City of Omaha Government Guide
Information in the City of Omaha Government Guide was taken from the adopted 2014 City of Omaha Budget
Table of Contents
Executive and Legislative Organizational Chart
Law Department
Human Resources Department
Human Rights and Relations Department
Finance Department
Planning Department
Police Department
Fire Department
Parks, Recreation, and Public Property Department
Convention and Tourism Department
Public Works Department
Library Department
Approval Procedures
3
4
5-6
7
8
9-10
11-12
13
14-15
16-17
18
19-20
21-25
June 2014
Page | 2
City of Omaha Government Guide
Buster Brown, City Clerk
(402) 444-5557
1819 Farnam St., Suite LC-1
Omaha, NE 68183
Buster.Brown@ci.omaha.ne.us
Executive and Legislative
CITIZENS
CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR
ADMINISTRATIVE
STAFF
CITY CLERK
ADMINISTRATIVE
STAFF
PARKS, REC &
PUBLIC
PROPERTY
FIRE
June 2014
HUMAN
RESOURCES
POLICE
HUMAN
RIGHTS &
RELATIONS
PUBLIC
WORKS
FINANCE
PLANNING
CONVENTION
& TOURISM
City of Omaha Government Guide
LAW
PUBLIC
LIBRARY
Page | 3
Paul Kratz, City Attorney
(402)444-5115
1819 Farnam Street, Suite 804
Omaha, NE 68183
Paul.Kratz@ci.omaha.ne.us
Law Department
Mission Statement
The Law Department serves the Mayor, the City Council and all City departments. It advises the Mayor and
Council on legal matters and represents the City in litigation. The Law Department is responsible for drafting
ordinances, resolutions, contracts, franchises and other documents. In addition, it conducts outside
investigations and handles all matters of claims or complaints against / for the City and prosecutes all violations
designated as misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and criminal appeals.
Goals and Objectives
1. To continue to provide outstanding service to the City of Omaha.
2. To improve productivity through the modernization and computerization of procedures and practices.
3. To continue reducing the number of pending cases.
MAYOR
CITY COUNCIL
CITY
ATTORNEY
PROSECUTION
DIVISION
CLAIMS
DIVISION
CIVIL DIVISION
COMMUNITY
SECTION
CRIMINAL
SECTION
TRAFFIC SECTION
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 4
Human Resource Department
Mikki Frost, Director
(402) 444-5300
1819 Farnam Street, Suite 506
Omaha, NE 68183
Mikki.Frost@ci.omaha.ne.us
Mission Statement
The City of Omaha Human Resources Department's mission is to provide effective human resources-related
services to the operating departments, city employees, and to citizens of Omaha. Direct or core services are
provided by the department to our customers through the following divisions: Administration, Labor Relations,
Employment, Benefits, Compensation, Safety, Training, and Human Resource Information Systems.
Goals and Objectives
The Human Resources Department strives to:
1. Attract a wide variety of job applicants.
2.
Identify and hire the best qualified applicants.
3. Help City departments to provide a safe work environment.
4.
Motivate and retain valuable employees by ensuring adequate training and development as well
as equitable wages and benefits.
5.
Provide administrative support for two employee pension systems and the City of Omaha, Personnel
Board, a quasi-judicial entity which hears appeals of employee disciplinary actions.
6. Assist supervisors in resolving employee performance problems.
7. Represent City interests in contract negotiations with employee unions.
8. Foster a work environment that allows for equal opportunity/access to all areas of employment.
9. Maintain effective Human Resource Information Systems to benefit employees and supervisors.
Goals for the Human Resources Department include:
