Q. When is a Zoning Permit needed?
A Zoning Permit is required for all structures with the exception of a basic deck, above ground pool. This applies to the rural area only. If you are building within city limits, you should contact your city hall. The fee for a Zoning Permit is $50 minimum, or $1 per thousand for all projects over $50,000 ($162,000 = $162).

Q. What is the minimum requirement to build in the Ag District?

1. A minimum of three acres is required (with the exception of Canisteo Township; their requirement is higher).
2. The new home can not be located within 1000 feet of a registered feedlot of 30 animal units or more.
3. Only one non-farm dwelling is allowed per 1/4 section. Non-farm dwellings are tracked as of May 1995 when the ordinance was adopted.
4. No building can be located in the flood area.
5. A Conditional Use Permit must be approved which requires a public hearing.

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Q. What is a non-farm dwelling?
A non-farm dwelling is a home built on land that is not involved in farming regardless of the number of acres.

Q. What is a farm dwelling?
A farm dwelling is a dwelling located on land involved in farming.

Q. What is a feedlot?
A feedlot has ten animal units or more, and is an area where animals are confined and vegetation does not grow under their feet. An animal unit is determined by the amount of waste produced. (See section 8 of the ordinance for the animal unit chart).

Q. If I build in the Ag District can a feedlot be located next to me?
Yes. A new feedlot of 30 animal units or more may be located within 1000' of a non-farm dwelling. Dodge County is a primarily an agricultural county and the Zoning Ordinance is written to preserve and protect the Ag District. Dodge County allows feedlots up to 3000 animal units. You should also be aware that a field near your property may be (or may become) a part of another farmers manure management plan, which would mean manure may be spread on those fields.

Non-farm dwellings are discouraged from building in the Ag District and encouraged to build in a city, rural subdivision or the Urban Expansion District.

Q. If I want to apply for a Conditional Use Permit what is the process?

1. Complete the "Request for a Public Hearing" form. Review and prepare the information required to be submitted with the application.
2. Turn in the completed application with the supporting documentation required.
3. A report will be prepared and sent to the township. You will also be sent a copy at the same time. The township's comments will be taken into consideration. You are encouraged to attend their meeting when they discuss your request so you can answer questions they may have.
4. You, or someone on your behalf, should attend the public hearing at the Planning Commission meeting and be prepared to answer questions regarding the request.
5. The Planning Commission's recommendation is forwarded to the Commissioners for final approval. The County Board meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.
6. If approved, you must obtain a Zoning Permit prior to beginning construction. The Conditional Use Permit will expire if the Zoning Permit is not obtained within one year.
7. Once the Zoning Permit is approved, you must begin (not complete) construction within one year or the Zoning Permit will expire. Before a Zoning Permit is issued, a Septic Permit is required.
8. If a new address is needed, you can apply at the Dodge County Highway Dept.

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Q. What if there is already a house on my property and we want to replace it?
An existing home can be replaced by getting a Zoning Permit. If the existing home has been removed before the Zoning Permit is issued, you will be required to start with the Conditional Use Permitting process.

Q. Can I put a second dwelling on my property?
A second (farm) dwelling can be put on the property if the dwelling is for an occupant directly related to the farming practice. A "temporary" second (non-farm) dwelling can be put on the property in certain hardship cases, which would be for the purpose of taking care of an elderly parent, or handicapped child etc.

A sunset clause is included as one of the conditions of a temporary second dwelling. Once the dwelling is no longer used for the intended occupant it will need to be removed. Both types of request require a public hearing.

Q. Can I split my home or farmstead from the rest of the property?
You may split your home or farmstead from your acreage but you must keep a minimum of three acres (Canisteo Township has stricter requirements).

The new side and rear property lines created must be 25' from any existing structure or tree line. It is important to understand that the remaining land is not an approved building site unless the proper permitting is approved, or if the bare parcel is 53 acres or more. If a farm dwelling is split from the acreage, it may change from a farm status to a non-farm status, which will count towards the density limit of one non-farm dwelling per quarter section. (If the split changes the status to non-farm, no additional non-farm dwellings would be permitted in that quarter.)

The County Assessor's office (507-635-6245) should also be contacted for splits of existing dwellings. Please contact the Planning Office if you have further questions.

Q. What are the fees?

• The public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit is $500. Fees are non-refundable once the notice is sent to the paper. If the application is withdrawn prior to being sent to the paper, then there is a $50 fee.
• The Zoning Permit is $1 per thousand with a minimum $50 fee, (a $195,000 home would be $195).
• *Check with Environmental Quality on septic permit fees.
• The fee for a new rural address is $100 and includes the sign, post, and installation.
• *Check with your township to see if they have any fees.
• *Check with the Highway Dept. for information on driveway permits if your driveway fronts onto a county road. If your driveway fronts onto a township road check with your Township.
  

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