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1. What is my property zoned and what are the building setbacks?

ScottGIS Mapping Application and Property Information Mapping Application allow users to search for zoning information by owner name, property address, or Parcel Identification Number (PIN).

Setbacks are listed under District Performance Standards within each Zoning District in County Zoning Ordinance No. 3. Additional setbacks may apply from wetlands, bluffs, lakes, streams, and other natural features.

Learn more on the

Geographic Information Systems page.

2. Do I have the ability to further subdivide my property and if so how can this be done?

The ability to further subdivide property is based upon the density for development listed in each zoning district’s performance standards. Additional factors may place additional limits upon how many parcels can be created during the development process. The subdivision of any parcel that results in a parcel being created under 40 acres in size requires that parcel to be platted. The process for land subdivision is available for Land Development Process site.

3. My lot size is below the minimum allowed by the zoning district performance standards, can I a) build a home on the property or b) increase the size of the existing home?

Any property that was created and legally existed prior to the applicable dates in each zoning district shall be considered a legal non-conforming lot of record and considered buildable subject to the applicable setbacks and district performance standards. Lots created after the dates listed are considered non-conforming lots.

A structure that does not meet certain district performance standards, such as setbacks, can be increased in size up to 50% of the total square footage provided such expansion does not conflict with performance standards or further decrease the distance between the structure and applicable property line or ordinary high water level.

4. I own a small business; can I locate and operate the business on my property if it is in a residential zoning district?

Each zoning district lists uses that are either permitted uses, permitted accessory uses, conditional uses, or interim uses within that zoning district. Generally, commercial and industrial businesses should be located in the areas zoned for these more land intensive uses, and where they do not create conflict with neighboring residential properties. However, the Zoning Ordinance does provide avenues for county residents to operate small businesses out of their home or from an accessory building on the property. Chapter 8 of Zoning Ordinance No. 3 provides information and regulations for Home Occupations (Certificate of Compliance) and Home-Extended Businesses (Conditional or Interim Use Permit), which is available online.

5. What size accessory building am I allowed to put up and what are the setbacks?

Accessory building size is limited by the gross acreage of the property in question and is a total of all detached accessory buildings located on the property; attached garages are not considered accessory. A chart showing allowable accessory square footage and maximum building height is provided in the performance standards of each zoning district. Generally, accessory buildings must meet the required principle building setbacks unless otherwise indicated. Read our

Accessory Building Fact Sheet (PDF).

6. How many animals can I have on my property?

Chapter 9 of the Zoning Ordinance No. 3 provides standards for the number of animals a property owner can keep on his/her property. Raising of animals or livestock on a property requires that the parcel meet or exceed the minimum acreage required by the respective zoning district. Animals are measured by animal units, a factor that takes into account the size and weight of each animal, as defined by the table in Chapter 9. The number of animals allowed is one animal unit for the first two productive acres, and subsequently one animal unit per each additional productive acre. Productive acres are defined as acre of land on which crop tilling or pasturing can occur, and excludes areas where buildings, septic locations, lakes, wetlands, streams, woodlands, and other amenities exist. Additional information about productive acres and animal units can be obtained from the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Additional information is available through our Animal Unit Fact Sheet (PDF).