1. Control Healthcare costs in teamwork with the Police, Fire, and Civilian unions.
2. Negotiate Police, Fire, and Civilian union contracts.
3. Enhance and streamline the recruiting, testing, and staffing process.
4. Implement a comprehensive wellness program for all City employees.
5. Implement an OSHA Standard Safety Program.
6. Implement a revised management training program for new supervisors.
7. Comprehensive review of all Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 5
Human Resource Department
MAYOR
PERSONNEL BOARD
POLICE & FIRE PENSION
BOARD
CIVILAN PENSION BOARD
HUMAN
RESOURCES,
RIGHTS &
RELATIONS
DIRECTOR
ADMINISTRATION
ASSISTANT HUMAN
RESOURCES DIRECTOR
LABOR RELATIONS
BENEFITS & SAFETY
June 2014
EMPLOYMENT
HUMAN RESOURCES
INFORAMATION
SYSTEMS
City of Omaha Government Guide
HUMAN RIGHTS &
RELATIONS
COMPENSATION
Page | 6
Human Rights and Relations
Department
Mikki Frost, Director
(402) 444-5055
1819 Farnam Street, Suite 502
Omaha, NE 68183
Mikki.Frost@ci.omaha.ne.us
Mission Statement
The Human Rights and Relations Department is charged with civil rights enforcement, equal opportunity
contract compliance and community relations/discrimination prevention. It is responsible for the investigation,
elimination, and prevention of all forms of prohibited discrimination, including that based on race, creed, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or
any other form of discrimination proscribed by ordinance or resolution. Towards its goal of ensuring equal
opportunity and treatment for all citizens of the city, this department oversees the operation of two appointed
boards: the Human Rights and Relations Board and the Civil Rights Hearing Board.
Goals and Objectives
1. Expand education and outreach programs relative to civil rights in the areas of housing, public
accommodations and employment, and to increase knowledge of individual human rights to the citizens
of Omaha and eliminate the potential for exploitation.
2. Actively accept and investigate charges of discrimination from the citizens of Omaha to eliminate
prejudice from the Omaha community.
3. Provide technical assistance and guidance to ensure contractors have optimum opportunity to meet
their minimum goals for equal employment and treatment practices, this includes monitoring Title VI.
4. Streamline reporting procedures and automate processes to redirect staff efforts toward more
advanced, in-depth investigations and improved public awareness programs.
MAYOR
HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS
BOARD (9 MEMBERS)
CIVIL RIGHTS HEARING BOARD
(11 MEMBERS)
HUMAN RESOURCES,
RIGHTS AND
RELATIONS DIRECTOR
ADMINISTRATION
LABOR
RELATIONS
BENEFITS &
SAFETY
June 2014
EMPLOYMENT
City of Omaha Government Guide
COMPENSATION
Page | 7
Stephen Curtiss, Director
(402) 444-5415
1819 Farnam Street, 10th Floor
Omaha, NE 68183
Allen.Herink@ci.omaha.ne.us
Finance Department
Mission Statement
The Finance Department plans, controls, maintains, and reports the receipts, commitments, and disbursements
of all City funds. Finance staff manage the City's debt and property insurance, monitor the Keno contract,
administer the two defined-benefit pension systems, and oversee the operations of the City-owned Convention
Center Hotel. The Department serves as support to the other departments in the areas of budgeting,
accounting, billing, employee timekeeping, payroll, and property control. The Department strives to identify cost
effective improvements throughout all City operations and to maximize revenue collections and investments.
Goals and Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
To provide timely, accurate and useful financial data to the Mayor, City Council and department
managers.
Coordinate the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the annual City budget. The budget itself
should serve as a policy document, as an operations guide, as a financial plan and as a communications
medium.
Maintain a diversified and stable revenue system to protect the City from possible short-term
fluctuations in any of its various revenue source.
To provide City departments timely and accurate service.
Provide effective cash management and timely investment of City funds.
Maintain a AAA general obligation bond rating and an AA revenue bond rating.
Maintain an unqualified opinion on the City's annual audit.
MAYOR
FINANCE DIRECTOR
CITY
COMPTROLLER
ADMINISTRATION
REVENUE
June 2014
BUDGET
ACCOUNTING
City of Omaha Government Guide
PAYROLL
GRANT
ADMINISTRATION
Page | 8
Planning Department
James R. Thele, Director
(402) 444-5150
1819 Farnam Street, Suite 1100
Omaha, NE 68183
James.Thele@ci.omaha.ne.us
Mission Statement
To serve the public and improve their quality of life by preparing and implementing plans and programs which
alleviate blight and deterioration and which guide the orderly growth, development, conservation, rehabilitation
and sustainability of the community. To be responsive to the expressed health, safety, welfare and development
needs of the public through the timely and adequate enforcement and administration of city codes and
ordinances.
Goals and Objectives
Housing and Community Development:
1. Promote dramatically visible concentrated improvement in strategic parts of neighborhoods with the
greatest economic and housing needs.
