During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of the Schei Committee.

Originally, the name was spelled Otterøen until the early 20th century when it changed to Otterøy.

At the time of the municipal dissolution, it was part of the Fosnes prestegjeld and the Ytre Namdal prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Nidaros.

[1] The municipality was located along the Namsenfjorden on the mainland and on the islands of Otterøya, Hoddøya, and Elvalandet.

Here is a list of people who held this position:[12][13][14] The municipal council (Herredsstyre) of Otterøy was made up of 13 representatives that were elected to four year terms.

The tables below show the historical composition of the council by political party.