Planning, Zoning and Land Information is responsible for the administration of the planning program, which includes land use management and the enforcement of its associated ordinances.

Planning: The county planner provides assistance with subdivision development, farmland preservation initiatives, historic preservation, planning safe routes to school and other trail planning, erosion and storm water control education, and is responsible for the development of the county’s land use related plans. The economic development part of the planning function provides business assistance and promotes recreation and tourism in the county. There is a housing function in the department which helps qualified applicants secure home buyer financing. Lastly, the planning program also helps educate the public on the control of invasive species.

Zoning: The zoning part of the office is responsible for administering the various land use related codes. Assistance is given with zoning (i.e. building permits), floodplain zoning, sanitation issues, well abandonment and some private well testing, creating new lots, some road access matters, wetland regulation, mining reclamation, erosion control and storm water management, wind energy standards, and limiting building height in communication paths (Fresnel zone management).

Land Information: 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 Department includes rural house numbering, parcel mapping and E911 data.

Staff

• Julie Heuvelman, Director of Planning, Zoning and Land Information
• Andy Hess, GIS Administrator
• Ted Rohloff, Assistant Code Administrator
• Brian Giebel, Assistant Code Administrator
• Kathryn Fabian, Code Technician
• Dena Mleziva, County Planner
• Kelly Nieforth, Economic Development Specialist
• Diane Schauer, Invasive Species Coordinator
• Rose Faust, Secretary