2. Improve the quality of life through enforcement of the City's Property Maintenance, Nuisance, and
Zoning Ordinances.
3. Assist the creation of jobs for low/moderate income persons in economically distressed areas.
4. Expand affordable housing opportunities through the rehabilitation of housing, the construction of new
housing and the provision of below-market rate financing.
Urban Planning:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Work to implement the goals of new plans listed below:
a. Transportation Element
b. Public Facilities Element
c. Comprehensive Energy Master Plan
Facilitate continuity of the Sustainability Office and related efforts, including an implementation plan
for Environment Omaha.
Upon completion of original planned ACI corridors, amend and add as necessary.
Evaluate and update Chapter 55 to conform to Master Plan updates and other conditions.
Undertake a NCE – streetcar node study in conjunction with the State of Nebraska.
Coordinate with County Health on the community transformation grant to forward transportation plan
goals and refine newly adopted HIA processes.
Work with MAPA on Regional Vision Plan and Transit Alternatives Analysis.
Coordinate with Metro Transit on their vision study.
Facilitate continuity of the Sustainability Office and related efforts, including an implementation plan for
Environment Omaha.
Begin a five year Green Street Implementation Program to develop new standards, collect data and
develop policies related to street trees.
Building and Development:
1.
Expand and improve the Citizen Access online permitting, allowing registered users to apply for, pay for
and print permits from their home (Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical and some building permits).
2. Move forward with online Plan review to facilitate faster review turn around.
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 9
Planning Department
MAYOR
BOARDS
PLANNING DIRECTOR
ADMINISTRATION
DIVISION
URBAN PLANNING
DIVISION
BUILDING &
DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
CURRENT PLANNING
BUILDING PERMITS &
INSPECTIONS
HOUSING & COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
LONG RANGE PLANNING
PLUMBING PERMITS &
INSPECTIONS
URBAN
LANDSCAPE/HISTORICAL
ELECTRICAL PERMITS &
INSPECTIONS
CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT
MECHANICAL PERMITS &
INSPECTIONS
CODE ENFORCEMENT
GIS
HANDYMAN PROGRAM
PLANS REVIEW
CONTRACT
ADMINISTRATION &
COMPLIANCE
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 10
Police Department
Todd Schmaderer, Chief of Police
(402) 444-5667
505 South 15th Street
Omaha, Ne 68102
Todd.Schmaderer@ci.omaha.ne.us
Mission Statement
The Omaha Police Department, in partnership with our community, provides impartial, ethical and professional
law enforcement services and protection. We strive to maintain the trust and confidence of our citizens while
working to improve the quality of life.
Goals and Objectives
1. Reduction of crime and fear of crime.
2. Maximize efficiency.
3. Enhanced customer service.
4. Improved public confidence.
5. Personal and professional growth for employees.
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 11
POLICE DEPARTMENT
MAYOR
UNIFORM
PARTROL
BUREAU
June 2014
CHEIF OF POLICE
INTERNAL
AFFAIRS UNIT
PUBILC
INFORMATION
OFFICE
UNION LIAISON
CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATIONS
BUREAU
POLICE SERVICE
BUREAU
NORTHEAST
PRECINCT
CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATIONS
SECTION
AMINISTRATIVE
INFORMATION
SECTION
NORTHWEST
PRECINCT
SPECIAL
OPERATIONS
SECTION
AIR SUPPORT
UNIT
SOUTHEAST
PRECINCT
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
UNIT
SOUTHWEST
PRECINCT
SUPPORT
SERVICES UNIT
City of Omaha Government Guide
EXECUTIVE
SERVICES
BUREAU
PROFESSIONAL
STANDARDS
SECTION
Page | 12
Bernard Kanger, Interim Fire Chief
(402) 444-5700
1516 Jackson Street
Omaha, Ne 68102
Fire Department
Mission Statement
The mission of the Omaha Fire & Rescue Department is to provide fire, rescue, emergency medical, and support
services to all citizens and visitors in the Omaha metropolitan area so they can live, work and play in "Safe City
USA".
Goals and Objectives
1.
Omaha will become the safest city in America – “Safe City USA®” – for Fire and Rescue protection.
2. The citizens of Omaha will be educated and prepared to increase fire survivability, prevent fires, and
reduce fire loss.
