Building Permit Application Building Code and Inspections
  • Fence Permit Application Building Code and Inspections
  • Parade Permit Application City Administration
  • Pay Water Bill Online City Clerk / Finance
  • Property Tax Abatement Application City Administration
  • Pulpit Rock Campground Parks & Recreation
  • Rental Permit (Long/Short Term) Building Code and Inspections
  • Right of Way Permit Street Department
  • Sidewalk Dining and Retailing Permit City Administration
  • Special Events Application City Administration
  • Vacation Watch Program Decorah Police Department
  • Water and Sewer Service Application Water Department