To balance individual property rights with the health, safety and welfare of the public by instituting appropriate land use and growth management controls and by carrying out comprehensive planning efforts to provide the most efficient delivery of public services.
The La Crosse County Farmland Preservation Plan provides a balance between agriculture and residential uses in rural areas of La Crosse County. The Farmland Preservation Program is a discretionary decision that provides farmers with eligibility for tax credits. The county is required to maintain an up-to-date plan so that farmers in La Crosse County can maintain their eligibility for tax credits under the Farmland Preservation Program. The Farmland Preservation Program is a part of the Chapter 17, Zoning Code Ordinance.
Under this program, the Planning Division provides research assistance on planning issues of concern to local jurisdictions, and serves as a clearinghouse for information on most planning related matters including land use, economic development, housing, conservation and preservation of natural resources, outdoor recreation, transportation and demographics. Assistance provided has included compiling information, analyzing information, and offering recommendations, assisting jurisdictions with planning procedures, and preparing land use plans.
To assist and advise individuals, businesses, professionals and governmental entities by uniformly administering the zoning, floodplain, shoreland, public works, non-metallic mining, and mobile tower ordinances.
The Zoning Department issues several types of permits for a variety of land use activities. Please refer to the FAQs to learn more about permit types, and when permitting is necessary. Additionally, the Zoning Department supports the Board of Adjustment by facilitating public hearings required for variances, and supports the Planning, Resources and Development Committee by facilitating public hearings required for Conditional Use Permits, Zoning Amendments, and Shoreland Special Exception Permits.
Have questions? Read through our Zoning frequently asked questions for answers.
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