3. Citizens of Omaha will continue to receive pre-hospital emergency medical care at a level above the
national standard.
4. Citizens of Omaha will be served by firefighters who are fully prepared to provide all emergency and
support services.
5. Citizens of Omaha will be served by firefighters who are physically and mentally healthy to provide all
emergency and support services
MAYOR
FIRE CHEIF
FIRE ADMINISTRATION
ASSISTANT CHIEF
FIRE RESPONSE
"A" SHIFT
ASSISTANT CHEIF
FIRE RESPONSE
"B" SHIFT
ASSISTANT CHEIF
FIRE RESPONSE
"C" SHIFT
FIRE INVESTIGATION
EMERGENCY
MEDICAL RESPONSE
SPECIAL
OPERATIONS
RESPONSE
EMERGENCY
RESPONSE TRAINNG
SPECIAL RESPONSE
TRAINING
FIREFIGHTER
SAFETY HEALTH &
WELLNESS
FIRE & LIFE SAFETY
EDUCATION &
PREVETION
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
FIRE TRAINING
FIRE MAINTENANCE,
REPAIR & SUPPLY
FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT
CAPITAL
MANDAGEMENT
FIRE FACILITY &
VEHICLE
MANAGEMENT
June 2014
RECRUITMENT
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 13
Parks, Recreation, and Public
Property Department
Brook Bench, Director
(402) 444-5900
1819 Farnam Street, Suite 701
Omaha, NE 68183
Brook.Bench @ci.omaha.ne.us
Mission Statement
The mission of the Parks, Recreation, and Public Property Department is to provide and maintain a
comprehensive park system, manage public property, and offer recreational opportunities for the citizens and
visitors of the Omaha community to encourage a healthy, positive lifestyle that is essential to the quality of life.
Goals and Objectives
1. The Citizens of Omaha will receive services from the Parks, Recreation, and Public Property Department
that maintain and improve their quality of life.
2. The Citizens of Omaha will receive improved services and programs from the Parks, Recreation, and
Public Property Department through the identification and receipt of other funding sources outside of
the General Fund.
3. The Citizens of Omaha will be more aware of the value and scope of the essential services the
department provides.
4. The Citizens of Omaha will have improved communication, customer service, efficiency, resource
management, and transparency through the implementation of new technology within the Parks,
Recreation, and Public Property Department.
5. The Citizens of Omaha will have increased safety, reduction of facility and equipment downtime, and
long-term savings from the Parks, Recreation, and Public Property Department by maintaining and
systematically replacing outdated and aging equipment and facilities.
6. The Citizens of Omaha will experience increased security of parks, recreation, and public property
facilities and reduced destruction of city property.
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 14
Parks, Recreation & Public Property Department
MAYOR
PARK BOARD
PARKS, RECREATION & PUBLIC
PROPERTY DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY
RECREATION
ENTERPRISE
PROGRAMS
PARKS &
FACILITIES
PUBLIC
AWARENESS
PROGRAMMED
FACILITIES
CITYWIDE SPORTS
PLANNING &
CONSTRUCTION
EXECUTIVE
RESERVATIONS &
RENTALS
MARINAS
FACILITIES &
INRASTRUCTURE
M&R
FINANCIAL
SPECIAL EVENTS
GOLF
EQUIPMENT
MAINTENANCE &
REPAIR
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
TENNIS
GROUNDS
MAINTENANCE &
REPAIRS
EMPLOYMENT &
BENEFITS
LEWIS & CLARK
LANDING
FORESTRY
SECURITY
ADMINISTRATION
OPEN USE &
CULTURAL
RESOURCES
WEEDS, LITTER &
TRESS
SPORTS TURF
MAINTENANCE
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 15
Convention and Tourism
Department
Dana Markel, Director
(402) 341-1500
Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau
1001 Farnam Street
Omaha, Ne 68102
DMarkel@visitomaha.com
Mission Statement
The mission of the OCVB is to provide promotion, services, and destination sales and development for the City of
Omaha to increase the number of conventions and visitors, which results in increased revenues and economic
growth.
Goals and Objectives
Convention Sales
1. Confirm 85,000 convention/event hotel room nights for the Douglas County area.
2. Prospect for new convention business and develop working relationships with national meeting
planners.
