Planning
Planning provides assistance with land division, farmland preservation, safe routes to school, and Comprehensive Planning. The Planner is responsible for the development of the county’s land-use plans. There is a housing function in the department, which helps qualified applicants secure home buyer financing.
Zoning
The zoning part of the office is responsible for administering the various land use codes. Assistance is given with zoning (e.g. building permits), floodplain zoning, sanitation issues, some road access matters, wetland regulation, mining reclamation, wind energy standards, and limiting building height in communication paths (Fresnel zone management).
Land Information
The land information section administers the development and maintenance of the county-wide geographic information system (GIS) for use by the county departments, local municipalities, utilities, the private sector, and the general public. Other programs maintained by the Land Information Program includes rural house numbering, parcel mapping, and E911 data.
Residents and Businesses: