Welcome to Catawba Island Township
Founded in 1861, Catawba Island Township is home to more than 3,711 people, but many more visit each year. Miles of beautiful shorelines, great fishing, nature preserves and state parks make Catawba Island a summertime paradise for many in Ohio’s North Coast region and beyond.
TOWNSHIP NEWS
Christmas Tree pick up
Starting January 5th, the maintenance department will be picking up Christmas trees. Please bring them to the curb.
Public Hearing Notice
The Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing concerning a proposed zoning text amendment to the Catawba Island Zoning Resolution, adopted 1965. The hearing will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 in the Catawba Island Administration Building at 4822 E. Cemetery Road, Port Clinton, Ohio. The text amendment defines “fence”, modifies Swimming Pool Requirements-Private for Zoning Districts “A”, “R-A”, “R-1”, “R-3”, “R-4”, “R-6”, “C-1”, “C-2”, “C-3”, “C-4”, and “C-5” and Updates the Amend Effect and Referendum to reflect the Ohio Revised Code. The text amendments were initiated by the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission. The proposed text amendments may be viewed at the Catawba Island Administration Building, Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. or at the office of the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission, 315 Madison Street – Room 107, Port Clinton, Ohio from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Mondays through Fridays, except holidays. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the proposed text amendments will be submitted to the Catawba Island Township Trustees for their consideration.
Catawba Island Compost Area Update
As of July 1st, the mulch pickup at the compost area is now by appointment only. Please call the Admin Office at 419-797-4131 Mon-Thurs 9am – 4pm and Fri 9am – 1pm. You may also call the maintenance department at 419-797-2460. You may leave a message if no one is available. The use of this facility is for Catawba residents only please.
Trustees Ban Fireworks in Catawba Island
Township Trustees met in a Special Meeting on July 1, 2022, to discuss House Bill 172 and voted to pass a Resolution banning the discharge, ignition and/or explosion of 1.4G fireworks in Catawba Island Township. The decision was made in an effort to ensure the health and safety of residents, visitors, residential property, businesses, woodlands, and agricultural property. The decision was encouraged and supported by township police and fire departments.
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HELPFUL LINKS
TOWNSHIP INFORMATION
What is a Township?: The Township form of government is the oldest form of government in the United States. Township government in Ohio predates our State government. The Pilgrim Fathers brought the Township form of government to America in 1620. Today, 22 states have the township form of local government.
In 1804, the elected officials of a township consisted of three trustees, a clerk, overseers of the poor, supervisors of highways, and justices of the peace. Registering brands for livestock was one of the duties of the early Trustees.
Townships have only those powers granted to them by the state legislature and set forth on the Ohio Revised Code. As a result, townships cannot pass their own laws. Township powers are different from those of villages and cities, which are incorporated.
Today, Township Trustees and Fiscal Officers are faced with many different challenges, but the Township form of government still remains efficient because of its small size and responsiveness, because it offers more personal service and more attention to individual needs.