3. Participate in national meeting planner trade shows representing Omaha as a desirable convention
destination.
Conduct sales trips to cities which represent a concentration of national meeting/event planners.
Marketing
1. Position the Omaha area as an exciting and desirable destination for the convention and leisure traveler.
2. Coordinate, design and market collateral materials for PR/Sales/Services to provide a consistent
message.
3. Publish Visitors’ Guide, brochures, media kit and general news releases.
4. Provide marketing assistance to event/convention organizers.
5. Track new articles/media on Omaha to monitor Omaha’s image as a leisure and convention destination.
Visitor/Convention Services
1. Extend a hospitable welcome to individuals who visit Omaha.
2. Provide tourism information to visitors and encourage extended stays and return visits.
3. Assist convention/event planners with city logistics and delegate services to ensure a successful
convention.
4. Promote and educate visitors about Omaha through retail merchandise and resources.
Technology
1. Improve sales and operational efficiency.
2. Monitor and administer all web based resources.
3. Provide service to all tourism partners who utilize the CVB web site as a revenue resource.
4. Maintain a current awareness of tourism technology trends.
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 16
Convention and Tourism Department
FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT
MAYOR
AMBASSADOR
ADMINISTRATION
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
OCVB DIRECTOR
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION
DESTINATION SALES
& SERVICES
PROMOTION &
ADVERTISING
PARTNER
RELATIONS
VISITOR SERVICES
DESTINATION SALES
& DEVELOPMENT
VISITOR
INFORMATION
MEETING & EVENT
SERVICES
RETAIL SERVICES
RESEARCH
MANAGEMENT
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 17
Public Works Department
Robert G. Stubbe, Director
(402) 444-5220
1819 Farnam Street, Suite 600
Omaha, NE 68183
Robert.Stubbe@ci.omaha.ne.us
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Omaha Public Works Department to maintain and enhance the City's quality of life, and
through innovation, teamwork and vision, provide dependable transportation and environmental services,
consistent with community values at reasonable costs.
Goals and Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Maintain the City roadway system in the best possible condition by using appropriate strategies of
pavement, repair, resurfacing and rehabilitation.
Prepare and react effectively for snow conditions or other emergencies that may confront Omaha.
Manage all City capital projects providing design and project management services that monitor quality,
time lines and costs appropriate to the task.
Provide timely and responsive waste collection and recycling services.
Maintain and operate the wastewater collection system and treatment plants at the highest level of
operational potential.
Provide fleet management services that allow City departments to complete their respective
assignments.
Oversee the design, construction and maintenance of City-owned facilities that provide benefit to the
citizens of Omaha.
Manage our financial and physical resources in a responsible manner and develop fiscal strategies
appropriate for future City needs.
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 18
MAYOR
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TRANSPORTAION
SERVICES
CONSTRUCTION
TRAFFIC
ENGINEERING
DESIGN
STREET
MAINTENANCE
ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES
PAPILLION
SEWER
CREEK
MAINTENANCE
WASTEWATER
TREATMENT
MISSOURI RIVER
WASTEWATER
TREATMENT
ENVIROMENTAL
QUALITY CONTROL
HOUSEHOLD
HAZARDOUS WASTE
FACILITY
AIR QUALITY
FACILITIES
MANAGEMENT
FLEET
MANAGEMENT
SOLID WASTE
GENERAL
SERVICES
FLOOD CONTROL
& WATER
QUALITY
PARKING
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 19
Library Department
Gary Wasdin, Director
(402) 444-4800
215 S. 15th Street
Omaha, Ne 68102
gwasdin@omahalibrary.org
Mission Statement
Omaha Public Library strengthens our communities by connecting people with ideas, information, and
innovative services.
In 1872, after several attempts at establishing a public library, one opened in the Simpson Carriage Factory at
14th and Dodge to support lifelong learning, literacy, and public space and to encourage our citizens to learn,
think, debate, and grow. That vision continues today.
Omaha is a vital and vibrant City, with Omaha Public Library as an essential catalyst, collaborator, and connector.
• Omaha Public Library is a nexus organization, working in collaboration with organizations throughout the area
to build a better Omaha.
• The Library will strategically align its services and resources to target the most critical issues facing the growth
of our City, including the socioeconomic divide, community and civic engagement, inclusiveness, and leadership
development.
