Agriculture Land Use, Zoning and Ordinance Specialist

This position is responsible for providing information and education related to local implementation and regulation of land use. This position works with local governments to support their efforts regarding farmland preservation planning, zoning and livestock facility siting. Duties for this position include the implementation and interpretation of law and policy, the collection and application of data, dissection of technical standards and outreach.

Wisconsin's Farmland Preservation Program helps farmers and local governments preserve farmland, protect soil and water and minimize land use conflicts. Through participation in the program:

• Counties develop farmland preservation plans

• Local governments can develop farmland preservation zoning districts

• Landowners and local governments together form Agricultural Enterprise Areas

• Landowners meet soil and water conservation standards to become eligible to claim an income tax credit

The goal of Wisconsin’s Livestock Facility Siting Program is to provide uniform local regulation of livestock facility siting and expansions. Under Wisconsin’s Livestock Facility Siting Law, local governments do not have to require permits for new or expanding livestock operations. However, if they choose to require conditional use or other permits for such operations, the livestock siting law sets standards and procedures they must use.