• Omaha Public Library will expand its reach to have a greater impact on the lives of more people in our service
area.
• We will design and deliver customized and personalized experiences, content and services tailored at each
branch, through the virtual library, and in our communities.
• Omaha Public Library will ensure that each resident has access to the very best library buildings, with
innovative and flexible spaces that meet changing community needs.
• We will ensure that Omaha Public Library has stable and secure funding through both public and private
support to ensure the ability to serve our growing population.
Goals and Objectives
• Strengthen community partnerships with local businesses, cultural institutions, schools, and professional
groups to ensure a vibrant and functioning network of resources and services.
• Build new programs, services, and resources for Job Seekers that provide ongoing support and training for
individuals seeking employment.
• Promote and deliver a robust schedule of after-school and summer programs for teens that provide
alternatives to At-Risk Youth.
• Identify and implement new programs, services, and resources for early childhood literacy development.
• Create new opportunities to engage the Omaha Community with the Library’s Virtual Branch Services, through
the website, social networking tools, and mobile devices.
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 20
Library Department
MAYOR
LIBRARY BOARD
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
ADMINISTER
AND MANAGE
LIBRARIES AND
SERVICES
June 2014
COMMUNITY
BRANCHES
PARTNERSHIPS
AND
OUTREACH
PROGRAMS
AND LIFELONG
LEARNING
City of Omaha Government Guide
LIBRARY
COLLECTIONS
AND
MATERIALS
LIBRARY
TECHNOLOGY
Page | 21
Approval Procedures
City Council:
Legislation
4-person Council majority
required for a measure to pass
Yes; Measure
Approved
Passed to Mayor
for Approval
Vetoed; 5-person Council
majority required to override
the Veto or the measure fails
Public Meetings - The City Council is unique in that they are essentially the last step in the approval process and
they meet in the Legislative Chambers (Auditorium) so that the public can speak on issues before the City
Council votes. Only items that are contained on the weekly agenda are brought up for public discussion. There
are typically two types of measures brought before the council – Ordinances and Resolutions:

Ordinances
1st Reading - Public
Notification
2nd Reading – Public
Hearing
3rd Reading - City
Council Vote
Although these readings tend to be consecutive in order, this is not always the case. You should contact
the City Clerk to verify second reading dates for public testimony.

Resolution – A Resolution appears on the agenda once and the public hearing is held during this first
reading.

Consent Agenda – Many Ordinances and/or Resolutions are combined together on what is known as a
consent agenda. There is only one vote taken on a consent agenda. Unless a Councilmember requests a
particular item to be removed from this group, all measures will be voted on at the same time. Likewise,
the public hearing for all items is held at the same time. The consent agenda is usually reserved for
routine business.
Public Meetings are held every Tuesdays* at 2:00 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers
*Visit City Council website for exceptions at www.ci.omaha.ne.us/citycouncil
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 22
See below for general procedures related to some popular neighborhood events. Please contact respective
departments for detailed information.
Festivals/ Carnivals:
Contact the Planning Department at 444-5205 to verify if a
Temporary Use Permit is required for the event.
Obtain a permit from Douglas County Health Department to offer
food and beverages at the festival. Contact 444-7471.
Obtain a written permission letter from the property owner
granting use of the space.
State sales tax ID is required for all vendors participating in the
festival. Contact Department of Revenue at 471-5729 for further
information.
Contact Permits Department at 444-5360 for Peddler’s Permit
with the documents mentioned above.
Parade:
Prepare a diagram describing the plans for the event including:
streets to be closed, booths, seating, stages and/or
entertainment, food service locations, emergency services and
fire hydrants, portable restroom facilities, trash containers and
dumpsters.
Contact and create a list of all residents and/or businesses whose
property abuts the street to be closed. *
Contact Mike Gaughen of Public Works at 444-4653 to apply for
a permit to close a street, sidewalk, alley, or city right-of-way.
After the request is approved, Mike will contact the police, fire
and other necessary departments for the event.
Contact barricades specialist for the event. The barricades must
comply with the City of Omaha Barricading Standards,
Specifications, Methods and Materials manual.
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 23
* A copy of occupants contacted along the street closing route shall be provided to the City of Omaha, Public Works Department, at least
five days prior to start of the event.
Block Party:
Submit a written request to Omaha Public Works Department. *
Contact barricades specialist for the event. The barricades must
comply with the City of Omaha Barricading Standards,
Specifications, Methods and Materials manual.
Methods, and Materials manual.
Assume responsibility for the notification of all of the abutting
property owners/tenants. Objection from any resident or
business operator in the affected area will hold the permit until
the objection is resolved.
* Applicant must be at least 18 years of age and reside in the block where the street is to be closed. Contact the Public Works
Department at:
Omaha Public Works Department
Traffic Engineering Division
1819 Farnam Street, Suite 600
Omaha, Nebraska 68183
Park Events:
- To reserve a picnic shelter (Lake Zorinsky, Elmwood Park, Mandan Park) contact 402-444-6733.
- To schedule a wedding or to rent a park pavilion, call 402-444-5920.
- To reserve the Riverfront area (Lewis & Clark Landing, Miller’s Landing, Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America
Park) call 402-444-4653.
- For any open space permit (which allows utilizing an open area of the park) call 402-444-4653.
Neighborhood Clean-Ups: Contact Keep Omaha Beautiful at 444-7774 to organize a clean-up event.
June 2014
City of Omaha Government Guide
Page | 24
Planning:
See below for a general outline of the approval procedures for several Planning related requests. Please contact
the Planning department for detailed information at:
Omaha/Douglas Civic Center
Current Planning Division
1819 Farnam Street, Suite 1110
Omaha, Nebraska 68183
(402) 444-3426
*City Planning Department must be contacted in order to schedule a pre-application discussion with a planner
for all of the following requests.
1. Subdivision: Subdivision approval is required to divide any parcel of land into two (2) or more lots. The
division of land may facilitate multi use of the land if necessary which needs to be approved by the
Planning Board and the City Council.
*Submit Sketch Plan at the pre-application conference
Pre-Application review letter sent to the applicant with
findings
Prepare and submit Preliminary Plan to the current
planning manager
Planning Board and City Council Action Required
Once Preliminary Plan is approved, prepare a Final
Plan and submit to the planning manager
Planning Board action
City Council hearing
Submit Engineering drawings and financing
commitments to the City Engineer
Once signed by the City Engineer, record the final plan
with Douglas County Register of Deeds within 30 days
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2. Special Use Permit: Plans requiring Special Use approval are specifically listed in the Zoning Code by
zoning district. Special Use types can include but are not limited to; daycares, social clubs, and auto sales
(new and used). Special Use permits require a recommendation vote by the Planning Board and final
action is by the City Council. Selected uses because of size, location, site development or operating
characteristics require special consideration and are subject to review by the Planning Board and
discretionary approval by the City Council.
*Following the pre-application discussion, Prepare and
submit a complete application to the current Planning
Manger
Planning Board hearing to facilitate public comments
City Council action
Once the permit is approved the applicant may apply
for building permit
3. Conditional Use Permit: Plans requiring Conditional Use approval are specifically listed in the Zoning
Code by zoning district. Conditional Use permits do not have any action at the City Council and are
approved or denied at the Planning Board. Selected uses which have location, site development or
operating characteristics that require special consideration are subject to review and discretionary
approval by the Planning Board.
*Submit a site plan application for initial review and
Planning Department’s advice
Submit revised plan to the Planning Manager and once
approved the plan will be placed on the Planning Board
agenda
Planning Board hearing to facilitate public comments
Once approved by the Planning Board, the applicant
may apply for building permit
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4. Rezoning: A rezoning (zoning map amendment) may be requested when a proposed use is not allowed
with the current zoning classification on the property. An applicant should be aware that established
zoning is considered to be correct and appropriate unless the applicant can sufficiently justify why the
rezoning should be approved. For instance, rezoning from a Residential zoning district to a Commercial
zoning district would require a rezoning permit.
*Submit complete application along with other required
documents to the Planning Manager
Department will prepare and transmit a recommendation
report to the applicant
Planning Board hearing to facilitate public comments
The applicant will receive a letter advising of the action of
the Planning Board and a recommendation will be
forwarded to the City Council.
City Council hearing
Once the request is approved the rezoning is established
on the effective date of the ordinance
Compiled by Asha Adhikari
May 2012
Revised 6-5-2014 CR
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